The battery in an AirTag lasts about a year, then you pop out the back and swap in a new CR2032 coin cell battery — the same kind used in watches and calculators.
Apple AirTags use a standard CR2032 battery, which costs between $3 and $8 for a pack of several. You do not need tools, glue, or anything from Apple. The whole job takes less than five minutes and you can do it at your kitchen table.
When your AirTag stops finding your keys or wallet, the battery is almost always the reason. The AirTag will also send you a notification on your iPhone when the battery is running low — usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to grab a replacement battery before the tracker stops working.
Key Takeaways
- AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, the same type used in watches, and cost a few dollars for a multi-pack at any pharmacy or electronics store.
- Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, giving you weeks to replace it before the AirTag stops working.
- The back of the AirTag twists off by hand — no tools needed — and the battery slides out and back in without any adhesive or special steps.
- A fresh CR2032 battery lasts roughly one year of normal use before you need to replace it again.
Where to buy CR2032 batteries
CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere: pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, grocery stores, hardware stores like Home Depot, and online through Amazon or Best Buy. A pack of two to four batteries usually costs $4 to $8. Buy a multi-pack even if you only have one AirTag now — you will use them in other devices, and they last for years in storage.
Do not buy the cheapest option you see. Batteries from known brands like Energizer, Duracell, or Panasonic are more reliable than no-name packs. The price difference is small and the battery will last longer in your AirTag.
How to open the AirTag and remove the old battery
Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up and the stainless steel back facing down. Press your thumb on the steel back and twist it counterclockwise — the same direction you would turn to open a jar. You will feel it loosen after a half turn or so. Keep twisting until the steel back comes free in your hand.
Inside you will see the battery sitting in a small metal holder. The battery has a clear plastic tab sticking out from the edge. Grab that tab and pull the battery straight out toward you. It will slide out easily. If there is no tab visible, use your fingernail or a plastic spoon handle to gently pry the edge of the battery up until you can grip it.
Installing the new battery
Take your new CR2032 battery and look at the two sides. One side is flat and stamped with numbers and symbols — that is the negative side. The other side is smooth and shiny — that is the positive side. The positive side should face up when you install it.
Slide the new battery into the metal holder with the positive side facing up. It will click into place and sit flat. You do not need to force it. If the battery does not sit flush, flip it over — you likely had the side facing the wrong direction.
Closing the AirTag
Place the steel back on top of the AirTag, lining up the edges. Press down gently and twist clockwise until you feel it catch and tighten. You do not need to crank it hard — just twist until it stops naturally. The back should sit flush with the plastic body with no gaps.
Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone within a few seconds. Open the Find My app and tap the AirTag to confirm it is working. You should see the battery level at 100 percent. If the AirTag does not show up in Find My, try restarting your iPhone or moving closer to the AirTag, then check again.
Signs your AirTag battery is dying
Your iPhone will send you a notification that says "AirTag Battery Low" when the battery has a few weeks of life left. This is the clearest sign. If you ignore the notification, the AirTag will eventually stop responding to Find My requests and will not play a sound when you ask Siri to find it.
If your AirTag suddenly stops working and you never got a low battery warning, the battery may have failed early — this is rare but happens. Try replacing it anyway before assuming something else is wrong. If a brand new battery does not bring the AirTag back to life, the device itself may be damaged and you would need to contact Apple.
How long a CR2032 battery lasts
A CR2032 in an AirTag typically lasts around one year with normal use. "Normal use" means the AirTag is in your bag or on your keys and you check its location a few times a week. If you check your AirTag constantly or use it to play sounds multiple times a day, the battery may drain faster — possibly in eight to ten months.
The battery life also depends on the brand and how the AirTag is stored. Batteries last longer when kept at room temperature and away from extreme heat or cold. If you store an AirTag in a hot car or a freezing garage, the battery will drain faster than if it sits in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of battery in my AirTag?
No. AirTags are designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin cell sizes like CR2025 or CR2016 will not fit properly or work correctly. Stick with CR2032 and you will have no problems.
What do I do with the old battery?
Take it to a battery recycling program. Many pharmacies, electronics stores, and municipal waste facilities accept used batteries for free. Do not throw it in the trash — batteries contain materials that should be recycled. Search "battery recycling near me" to find a drop-off location.
Will replacing the battery void my AirTag warranty?
No. Replacing the battery yourself is a normal part of owning an AirTag and does not affect your warranty. Apple expects users to change the battery. If something else breaks, your warranty still covers it.
My AirTag is not responding after I put in a new battery. What went wrong?
First, check that the battery is installed with the positive side facing up. Open the AirTag again and flip the battery if needed. If that does not work, try restarting your iPhone. If the AirTag still does not show up in Find My after ten minutes, the device itself may have a problem and you should contact Apple.
How do I know which side of the battery is positive?
The positive side is the smooth, shiny side. The negative side is flat and has numbers and symbols printed on it. When you install the battery, the smooth shiny side should face up toward the white plastic part of the AirTag.