The battery in an AirTag lasts about a year, and you replace it yourself by twisting off the back and swapping in a new CR2032 coin cell battery

AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for a few dollars. The whole process takes under a minute: twist the stainless steel back plate counterclockwise until it comes loose, lift out the old battery, drop in a new one with the positive side facing up, and twist the back on again until you hear a click.

You do not need any tools, and the battery replacement does not erase your AirTag or disconnect it from your Apple ID. When the battery gets low, your iPhone will send you a notification saying the battery needs replacement — that is your signal to grab a fresh CR2032.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries, which are inexpensive and widely available at drugstores and online.
  • You twist the back plate counterclockwise by hand — no tools needed — and the battery swap takes less than a minute.
  • The positive side of the new battery must face up when you insert it, or the AirTag will not work.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low, so you know when to replace it.
  • Replacing the battery does not reset your AirTag or disconnect it from your account.

What battery type your AirTag needs

Every AirTag uses a CR2032 lithium coin cell battery. This is a standard battery size used in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and other small electronics. You can find CR2032 batteries at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and most other retailers that sell batteries. A single battery usually costs between $3 and $8, and a pack of multiple batteries costs less per unit.

Do not buy rechargeable CR2032 batteries or third-party knockoffs. Apple recommends using standard alkaline CR2032 batteries from established brands like Energizer, Duracell, or Panasonic. Rechargeable versions may not provide consistent power, and counterfeit batteries can damage your AirTag or fail unexpectedly.

Step-by-step: removing the old battery

Hold your AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back plate facing up. Use your other hand to grip the back plate and twist it counterclockwise — the same direction you would turn to loosen a jar lid. You do not need to twist hard; a gentle, steady rotation will do it. After a quarter turn or so, the back plate will come loose enough to lift off by hand.

Once the back is off, you will see the old CR2032 battery sitting in a small circular slot. Lift it straight out. If it is stuck, you can gently pry it with your fingernail or a plastic spoon, but it usually comes out easily. Set the old battery aside — you can recycle it at most drugstores or electronics retailers.

Installing the new battery

Before you insert the new battery, check that the positive side (marked with a + symbol) is facing up toward you. Drop the battery into the slot — it will sit flat against the bottom. The battery should fit snugly without forcing it. If it feels loose or does not sit flat, remove it and check that you have the right battery type and that the slot is clean.

Once the battery is in place, pick up the back plate and align it with the opening. Twist it clockwise (the opposite direction from when you removed it) until you hear or feel a click. That click means the back plate is seated correctly and the battery connection is complete. Your AirTag is now ready to use — no restart or setup needed.

When to replace the battery

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to buy a replacement battery without the AirTag going offline. If you ignore the notification and the battery dies, the AirTag will stop working until you replace it, but it will not lose its connection to your account — just swap in a new battery and it will resume working immediately.

In normal use, a CR2032 battery lasts about one year. If you use your AirTag very frequently — checking its location multiple times a day or using it with Find My Network constantly — the battery may drain faster. If you rarely use it, it may last longer than a year.

Troubleshooting a battery that does not work

If you installed a new battery and your AirTag still does not work, first remove the back plate and check that the battery is sitting flat in the slot and that the positive side is facing up. Sometimes a battery can shift slightly during installation. Remove it, clean the slot with a dry cloth to remove any dust or debris, and reinstall it.

If the battery is seated correctly and the AirTag still does not respond, try a different new battery. Occasionally a battery from the package is defective, or you may have accidentally grabbed an old battery by mistake. If a second battery also does not work, your AirTag itself may have a hardware problem, and you should contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries have a lower voltage than standard alkaline ones and may not power your AirTag reliably. Apple recommends standard alkaline CR2032 batteries. Stick with Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, or other established brands.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

If the negative side faces up, the AirTag will not work. You will not damage the AirTag, but it will not power on. Simply remove the back plate, flip the battery so the positive side faces up, and reinstall it.

Do I need to reset my AirTag after changing the battery?

No. Replacing the battery does not reset your AirTag or disconnect it from your Apple ID. It will resume working immediately and will still be linked to your account and any shared access you set up.

Where can I recycle the old battery?

Most CVS, Walgreens, Best Buy, and Lowe's locations have battery recycling programs. You can also check Earth911.com or call your local waste management facility to find a recycling center near you.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A standard CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. Heavy use — checking the location multiple times daily — may shorten this. Light use may extend it beyond a year.