AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin battery that you can replace yourself in about 30 seconds

An AirTag battery lasts roughly one year with normal use. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification saying the AirTag's battery is low. You do not need to take it to Apple or buy a new AirTag — you simply pop off the back, swap in a fresh CR2032 battery (the same type used in watches and calculators), and snap it back on.

The entire process takes less than a minute and costs between $3 and $8 for a replacement battery. CR2032 batteries are sold at drugstores, supermarkets, hardware stores, and online retailers. You do not need any tools.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, available at any drugstore or supermarket for a few dollars.
  • Press and rotate the stainless steel back cover counterclockwise until it stops, then lift it off to access the battery.
  • Remove the old battery, insert the new one with the positive side facing up, and replace the cover by rotating it clockwise until you hear a click.
  • Your iPhone will confirm the battery is working within a few seconds of reinsertion.

What you need before you start

Gather a CR2032 battery before you begin. These are sold everywhere — check the pharmacy section of any supermarket, any drugstore, Best Buy, Target, or order them online. A single battery costs $3 to $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it. Duracell and Energizer are common brands, but any CR2032 will work.

You do not need a screwdriver, coin, or any other tool. The AirTag is designed to open by hand. If you have trouble gripping the back cover, a coin can help, but it is not required.

Step-by-step: removing and replacing the battery

Step 1: Locate the stainless steel back. Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing you. The back is the flat stainless steel circle on the other side. This is the part you will rotate.

Step 2: Press and rotate counterclockwise. Place your thumb or finger on the steel back and press down gently. While pressing, rotate it counterclockwise (the same direction as opening a jar lid). Rotate until it stops — you will feel resistance. Do not force it past the stopping point.

Step 3: Lift off the back cover. Once rotated fully, lift the steel back straight up and away from the plastic body. The battery will be visible underneath, held in a small metal cup.

Step 4: Remove the old battery. Lift the old CR2032 battery straight out of the metal cup. It may stick slightly, so lift gently and steadily. Set it aside.

Step 5: Insert the new battery. Take your new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side is flat and unmarked (the negative side), and one side has a plus sign or raised marking (the positive side). Place the battery into the metal cup with the positive side facing up — toward the sky, not toward the plastic body. The battery should sit flat and level in the cup.

Step 6: Replace the steel back. Align the steel back cover with the plastic body and press it down. Rotate it clockwise (like closing a jar lid) until you feel it click or catch. You will know it is seated correctly when you hear or feel a distinct click and the cover no longer rotates.

Step 7: Confirm the battery is working. Within a few seconds, open the Find My app on your iPhone. Navigate to the Items tab and select the AirTag you just replaced. If the battery status shows as normal (not low), the replacement was successful. If it still shows low, remove the back cover and check that the battery is inserted with the positive side up.

What to do if the battery does not seat properly

If the back cover does not click into place or feels loose, the battery may not be sitting flat in the metal cup. Remove the cover again and check that the CR2032 is level and fully inserted. The battery should not rock or move when you gently press on it. If it does, lift it out and reinsert it, making sure the positive side faces up.

If the cover still does not click after reinserting the battery, check that you are rotating it clockwise, not counterclockwise. The cover should rotate smoothly in both directions, but it only locks when turned clockwise. If the cover feels stuck or damaged, do not force it — contact Apple Support.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold in the pharmacy or health and beauty section of most supermarkets and drugstores. CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, and most grocery chains stock them. You can also find them at Best Buy, hardware stores like Home Depot, and online through Amazon or the manufacturer websites. Buying a multi-pack (usually 4 to 10 batteries) costs less per battery than buying a single one, which makes sense if you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use CR2032 cells.

Do not buy counterfeit or off-brand batteries from unknown sellers, especially on third-party marketplaces. Stick with Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, or other established battery makers. A genuine battery costs only a few dollars more and will last the full year.

How long a new battery lasts

A fresh CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year under normal use. "Normal use" means the AirTag is in your bag, on your keys, or attached to an item you carry regularly. If you use an AirTag in a stationary location (like on a pet that stays mostly at home), the battery may last longer because the AirTag is not constantly searching for nearby devices.

Your iPhone will notify you again when the battery drops low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. You can continue using the AirTag after the low-battery warning, but it will eventually stop working. Replacing it at the low-battery warning ensures you do not lose tracking on an important item.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of battery in my AirTag?

No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Other coin cell sizes — like CR2025 or CR2016 — will not fit properly or may damage the AirTag. Always use a CR2032.

What if I insert the battery upside down?

The AirTag will not work if the battery is inserted with the negative side facing up. Your iPhone will not detect it as active. Simply remove the back cover, flip the battery so the positive side (marked with a plus sign) faces up, and replace the cover. No damage occurs from inserting it backwards.

Is there a way to extend battery life?

Battery life depends on how often the AirTag communicates with nearby Apple devices. If you want to reduce battery drain, you can disable notifications or use the AirTag less frequently, but this is not practical for most people. The simplest approach is to replace the battery once a year when prompted.

Can I recycle the old battery?

Yes. CR2032 batteries contain materials that can be recycled. Most drugstores and supermarkets have battery recycling bins near the customer service desk or pharmacy. You can also take old batteries to an electronics recycling center or hazardous waste collection event in your area.