The battery in your AirTag lasts about a year, then you twist off the back and swap in a new CR2032 coin cell battery — the same kind used in watches and calculators.
AirTags use a standard CR2032 battery, which costs $3 to $8 for a pack of several at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer. You do not need tools, a technician, or a replacement device. The whole swap takes under a minute once you have the new battery in hand.
Apple does not sell AirTag batteries separately or offer a battery replacement service. You buy the battery yourself and do the replacement at home. If your AirTag stops working and it is not the battery, Apple will replace the entire device under warranty if it is less than one year old and has no physical damage.
Key Takeaways
- AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries, which you can buy at drugstores, supermarkets, or online for a few dollars.
- To replace the battery, hold the AirTag flat, press down on the stainless steel back cover, and twist counterclockwise until it stops — do not force it.
- Remove the old battery, insert the new one with the positive side facing up, and twist the cover clockwise until you hear a click.
- Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, usually giving you a week or two before it dies completely.
- If your AirTag does not respond after a new battery is installed, remove it from your Apple ID account and set it up again.
What battery type your AirTag needs
The CR2032 is a lithium coin cell battery 20 millimeters wide and 3.2 millimeters thick. It is the standard battery for small electronics: watches, hearing aids, car key fobs, calculators, and medical devices all use the same type. Any CR2032 will work in an AirTag, regardless of brand.
You can find CR2032 batteries at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, and most grocery stores with a pharmacy section. A single battery costs $2 to $5; a pack of four to eight costs $5 to $12. Do not buy counterfeit batteries from unknown sellers — stick to major retailers or the battery section of a drugstore.
How to open your AirTag and remove the old battery
Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back cover facing up. Use your other hand to press down firmly on the center of the cover. While pressing, twist the cover counterclockwise (the direction opposite a clock hand) until it stops. This usually takes a quarter turn or less.
Do not twist hard or force it. If it does not move, you are likely twisting the wrong direction or not pressing down enough. Once the cover loosens, lift it off. You will see the old CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal holder. Lift or pry it out gently with your fingernail or a plastic tool — a credit card edge works. Do not use a metal tool that could scratch the inside.
Installing the new battery and closing the AirTag
Before you open the new battery package, note which side is which: the flat side with a plus sign (+) is the positive terminal; the rounded side is negative. Insert the new battery into the holder with the positive side facing up — toward the stainless steel cover you just removed. The battery should sit flat and level in the holder.
Place the stainless steel cover back on top of the AirTag, aligning it with the white plastic base. Press down on the center of the cover and twist clockwise (the direction a clock hand moves) until you feel or hear a click. The cover should be snug and flush with the plastic body. You are done — the AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone within a few seconds.
What to do if your AirTag does not work after the battery swap
If your AirTag does not show up in the Find My app or does not make a sound when you press the button on the back, first check that the battery is installed correctly: remove the cover again and confirm the positive side (+) is facing up. Reinstall it and wait 10 seconds.
If it still does not work, remove the AirTag from your Apple ID account. Open Find My on your iPhone, tap Items, select the AirTag, and choose Remove Item. Then set it up again as if it were new: hold it near your iPhone, tap Add in Find My, and follow the prompts. This usually fixes connection problems that a new battery did not solve.
When your AirTag battery is running low
Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is low, usually one to two weeks before it dies completely. The notification appears in the Find My app and as a system alert. You do not have to replace it immediately — the AirTag will keep working for a while after the low battery warning, but the range and reliability will drop.
If you ignore the warning and the battery dies, the AirTag stops transmitting its location. You will not be able to find it using Find My until you replace the battery. Keep a spare CR2032 on hand so you can swap it in right away if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of battery in my AirTag?
No. AirTags are designed for CR2032 batteries only. Using a different size or type of battery will not fit, could damage the device, or will not work at all. Stick to CR2032.
How long does an AirTag battery last?
A CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year under normal use. Heavy use — finding your AirTag frequently or using it in a crowded area — can shorten battery life. Light use can extend it slightly.
Is it safe to replace the battery myself?
Yes. There are no moving parts, no electrical shock risk, and no special tools needed. The CR2032 is a standard consumer battery. Millions of people replace AirTag batteries at home every month without issue.
What should I do with the old battery?
Take used CR2032 batteries to a battery recycling program. Most Best Buy locations, Lowe's, and Home Depot accept rechargeable and single-use batteries for free. Some pharmacies and municipal hazardous waste facilities also take them.
Will Apple replace my AirTag if the battery is dead?
No. A dead battery is considered normal wear and is not covered by warranty. Apple will only replace an AirTag if it has a manufacturing defect or physical damage and is less than one year old. Battery replacement is your responsibility.