Replace the battery in about 30 seconds with a coin

An AirTag battery dies after roughly one year of normal use. When it does, you replace it yourself with a standard CR2032 coin cell battery—the same type used in watches and calculators. The whole job takes less than a minute and requires only a coin.

Your AirTag will alert you when the battery is low through the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You do not need to wait for that alert to replace the battery; you can do it whenever you want. The AirTag itself does not break or stop working immediately when the battery dies—it just stops communicating with your devices.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries last about one year and use a CR2032 coin cell, available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online for a few dollars.
  • Flip the AirTag over, use a coin to turn the battery cover counterclockwise, and lift the cover off to access the battery.
  • Remove the old battery, drop in the new one with the flat side facing up, and twist the cover back on clockwise until snug.
  • The Find My app will confirm the battery is working within a few seconds of installation.

What you need before you start

You need a CR2032 battery and a coin. The coin can be any size—a penny, nickel, dime, or quarter all work equally well. The coin simply needs to fit into the slot on the AirTag's battery cover.

CR2032 batteries cost between $2 and $8 depending on the brand and how many you buy. You can find them at any pharmacy, grocery store, or big-box retailer in the watch or battery aisle. They are also sold online through Amazon, eBay, and most retailers. Buy a name brand like Energizer or Duracell if you want the longest lifespan, or a generic version if cost matters more.

Do not buy a rechargeable CR2032 unless you specifically want one. Standard single-use CR2032 batteries work better in AirTags and last longer per charge cycle.

The step-by-step process

Step 1: Flip the AirTag over. Hold it with the white plastic side facing down and the stainless steel side facing up. You will see a thin circular seam around the edge of the steel side—that is where the battery cover meets the main body.

Step 2: Insert your coin into the slot. Look for the small notch or slot on the edge of the battery cover. Slide your coin into that slot so it sits flush against the cover. You do not need to force it; it should slide in easily.

Step 3: Turn the coin counterclockwise. Rotate the coin about a quarter turn (90 degrees) counterclockwise. You will feel slight resistance, then the cover will loosen. Stop when you feel it stop—do not force it further or you risk stripping the threads.

Step 4: Lift off the battery cover. Once loose, you can lift the stainless steel cover away from the white plastic body. Set it aside somewhere you will not lose it. The battery will be visible inside, sitting in a small metal cup.

Step 5: Remove the old battery. Gently pry the old battery out of the cup using your fingernail or the edge of your coin. It should come out easily. If it is stuck, try tilting the AirTag slightly so gravity helps, or use a plastic spoon handle to avoid scratching the interior.

Step 6: Insert the new battery. Drop the new CR2032 into the cup with the flat, shiny side facing up and the bumpy side facing down. The battery should sit flat and level in the cup. Do not force it; it will rest naturally once it is in the right position.

Step 7: Replace the battery cover. Set the stainless steel cover back on top of the white body, aligning the notch with your coin slot. Insert your coin into the slot and turn it clockwise about a quarter turn until the cover is snug. You should feel resistance when it is tight enough—do not over-tighten.

Step 8: Confirm the battery works. Open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and look for your AirTag. Within a few seconds, the app should show a green battery icon and confirm the battery is good. If it still shows low battery or no connection, remove the cover and check that the battery is seated properly with the flat side up.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is installing the battery upside down. The flat, shiny side of the CR2032 must face up toward the cover. If the battery is reversed, the AirTag will not work and the Find My app will show no connection. If this happens, simply flip the battery over and try again.

Do not over-tighten the battery cover. The threads are plastic and can strip if you force the cover too hard. Tighten until you feel resistance, then stop. The cover should be snug but not require significant force to turn.

Do not lose the battery cover. It is essential to the AirTag's waterproofing and function. If you do lose it, you can contact Apple Support to order a replacement, though this is slower and more expensive than simply buying a new AirTag.

What to do if the battery still does not work

If you have installed a new battery correctly and the Find My app still shows no connection or low battery, the problem is usually one of three things: the battery is defective, the battery contacts inside the AirTag are dirty, or the AirTag itself has failed.

Try a different battery first. Defective batteries are rare but do happen. If a second battery does not work, clean the metal contacts inside the AirTag with a dry cotton swab or soft cloth. Sometimes dust or corrosion on the contacts prevents the battery from making good electrical contact. Let the AirTag sit for a few minutes after cleaning, then try again.

If a fresh battery and clean contacts do not fix the problem, the AirTag itself may have failed. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to discuss repair or replacement options. AirTags have a one-year limited warranty, though battery replacement is not covered under warranty (you pay for the battery itself).

How often you will need to replace the battery

Most AirTags need a new battery once per year under normal use. Heavy use—such as tracking a pet that moves constantly or a vehicle you drive daily—may drain the battery faster, sometimes in 8 to 10 months. Light use, such as tracking a set of keys you rarely move, may stretch the battery to 14 or 16 months.

The Find My app will send you a notification when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. You do not have to replace it immediately; the AirTag will continue to work for a while after the low-battery alert. However, replacing it promptly ensures your AirTag does not stop communicating at a critical moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Yes, rechargeable CR2032 batteries work in AirTags, but they are not ideal. Rechargeable versions hold less charge than standard batteries and drain faster, so you will need to recharge them more often. Standard single-use CR2032 batteries last longer and are cheaper over time.

What happens if I install the battery backwards?

The AirTag will not work. The flat side of the battery must face up toward the cover. If you install it backwards, the Find My app will show no connection. Simply remove the cover, flip the battery over, and reinstall it.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes, it is completely safe. There are no electrical hazards, no tools required beyond a coin, and no risk of damaging the AirTag if you follow the steps. Millions of people replace AirTag batteries at home every year without any issues.

Where can I buy a CR2032 battery?

CR2032 batteries are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, big-box retailers like Target and Walmart, and online through Amazon and eBay. They typically cost $2 to $8 depending on the brand and quantity. Check the watch or battery aisle first, or ask a store employee if you cannot find them.

Do I need to do anything special after replacing the battery?

No. Once you install the new battery and close the cover, the AirTag will start working immediately. Open the Find My app to confirm the battery is recognized, and you are done. There is no setup, pairing, or registration needed.