AirTag batteries last about one year before they need replacing

Your AirTag will alert you when the battery is running low — you'll see a notification on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac saying the battery needs to be replaced. When that happens, you can swap in a fresh CR2032 coin cell battery, which costs between $3 and $8 for a pack of several. The whole process takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools.

The battery type matters: AirTags use only CR2032 batteries, not CR2025 or any other size. You can find them at drugstores, supermarkets, electronics retailers, or online. Some people keep a spare on hand so they never run out, since a dead AirTag won't track your location.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells that last roughly one year before your device sends a low-battery alert.
  • You need only the new CR2032 battery — no screwdriver, no adhesive, no special tools of any kind.
  • The white plastic back of the AirTag twists off by hand, and the old battery slides out so you can drop the new one in.
  • After you insert the new battery, twist the back on until it clicks, and your AirTag will reconnect to your phone within seconds.

How to open the AirTag and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up. Place your thumb on the white back and your fingers underneath the metal front, then twist the white back counterclockwise — it will turn about a quarter turn before it stops. The back will pop off in your hand.

Inside, you'll see a silver coin-shaped battery sitting in a small metal cup. Tip the AirTag gently so the battery slides out into your palm. Don't force it; it should come loose with a light shake or a gentle push from your finger. Set the old battery aside — you can recycle it at most drugstores or electronics retailers rather than throwing it in the trash.

Insert the new CR2032 battery and close the AirTag

Take your new CR2032 battery and check which side is facing up. The side marked with numbers and symbols (the positive side) should face toward you. Drop the battery into the metal cup inside the AirTag, positive side up. It will sit flat and snug in the cup.

Now align the white plastic back with the metal front of the AirTag. Press down gently and twist the white back clockwise until you hear or feel a click — this usually takes a quarter turn, the same distance you twisted to open it. The back should sit flush with the metal edge with no gaps. Your AirTag will chime or vibrate within a few seconds, which means it has reconnected and the battery is working.

What to do if the battery won't stay in or the back won't close

If the battery keeps sliding out when you try to close the back, you may have inserted it upside down. Open the AirTag again and flip the battery so the printed side faces up toward the back cover. The positive terminal (marked side) must face outward, not toward the metal cup.

If the back won't twist closed or feels stuck, stop and check that the battery is sitting flat in the cup and not tilted. A tilted battery can catch on the plastic back and prevent it from closing. Remove the battery, set it flat in the cup again, and try twisting the back on slowly. You should feel it turn smoothly without resistance. If it still won't close, the battery may be slightly too thick — this is rare, but some off-brand CR2032 batteries have slightly thicker casings. Try a battery from a different manufacturer.

How to know if your new battery is working

After you close the AirTag, wait 10 to 15 seconds. Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac should show a notification that the AirTag is now connected, or you'll see it reappear in the Find My app if it had been marked as offline. You may also hear a small chime or feel a vibration from the AirTag itself.

Open the Find My app and tap the AirTag to confirm it shows a green dot or "Connected" status. If it still shows as offline after a minute, open the AirTag again and check that the battery is sitting flat in the cup and the back is twisted all the way closed. A loose connection between the battery and the metal cup is the most common reason an AirTag won't power on after a battery swap.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries and what to expect

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere: CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, and most grocery stores carry them in the pharmacy or electronics section. A single battery costs $1 to $3, but buying a pack of 4 or 5 usually costs $5 to $8 total, which works out cheaper per battery. Some packs are name brands like Energizer or Duracell; others are store brands. All CR2032 batteries work the same way in an AirTag.

If you can't find them in a physical store, ordering online takes 1 to 2 days with standard shipping. Keep a spare battery in a drawer so you're never caught with a dead AirTag — since the battery lasts about a year, you'll know roughly when to expect the low-battery alert and can have a replacement ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries work in AirTags, but they hold less charge than standard alkaline ones and may not last as long between charges. Most people find standard alkaline CR2032 batteries more convenient since you just swap them out once a year rather than recharging.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

The AirTag won't power on. The battery has a positive side (marked with numbers) and a negative side (blank metal). The marked side must face up toward the white back cover. If your AirTag doesn't chime after you close it, open it again and flip the battery.

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

No. Your AirTag will reconnect to your phone automatically within seconds of the new battery making contact. You don't need to remove it from Find My or re-pair it — just close the back and wait for the notification.

How often do AirTag batteries need to be replaced?

Most AirTag batteries last about one year of normal use. Your phone will send you a low-battery alert when it's time to replace it. If you use your AirTag very frequently or in a location with poor signal, the battery may drain faster.

Can I recycle the old battery?

Yes. Most drugstores, electronics retailers, and some grocery stores have battery recycling programs. You can also check Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a drop-off location near you. Never throw batteries in the regular trash.