AirTag batteries last about one year and are straightforward to swap yourself
Your AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore, grocery store, or online retailer for $3 to $8. When your AirTag stops playing a sound or the Find My app warns you the battery is low, you have two choices: replace it yourself in about 30 seconds, or take it to an Apple Store and have someone do it for you. Replacing it yourself costs less and takes no appointment.
The battery compartment is built into the back of the AirTag. You do not need tools, screwdrivers, or special knowledge—just the new battery and your hands.
Key Takeaways
- AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, sold at pharmacies and supermarkets for a few dollars.
- The battery compartment is on the back of the AirTag and opens by twisting the stainless steel ring counterclockwise.
- You remove the old battery, insert the new one with the positive side facing up, and twist the ring back clockwise until it clicks.
- The whole process takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools.
What battery your AirTag needs
AirTags use a CR2032 battery, which is a 3-volt lithium coin cell. It is one of the most common battery types in the world, used in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and hearing aids. You will find them in the battery aisle of any pharmacy, supermarket, or big-box retailer. Online, they are sold on Amazon, eBay, and the websites of battery specialists. A single battery costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it.
You do not need an Apple-branded battery. Any CR2032 will work. Some people buy a pack of four or five at once since they are cheap and you will eventually need another one.
How to open the battery compartment
Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic side facing you and the stainless steel back facing away. You will see a thin stainless steel ring around the edge of the back. This ring is the battery door.
Place your thumb on the steel ring and push down gently while twisting counterclockwise (the same direction you would turn a jar lid to open it). You do not need to push hard—just enough pressure to keep the ring from spinning freely. After a quarter turn or so, the ring will loosen and you can lift it away with your fingers. The white plastic battery compartment will now be visible.
Removing the old battery and inserting the new one
Look inside the compartment. You will see the old CR2032 battery sitting flat in the bottom. It has a shiny silver side (the positive terminal) and a flat side. Tip the AirTag slightly or use your fingernail to pry the old battery out. It will come free easily.
Take your new CR2032 battery and look at it. The side with the raised bump or ridge is the positive terminal. Hold the AirTag so the compartment faces up, and place the new battery inside with the positive side (the bumpy side) facing up toward you. It should sit flat and snug in the compartment.
Closing the battery compartment
Once the new battery is in place, pick up the stainless steel ring you removed earlier. Line it up with the grooves on the edge of the AirTag's back and press it down gently. Now twist it clockwise (the same direction you would turn a jar lid to close it) until you hear or feel a click. The ring should be snug and flush with the edge of the AirTag.
That is it. Your AirTag is now ready to use. Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad and confirm that the battery status no longer shows a warning. The AirTag will resume working normally.
What to do if the battery compartment is stuck
Occasionally the steel ring becomes tight and difficult to turn. This usually happens if the AirTag has been dropped or if the ring has corroded slightly. Do not force it—forcing can crack the plastic compartment underneath.
Instead, try wrapping a small piece of cloth or a rubber band around the steel ring to improve your grip, then twist gently. If it still will not budge, you can take the AirTag to an Apple Store and ask them to open it for you. They will do this at no charge, and you can then insert the battery yourself or have them do it.
How long the new battery will last
A new CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year under normal use. The exact length depends on how often the AirTag plays a sound (which drains the battery faster) and how often it connects to nearby Apple devices. If you use your AirTag heavily—playing the sound multiple times a week to find it—the battery may last eight to ten months. If you rarely use the sound, it may last closer to 18 months.
The Find My app will notify you when the battery is running low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to buy a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of battery instead of CR2032?
No. The AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin cell batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically similar but have different voltages or thicknesses, and they will not work properly or may damage the AirTag.
What happens if I put the battery in upside down?
The AirTag will not work. The battery compartment is designed so the positive terminal must face up. If you insert it backward, the AirTag straightforward will not turn on. If this happens, open the compartment again and flip the battery over so the bumpy side faces up.
Is it safe to replace the battery myself?
Yes. There are no electrical hazards, no sharp edges, and no risk of damaging the AirTag as long as you do not force the steel ring. CR2032 batteries are safe to handle with bare hands. If you are uncomfortable doing it, Apple Stores will replace the battery for you at no cost.
Where is the best place to buy CR2032 batteries?
Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, supermarkets, and retailers like Target and Walmart all stock CR2032 batteries in their battery aisles. Online, Amazon and battery specialty sites often have lower prices, especially if you buy in bulk. Buying a pack of four or five is usually cheaper per battery than buying one at a time.