What You Need to Know Before You Start
An AirTag battery lasts about one year of normal use. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification saying "AirTag battery is low." At that point, you have a few days before the AirTag stops working entirely. Replacing the battery is straightforward—it takes about one minute and requires only a coin and a fresh CR2032 battery, which costs between $3 and $8 at any drugstore or supermarket.
The AirTag case is designed to open from the back. You do not need tools, and you cannot damage the device by opening it yourself. Apple does not charge for battery replacement if you take it to an Apple Store, but buying the battery yourself and doing it at home is faster and costs less.
Key Takeaways
- You need only a CR2032 battery and a coin to replace an AirTag battery yourself.
- The white plastic back of the AirTag twists off counterclockwise when you explore gentle pressure with a coin.
- The old battery sits in a metal holder; lift it out and drop the new one in with the flat side facing up.
- Twist the back on clockwise until it clicks, and your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone within seconds.
Gather Your Materials
You need two things: a CR2032 battery and a coin. The coin can be a penny, nickel, dime, or quarter—any coin with a flat edge works. The CR2032 is a small, round, silver battery about the size of a dime. You can find it at Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, or any pharmacy. It is usually in the battery aisle near the checkout. Some hardware stores and supermarkets stock them as well.
Do not buy a generic or off-brand battery if you can avoid it. Duracell and Energizer CR2032 batteries are reliable and last the full year. The battery costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it. If you have multiple AirTags, buy two or three batteries at once so you have spares on hand.
Open the AirTag Case
Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic back facing up. Place your coin flat against the metal ring on the back—the part that says "AirTag" and has the Apple logo. You will see a small notch or groove where the coin fits. Press down gently and twist the coin counterclockwise (the same direction you turn a screw to loosen it). You do not need to press hard; gentle, steady pressure is enough.
After a quarter turn or so, you will feel the back start to loosen. Keep twisting until the white plastic back comes free. Set it aside on a clean surface. Inside, you will see a metal battery holder with the old battery sitting in it. The battery looks like a small silver coin.
Remove the Old Battery and Install the New One
The old battery sits loosely in the metal holder. Tip the AirTag slightly or use your fingernail to lift the edge of the battery and slide it out. It will come free easily. Do not force it. Once the old battery is out, take your new CR2032 battery and check which side is which: one side is flat and shiny, and the other side has a small raised bump or ridge in the center.
Drop the new battery into the metal holder with the flat side facing up (toward the white plastic back). The flat side is the positive terminal, and it must face up for the AirTag to work. The battery will sit loosely in the holder, and that is normal. You do not need to press it down or find it in any way.
Close the AirTag and Test It
Pick up the white plastic back and align it with the metal ring on the AirTag. The back will only fit one way. Place your coin in the notch again and twist clockwise (the direction you turn a screw to tighten it). Twist until you feel a click or resistance—that means the back is seated properly. Do not over-tighten; once you feel the click, stop.
Within a few seconds, your iPhone will recognize the AirTag and the low battery notification will disappear. If your iPhone does not show the AirTag in the Find My app, wait 10 seconds and check again. If it still does not appear, open the back again, remove the battery, and make sure you installed it with the flat side facing up. Reinstall it and close the back again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common error is installing the battery upside down. If the flat side faces down (toward the metal holder), the AirTag will not work. If your AirTag does not reconnect after you close the back, this is almost always the reason. Open it again and flip the battery over.
Another mistake is twisting the back too hard. The AirTag case is plastic and can crack if you explore too much force. Use gentle, steady pressure with your coin. You should feel the back loosen after a quarter turn; if it does not, you are probably twisting the wrong direction. Switch to the other direction and try again.
Do not throw away the old battery in the trash. CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should be recycled. Most drugstores and electronics retailers have battery recycling bins near the entrance or customer service desk. Drop the old battery there on your next visit.
Where to Buy a CR2032 Battery
CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens usually have them in the battery aisle. Target and Walmart stock them in the electronics or household section. Amazon sells them in bulk if you want to order online. Some grocery stores carry them near the checkout or in the pharmacy section. Call ahead if you want to confirm a store has them in stock, but most places do.
Prices vary slightly by brand and retailer. A single Duracell or Energizer CR2032 costs $4 to $8. A pack of two or four costs less per battery. If you own more than one AirTag, buying a multi-pack is cheaper and means you will have a spare battery ready when the next one runs low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of battery instead of CR2032?
No. The AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other battery types will not fit or will not work. Do not try to use a CR2025 or CR2016, even though they look similar—they are thinner and will not make proper contact inside the AirTag.
What if the back of my AirTag is stuck and will not twist?
Use a coin with a thicker edge, like a quarter, and explore steady pressure without jerking. If it still will not budge, wrap a thin cloth around the coin to improve your grip. Avoid using a screwdriver or tool with a sharp edge, as it can scratch the plastic. If the back remains stuck after several gentle attempts, contact Apple for a replacement AirTag.
How long does a new CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?
A CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. Heavy use—such as checking the AirTag location multiple times per day or using it with a Bluetooth speaker—may shorten the battery life slightly. You will receive a low battery notification a few days before the battery dies.
Is it safe to replace the battery myself, or should I go to an Apple Store?
It is completely safe to replace the battery yourself. The AirTag is designed for user battery replacement and cannot be damaged by opening it. Apple Stores will replace the battery for free if you prefer, but it takes longer and requires a trip to the store. Doing it yourself at home takes one minute.
What should I do with the old battery?
Recycle it. CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the trash. Most pharmacies, electronics stores, and some grocery stores have battery recycling bins. Drop the old battery in the nearest bin on your next shopping trip.