The battery in your AirTag lasts about a year, then you twist the back off and swap in a new CR2032 coin cell battery — the same kind used in watches and calculators.

You do not need tools, a technician, or a replacement device. The whole job takes less than five minutes. Apple sells replacement batteries, but you can also buy CR2032 batteries from any pharmacy, supermarket, or electronics store for a dollar or two.

The battery is not glued in. It sits in a metal holder that you access by twisting the stainless steel back plate counterclockwise until it comes free. Once you have the old battery out, drop in the new one with the flat side facing up, and twist the back plate clockwise until it clicks.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are standard CR2032 coin cells that you can buy at any pharmacy or supermarket, not proprietary Apple parts.
  • Twist the back plate counterclockwise by hand — no tools needed — until it separates from the plastic body.
  • Remove the old battery, insert the new CR2032 with the flat side facing up, and twist the back plate clockwise until it clicks into place.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, usually giving you a week or two of warning before it dies completely.

What you need before you start

You need one CR2032 battery. This is a coin cell 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick — the same battery used in car key fobs, digital scales, and hearing aids. Any pharmacy, grocery store, or dollar store carries them. A pack of two or four costs between two and five dollars.

You do not need a screwdriver, a pry tool, or any other equipment. The AirTag back plate is designed to come off by hand. If you have weak grip strength or arthritis, a rubber band wrapped around the back plate gives you better traction, or you can ask someone else to twist it for you.

Step-by-step battery replacement

Step 1: Hold the AirTag with the back plate facing up. The back plate is the stainless steel disc on one side. The plastic side with the Apple logo faces down.

Step 2: Grip the back plate and twist it counterclockwise. Use your thumb and fingers to turn it the way you would open a jar lid. You will feel it loosen after a quarter turn or so. Keep twisting until the plate comes completely free — usually after a half turn to a full turn total.

Step 3: Lift out the old battery. The battery sits in a metal holder inside. It may come out with the back plate, or it may stay in the plastic body. Either way, remove it by hand.

Step 4: Insert the new battery flat side up. The CR2032 has a flat side and a domed side. The flat side must face up toward the back plate. Drop it into the metal holder — it will sit snugly.

Step 5: Twist the back plate clockwise. Line up the back plate with the plastic body and turn it clockwise. You will feel it tighten. Stop when you hear or feel a click — that means it is seated properly. Do not force it past the click.

How to know when the battery is running low

Your iPhone sends you a notification when the AirTag battery is low. The message appears in the Find My app and as a system alert. You usually get this warning a week or two before the battery dies, which gives you time to buy a replacement.

If you ignore the warning and the battery dies completely, the AirTag stops sending location data and will not play a sound when you ask Siri to find it. It is not broken — it just needs a new battery. Replace it using the steps above and it will work again when ready.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the watch battery or hearing aid section. Supermarkets carry them near the pharmacy or in the electronics aisle. Dollar stores, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy all have them. Amazon and eBay sell multi-packs if you want to keep spares on hand.

Apple also sells CR2032 batteries on its website and in Apple Stores, usually in a pack of two. They cost more than batteries from other retailers but are the same product. There is no reason to buy them from Apple unless you are already there.

Check the packaging to confirm it says CR2032 — that is the only size that fits. Some batteries are labeled with other names like DL2032 or ECR2032, but those are the same thing, just different manufacturer codes.

What to do with the old battery

Do not throw the old battery in the trash. Batteries contain materials that can harm the environment if they end up in a landfill. Most pharmacies and supermarkets have a battery recycling bin near the checkout or customer service desk — just drop it in.

If your store does not have a bin, call ahead and ask where they take batteries. Some municipalities have hazardous waste collection days. You can also search Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a drop-off location near you.

Troubleshooting if something goes wrong

If the back plate will not come off, you may be turning it the wrong direction. Try clockwise instead of counterclockwise. If it still will not budge, wrap a rubber band around the back plate for grip and try again. Do not use pliers or a wrench — you can damage the plate.

If the new battery does not work after you install it, remove the back plate again and check that the battery is sitting flat in the metal holder with the flat side facing up. Sometimes the battery tilts slightly and does not make proper contact. Reseat it and try again.

If your AirTag still does not work after you replace the battery, the problem is not the battery. The device itself may be damaged. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to discuss repair or replacement options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of battery instead of CR2032?

No. The AirTag is designed for CR2032 specifically. Other coin cell batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are different sizes and will not fit properly or work. Always use CR2032.

How long does a new AirTag battery last?

Apple states that a CR2032 battery lasts about one year under normal use. The actual time depends on how often you use Find My to locate the AirTag and how frequently it sends location updates. Heavy use drains the battery faster.

Will replacing the battery erase my AirTag data?

No. Replacing the battery does not erase anything. Your AirTag stays paired to your Apple ID and keeps all its settings. You can replace the battery as many times as you need without losing data.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes. The AirTag battery replacement is designed to be done by the user. There are no sharp edges, no electrical shock risk, and no glued components. Millions of people replace AirTag batteries at home every year without problems.

What if I lose the back plate while replacing the battery?

Contact Apple Support. You can order a replacement back plate from Apple, though it costs more than a battery. In the meantime, the AirTag will not work without the back plate because the battery will not stay in place. Do not use the AirTag until you have the plate back on.