The CR2032 battery inside your AirTag lasts about one year and takes 30 seconds to swap

The CR2032 battery inside your AirTag will eventually run down. When it does, you don't need to buy a new AirTag—you just swap out the old battery for a fresh one. The whole job takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools.

Apple will tell you when the battery is low. Open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, tap the Items tab, select your AirTag, and look at the battery status. When it shows "Replace Battery," that's your signal. Some people wait until they see a low-battery notification on their device instead.

You can buy CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, electronics retailer, or online. They're cheap and common—the same battery used in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. Make sure you're buying CR2032 specifically, not CR2025 or another size. A pack of four costs between $5 and $15 depending on the brand.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are standard CR2032 coin cells that you can buy at any drugstore for a few dollars.
  • The battery compartment opens by pressing and twisting the stainless steel back cover counterclockwise until it stops.
  • Remove the old battery, drop in the new one with the positive side facing up, and twist the cover back on clockwise until it clicks.
  • The Find My app will update the battery status within a few minutes of installing a fresh battery.

How to open the battery compartment

The back of your AirTag is a stainless steel disc that twists off. Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic side facing up. With your other hand, press down on the steel back cover and twist it counterclockwise. You don't need to twist hard—just turn it until it stops, which is usually a quarter turn or less.

The cover will come free in your hand. You'll see the old CR2032 battery sitting in a shallow metal cup. The battery is usually silver-colored and about the size of a dime. Don't worry if the battery feels loose—it's designed to move slightly inside the compartment.

Removing the old battery and installing the new one

Lift the old battery straight out of the cup. It should come free easily. If it's stuck, try tilting the AirTag slightly or using your fingernail to pry the edge up gently. Set the old battery aside—you'll recycle it later.

Take your new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side is flat and marked with a plus sign (+)—that's the positive side. The other side is slightly raised and unmarked—that's the negative side. Drop the battery into the metal cup with the positive side facing up toward you. The battery should sit flat and snug in the cup.

Closing the battery compartment

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side up again. Line up the steel cover with the edge of the plastic case and press down while twisting clockwise. Turn it until you feel it click or stop—usually a quarter turn. Don't force it; the cover will seat naturally when it's fully closed.

Once the cover is on, your AirTag is sealed and ready to use. The battery status in the Find My app will update within a few minutes. You should see "Battery Good" or a full battery icon appear. Your AirTag will keep all its existing settings and connections—nothing resets when you change the battery.

What to do with the old battery

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the trash. Most pharmacies and electronics stores have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. You can also check Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a drop-off location near you. Some municipalities include batteries in curbside recycling, but check your local rules first.

If you have multiple old batteries, store them in a cool, dry place until you can drop them off. Keep the positive and negative terminals from touching each other or any metal objects, as this can cause a short circuit. A small plastic bag or envelope works fine for temporary storage.

Troubleshooting if the battery doesn't work

If you install a new battery and the AirTag still shows low battery or won't connect, the battery may be installed upside down. Open the cover again and flip the battery so the positive side (+) faces up. Close it and wait a few minutes for the app to refresh.

If the battery is definitely facing the right way and the AirTag still doesn't work, the battery itself may be defective. Try a different CR2032 from a different pack or brand. Occasionally a battery from the store is dead on arrival. If a second battery also fails, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem, and you'll need to contact Apple Support or replace the AirTag.

How long the new battery will last

A fresh CR2032 battery typically powers an AirTag for about one year under normal use. The exact length depends on how often your AirTag is actively searching for your item. An AirTag in a frequently-lost wallet or keys will drain the battery faster than one in a stationary bag. Some people report getting 18 months or more; others see 10 months. Apple's official estimate is one year.

The Find My app will start warning you again when the battery gets low, so you'll have time to buy a replacement before it dies completely. You won't lose the AirTag's data or settings when you swap the battery—everything stays the same. Keep a spare CR2032 on hand so you're never caught without a working AirTag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery size if I can't find CR2032?

No. CR2032 is the only battery that fits the AirTag. CR2025 and CR2016 are thinner and won't make proper contact. Using the wrong size can damage the battery compartment or cause the AirTag to malfunction. Always buy CR2032 specifically.

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

No. The AirTag keeps all its settings and connections when you swap the battery. Just install the new battery, close the cover, and wait a few minutes for the Find My app to show the updated battery status. You don't need to unpair or re-add it.

What if I drop the battery and can't find it?

CR2032 batteries are small and straightforward to lose on a floor or table. If you drop it, use a flashlight to search the area around where you were working. If you can't find it, just open a new battery from your pack. The lost battery is harmless—it's inert until it's installed in a device.

Is it safe to touch the battery with my bare hands?

Yes. CR2032 batteries are safe to handle with your bare hands. You don't need gloves or special precautions. Just avoid getting the battery wet or exposing it to extreme heat. Store unused batteries in a cool, dry place away from metal objects that could short the terminals.

Can I buy rechargeable CR2032 batteries instead?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage output than standard alkaline CR2032 cells, which can cause the AirTag to behave unpredictably or fail to connect. Stick with standard alkaline CR2032 batteries from any major brand.