The fastest place to buy a key fob battery is usually a big-box retailer or drugstore near you
You can walk into most Target, Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens locations and buy a key fob battery the same day, usually for $3 to $8. The battery aisle is typically near the front of the store. If you know your battery type—printed on the old battery or in your car's manual—you can grab it and go. If you do not know the type, take the old battery with you or call ahead to confirm they stock it.
Online retailers like Amazon ship key fob batteries quickly, often next-day or two-day, and usually cost the same or less than a store. You will need to know your battery type before ordering. Local auto parts stores like AutoZone, O'Reilly, or Advance Auto Parts also stock them and can tell you which type fits your fob if you bring it in.
Key Takeaways
- Drugstores and big-box retailers stock key fob batteries in the battery aisle for $3 to $8 and let you buy today without waiting.
- You need to know your battery type—usually printed on the old battery itself—before you shop, or bring the old battery with you.
- Auto parts stores can identify your battery type if you bring the fob in, and they stock common types like CR2032, CR2025, and CR2016.
- Online retailers ship within one to two days and often cost less, but you must know the type before ordering.
- Dealerships sell key fob batteries but usually charge more and may require you to buy a whole new fob instead of just the battery.
How to find out what battery type your fob needs
The easiest way is to open your key fob and look at the old battery. The type is stamped on the flat side—usually something like CR2032, CR2025, or CR2016. Write it down or take a photo.
If you cannot open the fob or the battery is too worn to read, check your car's owner manual. Search the index for "key fob" or "remote battery." The manual will list the type. You can also call your car's dealership with your vehicle identification number (VIN) and they will tell you the type over the phone, free of charge.
Drugstores and supermarkets: same-day pickup
CVS, Walgreens, Target, and Walmart all stock key fob batteries in their battery sections. Prices range from $3 to $6 per battery. You walk in, find the aisle, and leave with it in minutes. This is the best choice if you need the battery today.
Call ahead if you are unsure whether your local store has your specific type in stock. Most stores can tell you over the phone. Some locations also sell them at the pharmacy counter if the main aisle is out.
Auto parts stores: identification help if you are stuck
AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA all carry key fob batteries. Prices are similar to drugstores—$3 to $7—but the advantage is that staff can identify your battery type if you bring the fob in. This is useful if you cannot open the fob yourself or the old battery is unreadable.
Many auto parts stores also offer a battery installation service for a small fee if you do not want to do it yourself. Call your local store to ask whether they offer this and what they charge.
Online retailers: lower prices and fast shipping
Amazon, eBay, and other online retailers often sell key fob batteries in bulk packs for $1 to $3 per battery, cheaper than buying one at a time in a store. Shipping is usually one to two days with Prime or standard shipping. The downside is you must know your battery type before you order.
Online retailers are a good choice if you buy several batteries at once or want to keep spares on hand. Read the product description carefully to confirm the type matches your fob.
Car dealerships: most expensive option
Your car's dealership will sell you a key fob battery, but they typically charge $8 to $15 for a single battery—two to three times the drugstore price. Some dealerships will not sell just the battery; they may insist you buy a whole replacement fob, which costs $50 to $200 depending on the car.
Use the dealership only if you cannot find the battery elsewhere or if your fob has a special type unique to your vehicle. Call ahead and ask the price before you go in.
What to do if your battery type is unusual or hard to find
Most key fobs use common types like CR2032, CR2025, or CR2016, which are stocked everywhere. If your fob uses an unusual type, start by calling your car's dealership—they will know whether it is a special battery and where to get it. They may be able to order it for you or tell you a retailer that stocks it.
If the dealership cannot help, try calling a local locksmith. Locksmiths often stock unusual key fob batteries and can sometimes install them while you wait. Search online for "locksmith near me" and call a few to ask whether they have your type in stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different battery type in my key fob?
No. Key fobs are designed for a specific battery type and size. Using the wrong type can damage the fob or cause it to malfunction. Always use the exact type printed on your old battery or listed in your manual.
How much does a key fob battery cost?
A single key fob battery costs $3 to $8 at drugstores and auto parts stores. Online retailers often sell them cheaper if you buy in bulk. Dealerships charge $8 to $15 for a single battery.
Do I need tools to change a key fob battery myself?
Most key fobs open with a coin or a small flathead screwdriver. You slide the coin into the seam and twist gently to pop the case open. No special tools are needed. If you do not want to do it yourself, auto parts stores often install batteries for a small fee.
What if the store does not have my battery type in stock?
Call ahead before you go. If your local store is out, ask whether they can order it or recommend another nearby location that has it. Online retailers can ship it to you in one to two days. Dealerships and locksmiths can also order unusual types.
Is it cheaper to buy a new key fob or just replace the battery?
Replacing the battery costs $3 to $8 and takes five minutes. A new fob costs $50 to $200. Always replace the battery first—it solves the problem in almost every case.