Yes, you can replace an AirTag battery, and it takes about 30 seconds

AirTag batteries are user-replaceable. You do not need to send the device to Apple or visit a store. The battery is a standard CR2032 coin cell, the same type used in watches, calculators, and hearing aids. You can buy replacements at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for $3 to $8 per battery.

When your AirTag battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. At that point, you have a few days before the battery dies completely. The replacement process is straightforward: twist the stainless steel back of the AirTag counterclockwise, lift out the old battery, drop in a new CR2032, and twist the back clockwise until it clicks.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells that you can buy at any pharmacy or grocery store for a few dollars.
  • The back of the AirTag twists off by hand—no tools or special equipment needed.
  • Apple will not replace the battery for you; the device is designed for you to do it yourself.
  • A single CR2032 battery lasts roughly one year of normal use before the low-battery notification appears.

How to open an AirTag and access the battery

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up and the stainless steel back facing down. Place your thumb on the steel back and your fingers on the white plastic rim. Twist the steel back counterclockwise—it will turn about a quarter turn before it stops. The back will come loose in your hand.

Once the back is off, you will see the CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal holder. The battery is held in place by a thin metal tab. Lift the battery out by the edge—do not touch the flat surfaces, as oils from your skin can reduce battery life. Set the old battery aside.

Installing a new CR2032 battery

Before you buy a replacement, check the packaging to confirm it is a CR2032 (sometimes labeled as DL2032 or 2032). The battery should be silver-colored and about the size of a dime. Do not use a rechargeable CR2032 unless the packaging specifically says it is compatible with AirTag; most rechargeable versions do not work reliably.

Hold the new battery with the flat positive side facing up (the side without the minus sign). Drop it into the metal holder in the AirTag. The battery will sit flat in the holder. Now twist the stainless steel back clockwise until you hear or feel a click. The back should be snug but not so tight that you strain to close it.

Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone within a few seconds. You will see a notification confirming the battery is good. If you do not see a notification within a minute, remove the back, check that the battery is seated flat, and try again.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the watch and battery aisle. Supermarkets carry them near the checkout or in the health and beauty section. Amazon, Walmart, and other online retailers sell them in bulk packs of 4, 10, or more, which is cheaper per battery if you have multiple devices that use coin cells.

Brand does not matter much for AirTag use. Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, and store brands all work fine. Avoid the cheapest options from unknown sellers on marketplace sites, as counterfeit batteries do exist and perform poorly. A pack of name-brand batteries from a major retailer will cost $5 to $15 depending on quantity.

How long a CR2032 battery lasts in an AirTag

A single CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. "Normal use" means the AirTag is in a wallet, bag, or on a keychain and is being located a few times per week. If you search for your AirTag constantly or leave it in a location with poor Bluetooth signal, the battery will drain faster because the AirTag works harder to stay connected.

Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, usually a few days before it dies completely. This gives you time to buy a replacement without your AirTag going offline. Once the battery is fully dead, the AirTag will not work until you replace it, but the device itself is not damaged.

What to do if the AirTag will not turn back on after battery replacement

If you replaced the battery and the AirTag still does not show up in the Find My app, try these steps. First, remove the back again and make sure the battery is sitting flat in the metal holder with the positive side facing up. Sometimes a battery can shift slightly during installation and lose contact.

Second, check that you are using a CR2032 and not a different coin cell size. CR2025 and CR2016 batteries look similar but are thinner and will not work. Third, try a different battery from a different pack or brand—occasionally a battery from the factory is defective and will not hold a charge.

If none of those steps work, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem. At that point, you can contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to discuss a replacement. This is rare, but it does happen.

Disposing of old AirTag batteries safely

Do not throw a used CR2032 battery in the trash. Coin cell batteries contain lithium and other materials that can leak in a landfill. Most pharmacies and retailers that sell batteries will take old ones back for free recycling. CVS, Walgreens, Best Buy, and Home Depot all have battery recycling programs at the register or customer service desk.

You can also search for a local battery recycling center using the Call2Recycle website or your city's waste management program. Drop-off is usually free. If you have only one or two old batteries, storing them in a cool, dry place until you have a few more and can take them to a retailer is fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Most rechargeable CR2032 batteries do not work reliably in AirTag because they have a lower voltage output than single-use batteries. Stick with standard alkaline or lithium CR2032 batteries from a major brand. If you want to try a rechargeable, check the packaging to confirm it is rated for AirTag use.

What happens if I use the wrong size battery?

If you install a CR2025 or CR2016 (which are thinner), the battery may not make proper contact with the metal holder and the AirTag will not turn on. If you force a larger battery into the AirTag, you risk damaging the battery holder or the back cover. Always double-check the packaging says CR2032.

Do I need to remove the AirTag from Find My before replacing the battery?

No. You can replace the battery while the AirTag is still registered to your account. Once you install the new battery, the AirTag will reconnect automatically within a few seconds. You do not need to unpair it or do anything in the Find My app.

Can Apple replace the battery for me?

Apple does not offer battery replacement service for AirTag. The device is designed for you to replace the battery yourself. If the AirTag is damaged or will not turn on even after you have tried a new battery, Apple can discuss a replacement device, but battery swaps are a do-it-yourself task.