Yes, you can change an AirTag battery yourself in about 10 seconds

AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can replace without tools, without opening the device, and without sending it anywhere. The battery lasts roughly one year under normal use. When it dies, you swap it out for a fresh one — the AirTag itself keeps working indefinitely.

Apple designed the battery door to open by hand. You do not need a screwdriver, a special tool, or a trip to an Apple Store. A replacement CR2032 costs between $3 and $8 depending on where you buy it.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags hold a CR2032 coin cell battery that lasts about one year and you can replace yourself by twisting the back cover counterclockwise.
  • The battery door opens by hand — no tools or disassembly required — and takes roughly 10 seconds to swap.
  • You can buy CR2032 batteries at drugstores, supermarkets, electronics retailers, and online for $3 to $8 per battery.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, giving you time to replace it before the AirTag stops working.
  • The AirTag itself does not wear out; only the battery needs replacing, so one AirTag can last for years across multiple batteries.

How to open the battery door and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag with the white side facing up. The stainless steel back has a small circular seam around the edge. Place your thumb on the steel back and press down gently while turning it counterclockwise — about a quarter turn. The back will loosen and pop up slightly.

Once the back lifts, you can pull it away from the white plastic body. Inside you will see the CR2032 battery sitting in a shallow metal cup. The battery is silver-colored and about the size of a dime. Lift it out by the edge or tip it out into your hand.

Installing the new battery

Take your new CR2032 battery and check that the side facing you is marked with numbers or a plus sign — this is the positive side. Drop the battery into the metal cup with the positive side facing up (toward you). It should sit flat and snug in the cup.

Align the steel back cover with the white plastic body so the seam lines up. Press down gently and turn the cover clockwise until you feel it click or seat fully. Do not force it — a quarter turn is usually enough. Your AirTag is now ready to use.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are common and stocked in most places that sell batteries. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens carry them in the battery aisle. Supermarkets often stock them near the checkout or in the health and beauty section. Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all carry CR2032 batteries in multiple brands.

Online, you can order them from Amazon, eBay, or the manufacturer websites. Buying a pack of two or four is often cheaper per battery than buying a single one. Duracell, Energizer, and Panasonic all make CR2032 batteries that work in AirTags. Store-brand batteries work just as well and cost less.

How to know when the battery is running low

Your iPhone sends a notification to the Find My app when an AirTag battery is low. The notification appears in the app and sometimes as a banner on your home screen. You do not have to check manually — the phone tells you.

The notification usually comes when the battery has a few weeks of life left, so you have time to order a replacement or pick one up at a store. If you ignore the notification and the battery dies completely, the AirTag stops sending location data, but the device itself is not damaged. Replacing the battery brings it back to full function.

What to do if the battery door is stuck

If the back cover will not turn, try wrapping a thin cloth or rubber band around the steel back to improve your grip. The cloth gives you traction without scratching the metal. Press down firmly while turning counterclockwise — sometimes the cover is just tight from the factory.

If it still will not budge, stop and do not force it. Forcing a stuck cover can crack the plastic body. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store, where staff can open it for you. This is rare, but it does happen with new AirTags that have never been opened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of battery in my AirTag?

No. AirTags are designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin cell sizes like CR2025 or CR2016 will not fit properly or may not work. Stick with CR2032 — it is the standard size and widely available.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A CR2032 typically lasts about one year under normal use. Heavy use — checking the AirTag location multiple times per day — may shorten battery life. Light use may extend it slightly. Apple's estimate of one year is a reasonable middle ground.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

The AirTag will not work if the battery is installed backwards. The positive side must face up toward you when you look into the battery cup. If your AirTag stops working after a battery swap, flip the battery over and try again.

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

No. Changing the battery does not erase any settings or require a reset. Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically once the new battery is installed and the cover is closed. It picks up right where it left off.

Can I recycle the old CR2032 battery?

Yes. CR2032 batteries contain materials that can be recovered, and many places accept them for recycling. Check with your local waste management program, a nearby Best Buy, or a battery retailer — many will take old batteries for free. Do not throw them in the trash.