Yes, you can change an AirTag battery yourself in under a minute

AirTag batteries are user-replaceable. You do not need to send the device to Apple or visit a store. The battery compartment twists open by hand, and the entire swap takes about 30 seconds. Apple designed it this way because AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery, the same type found in watches, calculators, and car key fobs.

When your AirTag stops reporting its location or the Find My app shows a low-battery warning, a fresh CR2032 is all you need. You can buy these batteries at drugstores, supermarkets, electronics retailers, and online for between $3 and $8 for a pack of several.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries twist out by hand — no tools required — and the battery is a standard CR2032 coin cell you can buy anywhere.
  • A fresh battery lasts about one year under normal use, depending on how often the AirTag reports its location.
  • The Find My app will alert you when the battery is low, usually giving you several weeks of warning before the AirTag stops working.
  • Replacing the battery does not erase your AirTag or require you to set it up again.

How to open the battery compartment

Hold the AirTag with the polished stainless steel side facing up. Locate the seam that runs around the edge where the steel top meets the white plastic back. Press your fingernail or a coin into the seam on any side and twist counterclockwise. The steel top will pop off after a quarter turn.

Once the top is off, you will see the CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal holder. The battery is held in place by a thin metal clip. Lift the clip gently and the old battery will slide out. Do not force it — if it does not move easily, make sure the clip is fully raised.

Installing the new battery

Before you insert the new battery, check which side is facing up. The CR2032 has a flat positive side (marked with a + symbol) and a domed negative side. The positive side should face up, toward the steel top of the AirTag. Slide the new battery under the metal clip until it sits flat in the holder.

Press the clip down gently to find the battery. You should hear or feel a soft click. Do not force the clip — it should rest naturally over the battery. Now twist the steel top back onto the plastic base clockwise until it is snug. You will feel slight resistance as the threads engage. Stop when the top sits flush with the back; do not overtighten.

What to expect after you replace the battery

Your AirTag will resume normal operation when ready. The Find My app will show the battery status as full within a few seconds. You do not need to re-pair the AirTag, remove it from your account, or perform any setup steps. The device remembers all its settings and will continue to report to the same Apple ID.

If the AirTag does not appear in Find My right away, wait 30 seconds and refresh the app. If it still does not show up, remove the battery, wait 10 seconds, and reinsert it. This resets the connection without erasing any data.

How long a new battery lasts

A fresh CR2032 typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. "Normal use" means the AirTag is reporting its location once or twice per day through the Find My network. If you use the AirTag more intensively — for example, playing a sound on it frequently or keeping it in a location with very dense Bluetooth coverage — the battery may drain faster.

The Find My app will send you a notification when the battery drops to about 10 percent. This usually gives you two to four weeks to replace it before the AirTag stops working. You can also check the battery level at any time by opening Find My, selecting the AirTag, and looking at the battery percentage shown on its details screen.

Buying the right replacement battery

Any CR2032 battery will work in an AirTag. The battery does not need to be a specific brand or model — the specifications are standardized. You can buy CR2032 batteries at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Best Buy, Amazon, and most grocery stores with a pharmacy or electronics section. A pack of two to four batteries usually costs $4 to $8.

Some retailers sell premium versions marketed as "long-lasting" or "high-drain" CR2032s. These may last slightly longer in devices that draw a lot of power, but the difference is usually small in an AirTag. A standard alkaline CR2032 is sufficient and will save you money.

What to do with the old battery

Do not throw a used CR2032 in the trash. Coin cell batteries contain lithium and other materials that should be recycled. Most drugstores and electronics retailers have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. You can also search Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a drop-off location near you. Many locations accept batteries for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin cell sizes, such as CR2025 or CR2016, will not fit properly or may damage the battery holder. Stick with CR2032.

What if my AirTag still does not work after I replace the battery?

First, make sure the battery is inserted with the positive side facing up and the metal clip is holding it securely. Remove the battery, wait 10 seconds, and reinsert it. If the AirTag still does not appear in Find My after 30 seconds, the device itself may be damaged. Contact Apple Support for repair or replacement options.

Does replacing the battery erase my AirTag or change its settings?

No. Replacing the battery does not erase any data, change your settings, or remove the AirTag from your Apple ID. It will continue to work exactly as it did before, with all the same name, location history, and notification settings intact.

How do I know when the battery is actually dead?

When the battery is completely dead, the AirTag will stop reporting to Find My and will not respond to the Find My app. You will not be able to see its last known location or play a sound on it. The app will show the battery as empty or will stop showing a battery percentage altogether.

Can I buy a rechargeable CR2032 battery for my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions typically have a lower voltage than standard alkaline CR2032s, which can cause the AirTag to report low battery or fail to connect. Stick with standard alkaline CR2032 batteries for reliable performance.