Yes, you can change the battery in your AirTag yourself in about 30 seconds

AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can replace at home without tools or special knowledge. The battery sits behind a stainless steel back that twists off by hand. Once you remove the old battery, drop in a new CR2032, and twist the back closed again. The whole process takes less than a minute and costs between $3 and $8 for a replacement battery.

You do not need to open the white plastic case or remove the AirTag from any holder or keychain. The metal back comes off independently, making this one of the easiest battery replacements on any tracking device.

Key Takeaways

  • The AirTag battery is a CR2032 coin cell, available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers for a few dollars.
  • Twist the stainless steel back counterclockwise by hand until it comes free—no tools needed.
  • Remove the old battery, insert the new one with the positive side facing up, and twist the back closed until you hear a click.
  • A fresh CR2032 battery lasts about one year of normal use before the AirTag alerts you to replace it.
  • If your AirTag does not respond after a battery change, hold it near your iPhone to reconnect it to your account.

What battery type your AirTag uses

Your AirTag runs on one CR2032 lithium coin cell battery. This is a round, flat battery about the size of a dime, and it is one of the most common battery types sold. You can find CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, or big-box retailer in the battery aisle. They are also sold online through Amazon, eBay, and most electronics retailers.

Avoid buying the absolute cheapest option if you can. A quality CR2032 from a brand like Energizer, Duracell, or Panasonic will last longer and perform more reliably than a generic or off-brand battery. The price difference is usually only $1 or $2, and it is worth it for consistent performance.

Step-by-step battery replacement

Step 1: Locate the metal back. Hold your AirTag in your hand. The stainless steel back is the shiny metal side opposite the white plastic face with the Apple logo. This is what you will twist off.

Step 2: Twist the back counterclockwise. Using your thumb and fingers, grip the metal back and twist it counterclockwise (the same direction you turn a jar lid to open it). You do not need to grip hard—just steady pressure. The back will loosen and come free after a quarter to half turn. Set it aside on a clean surface.

Step 3: Remove the old battery. Inside the metal back, you will see a round battery sitting in a small metal cup. Gently tip the AirTag or use your fingernail to pry the old battery out. It should come free easily. If it is stuck, try tilting the AirTag slightly or using a plastic spoon handle to nudge it out—do not use anything sharp that could damage the inside.

Step 4: Insert the new battery. Take your new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side is flat and marked with a plus sign (+)—this is the positive side. Place the battery into the metal cup with the positive side facing up (toward the outside of the AirTag). The battery should sit flat and snug in the cup.

Step 5: Twist the back closed. Align the metal back with the white plastic case and twist it clockwise (the direction you turn a jar lid to close it). Twist until you feel or hear a click—this means the back is seated properly and the battery connection is complete. Do not over-tighten; a firm click is enough.

When to replace your AirTag battery

Your AirTag will send you a notification on your iPhone when the battery is running low. This alert usually appears about a month before the battery is completely dead, giving you time to pick up a replacement without your AirTag going offline. A fresh CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year under normal use.

If you use your AirTag heavily—checking its location multiple times a day or keeping it in an area with poor Bluetooth signal—the battery may drain faster. If you rarely check on it, the battery may last longer than a year. The notification is the most reliable signal that replacement time has arrived.

What to do if your AirTag does not work after battery replacement

If you replace the battery and your AirTag does not show up in the Find My app, the most common cause is a loose connection. Remove the metal back again and check that the battery is sitting flat in the cup with the positive side facing up. Twist the back closed firmly until you hear the click, then wait 10 to 15 seconds for the AirTag to reconnect.

If the AirTag still does not appear, hold it within a few inches of your iPhone and open the Find My app. Your phone should detect the AirTag and reconnect it automatically. If you see a message asking you to set up the AirTag again, tap that option and follow the on-screen steps. This usually takes less than a minute and restores full function.

In rare cases, the battery itself may be defective. If a new battery from a reputable brand does not work, try a different battery from a different package or brand. If the AirTag still does not respond, the device itself may have a hardware problem, and you may need to contact Apple Support.

Where to buy replacement CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the battery aisle, usually near the checkout. Supermarkets like Walmart and Target carry them in the electronics or pharmacy section. You can also order them online from Amazon, Best Buy, or the Apple Store if you prefer to have them delivered.

A single CR2032 battery costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it. Buying a multi-pack of four or eight batteries is often cheaper per battery if you have other devices that use CR2032s, such as watches, calculators, or car key fobs. Check the package to confirm it says CR2032 before you buy—some packages contain similar-looking batteries with different model numbers that will not work in your AirTag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage output than standard alkaline CR2032s, which can cause the AirTag to drain faster or behave unpredictably. Stick with a standard alkaline CR2032 for best results.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

If you insert the battery with the negative side facing up, the AirTag will not work at all. You will not see any response when you twist the back closed. straightforward remove the back again, flip the battery so the positive side (+) faces up, and close it. There is no damage from inserting it backwards.

Do I need to remove my AirTag from its holder or keychain to change the battery?

No. The metal back comes off independently from any holder or case. You can leave your AirTag in its keychain, leather case, or holder and straightforward twist off the metal back to access the battery. This is one of the advantages of the AirTag design.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A standard CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag under typical use. If you check your AirTag's location frequently or it is in an area with weak Bluetooth signal, the battery may drain faster. Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, usually about a month before it dies completely.

Can I buy AirTag batteries directly from Apple?

Apple does not sell CR2032 batteries separately. You will need to purchase them from a retailer that sells batteries, such as a pharmacy, electronics store, or online marketplace. Any standard CR2032 alkaline battery from any brand will work in your AirTag.