Yes, you can change the AirTag battery yourself in about 10 seconds
The battery in an AirTag is user-replaceable, and Apple designed it to be straightforward. You do not need tools, a technician, or a trip to a store. The entire process takes less than a minute, and the battery costs between $3 and $8 depending on where you buy it.
AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery, the same type found in watches, calculators, and hearing aids. When your AirTag stops working or the app tells you the battery is low, a fresh CR2032 is all you need. The tricky part is not the battery swap itself—it is knowing which way the battery goes in.
Key Takeaways
- AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for a few dollars.
- To open the AirTag, press down on the stainless steel back and twist counterclockwise until the white plastic ring comes loose.
- The new battery goes in with the positive side (the shiny side with the + symbol) facing up toward you.
- The battery lasts about one year under normal use, and the AirTag will notify you through the Find My app when it is running low.
What battery type your AirTag needs
An AirTag requires one CR2032 lithium coin cell battery. This is a standard battery size sold everywhere—pharmacies, supermarkets, hardware stores, and online. You will see it labeled as CR2032, and it is the same battery used in car key fobs, small flashlights, and medical devices.
Do not buy a generic or off-brand version if you can avoid it. Panasonic, Energizer, and Duracell CR2032 batteries are reliable and cost only slightly more. A single battery typically costs $3 to $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it. A pack of four or five batteries costs less per unit if you have multiple devices that use them.
Check the expiration date on the package before you buy. A battery sitting on a shelf for years loses charge even when unused. If the date is more than two years away, you are fine. If it is closer than that, pick a fresher pack.
How to open your AirTag and remove the old battery
Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back facing up. Place your thumb on the steel back and press down firmly—you will feel resistance. While pressing, twist the white plastic ring counterclockwise (the same direction you would unscrew a jar lid). After about a quarter turn, the ring will loosen and you can lift it away.
Once the ring is off, the battery sits in a shallow cup inside the plastic case. It looks like a small silver coin. Lift it straight out with your fingernail or a plastic spoon. Do not use a metal tool that could scratch the inside of the case or damage the battery contacts.
If the battery is stuck, do not force it. Tilt the AirTag so the battery slides toward the edge of the cup, then gently pry it up from the side. The battery should come free with light pressure.
Installing the new battery the right way
Before you put the new battery in, look at both sides. One side is shiny and stamped with a + symbol—that is the positive side. The other side is flat and unmarked—that is the negative side. The positive side must face up toward you when the battery sits in the cup.
Drop the battery into the cup with the + side up. It should sit flat and flush with the rim. If it tilts or sits crooked, remove it and try again. A battery that is not seated properly can cause the AirTag to lose connection or fail to turn on.
Once the battery is in place, line up the white plastic ring with the grooves on the AirTag case and twist clockwise until it stops. You will feel it click into place. Do not over-tighten—a firm twist is enough. The ring should be snug but not so tight that you cannot remove it later.
How to know when the battery needs replacing
Your iPhone or iPad will send you a notification through the Find My app when the AirTag battery is low. The notification appears on your lock screen and in the Find My app itself. You will see a message like "AirTag battery low" along with the name of the AirTag.
Under normal use—checking the AirTag location a few times a week—a CR2032 battery lasts about one year. If you check your AirTag constantly or use it in a location with many other Bluetooth devices, the battery may drain faster. If you rarely use it, the battery may last longer.
Do not wait until the battery is completely dead to replace it. Once the battery runs out, the AirTag stops sending location data and you cannot find it. Replace it as soon as you see the low battery warning.
Common mistakes to avoid when changing the battery
The most common error is installing the battery upside down. If the negative side faces up instead of the positive side, the AirTag will not work. If you install the battery and the AirTag does not respond in the Find My app after a few seconds, remove the battery, flip it over, and try again.
Another mistake is not seating the battery fully in the cup. A battery that sits at an angle or does not touch the contacts will cause the AirTag to malfunction or turn off randomly. Make sure the battery lies flat and centered before you close the ring.
Do not use old or expired batteries. A battery that has been sitting in a drawer for years may not have enough charge to power the AirTag reliably. Always use a fresh battery from a sealed package with a date at least a year in the future.
Finally, do not over-tighten the plastic ring. The ring is designed to twist on by hand, and hand-tight is sufficient. If you use pliers or force it, you can crack the plastic or strip the threads, and then the ring will not seal properly.
What to do with the old battery
Do not throw a used CR2032 battery in the trash. Lithium batteries contain materials that can harm the environment if they end up in a landfill. Most pharmacies and electronics stores have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. Drop the old battery there at no cost.
If your local store does not have a recycling bin, search online for "battery recycling near me" or visit Earth911.org, which has a database of recycling locations by zip code. Some municipalities also accept batteries at hazardous waste collection events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different battery size in my AirTag?
No. AirTags are designed only for CR2032 batteries. Using a different size or type of battery will not fit in the case, and forcing it in could damage the AirTag or create a safety hazard. Stick with CR2032.
What happens if I put the battery in backwards?
The AirTag will not work. If you install the battery with the negative side facing up, the contacts will not connect properly and the device will not power on. If this happens, remove the battery, flip it over so the + side faces up, and reinstall it.
How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?
A CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year with normal use. The exact lifespan depends on how often you check the AirTag's location and how many Bluetooth devices are nearby. Heavy use drains the battery faster; light use extends it.
Can I replace the battery while the AirTag is attached to my keys or bag?
Yes. You do not need to remove the AirTag from your keychain or bag to change the battery. Just hold it steady, open the back, swap the battery, and close it again. The entire process works the same whether the AirTag is attached to something or sitting on a table.
Is it safe to handle a CR2032 battery with my bare hands?
Yes, it is safe. CR2032 batteries are designed for consumer use and pose no risk from normal handling. You do not need gloves or special precautions. Just avoid swallowing the battery or exposing it to extreme heat.