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

AirTag batteries are user-replaceable, and Apple designed the process to be straightforward. You do not need tools, a technician, or any special knowledge. The battery compartment twists open by hand, and you swap in a fresh CR2032 coin cell battery — the same type used in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. The whole job takes less time than it takes to read these instructions.

When your AirTag stops reporting its location or the Find My app shows a low battery warning, a new CR2032 battery will restore it to full function. AirTags typically run for about one year on a single battery before the warning appears, though the exact timing depends on how often the AirTag is pinged and how far away it is from your devices.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for $3 to $8 per battery.
  • The battery compartment twists open counterclockwise by hand — no tools needed — and the battery slides out and in without any force.
  • A low battery warning in the Find My app means the battery has weeks or months of life left, not that it has failed.
  • After you insert a new battery, the AirTag reconnects to your devices within a few seconds and resumes normal tracking.

How to open the AirTag and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up. You will see a thin metal ring around the edge of the white plastic disc. Place your thumb on the metal ring and your fingers underneath the AirTag, then twist the metal ring counterclockwise — the same direction you would turn to loosen a jar lid. The ring will rotate about a quarter turn before it stops.

Once the ring stops turning, lift it away from the white plastic. The white disc will separate from the metal casing, and you will see the battery sitting in a small metal cup on the underside of the white plastic. The battery is a thin silver coin about the size of a dime. Gently push the battery out of its cup — it will pop out easily with light pressure from your finger. Do not pry or use a sharp tool, as this can damage the plastic.

Installing the new CR2032 battery

Before you buy a replacement, confirm you need a CR2032 battery. This number is printed on the old battery itself — look at the silver side. If you cannot read it clearly, the battery is a CR2032. You can buy these batteries at any pharmacy, supermarket, electronics store, or online. They cost between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and how many you buy in a pack.

Slide the new CR2032 battery into the metal cup with the flat silver side facing up — the same orientation as the old battery. The battery should sit flat and flush with the cup. Do not force it; it will slide in smoothly. Once the battery is seated, align the white plastic disc with the metal casing and press them together. Then twist the metal ring clockwise — the direction you would turn to tighten a jar lid — until it stops. You will feel a slight resistance as the threads engage.

What happens after you replace the battery

Within a few seconds of closing the AirTag, it will reconnect to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. The Find My app will show the AirTag as active again, and the low battery warning will disappear. If you do not see the AirTag appear in Find My right away, wait 30 seconds and open the app again. The AirTag may take a moment to establish a connection, especially if it has been offline for a while.

Once the AirTag is back online, it works exactly as it did before the battery ran low. You can track it, play a sound on it, and see its location in the Find My app. The new battery will last approximately one year before you see another low battery warning.

Common mistakes to avoid when replacing the battery

The most common error is twisting the metal ring in the wrong direction. Remember: counterclockwise to open, clockwise to close. If you twist clockwise first, the ring will not budge — it is already tight. Do not force it. straightforward reverse direction and twist counterclockwise instead.

Another mistake is inserting the battery upside down. The flat silver side must face up toward the white plastic. If you insert it with the raised edge facing up, the AirTag will not work. The battery will not sit flush, and you may not be able to close the metal ring. If this happens, remove the battery, flip it over, and try again.

Do not use a coin, screwdriver, or other tool to pry open the metal ring. The plastic and metal are designed to separate by hand, and tools can scratch or crack the casing. If the ring feels stuck, you are likely twisting in the wrong direction.

When to replace your AirTag battery

The Find My app will show a low battery notification when the battery is running down. This warning does not mean the battery is dead — it means the battery has dropped below a certain voltage threshold. You typically have several weeks or even months of tracking time left after you see this warning. However, replacing the battery promptly prevents the AirTag from going offline unexpectedly.

If your AirTag stops appearing in Find My and you do not see a low battery warning, the battery may have failed suddenly, or the AirTag may have lost connection for another reason. Replacing the battery is the first troubleshooting step. If a new battery does not restore the AirTag, the device itself may have a hardware problem.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are widely available and inexpensive. You can find them at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, grocery stores, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. Online retailers like Amazon also stock them, often in multipacks that cost less per battery than buying a single one in a store. Some dollar stores carry them as well, though the selection may be limited.

Brand does not matter much for basic use. Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, and store brands all work equally well in AirTags. If you use AirTags regularly, buying a multipack of 5 or 10 batteries online is more economical than buying one battery at a time in a store.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Other coin cell batteries, such as CR2025 or CR2016, have different thicknesses or voltages and will not work. Using the wrong battery can damage the AirTag or cause it to malfunction.

What should I do with the old battery?

Batteries contain materials that can harm the environment if thrown in the trash. Most pharmacies, electronics stores, and municipal hazardous waste facilities accept used batteries for recycling at no cost. Some retailers like Best Buy have battery recycling bins near the checkout. Check your local waste management website for drop-off locations near you.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag. The exact duration depends on how often the AirTag is pinged by your devices and how far away it is from them. AirTags that are pinged frequently or are far from your devices may drain the battery faster.

Will replacing the battery erase my AirTag data or settings?

No. Replacing the battery does not erase any data or change any settings. Your AirTag will remain paired with your Apple ID and will keep the same name and settings you assigned to it. The only thing that changes is that the battery is now fresh.

What if the metal ring will not twist open?

Make sure you are twisting counterclockwise — the same direction you would turn to loosen a jar lid. If you have been twisting clockwise, the ring will be tighter, not looser. Reverse direction and try again. If the ring still will not budge, try wrapping a rubber band around it for better grip, then twist gently. Do not use tools or excessive force.