Yes, you can replace an AirTag battery yourself in about 30 seconds

AirTag batteries are user-replaceable. You do not need tools, a technician, or Apple support. The battery compartment is on the back of the device and opens by twisting the stainless steel ring counterclockwise. Once it pops off, you remove the old CR2032 coin battery and slide in a new one, then twist the ring back on. The whole process takes less than a minute.

Apple rates AirTag batteries to last about one year under normal use. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. You can also check the battery level in the Find My app by tapping the AirTag name and scrolling to Battery Status. The battery does not need to be completely dead before you replace it — many people swap it out as soon as they see the low battery warning.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells that you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for $3 to $8 for a pack of multiple batteries.
  • To open the battery compartment, grip the stainless steel ring on the back and twist it counterclockwise until it releases, then lift off the white plastic cover.
  • Insert the new CR2032 with the positive side facing up, then twist the ring back on clockwise until you hear a click.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, and you can check the current level anytime in the Find My app.

What battery type AirTag uses

AirTag requires a CR2032 lithium coin battery. This is one of the most common battery sizes in the world and is sold everywhere — drugstores, supermarkets, hardware stores, and online. A single CR2032 costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it. A pack of four or eight batteries usually costs less per unit than buying one at a time.

Do not use rechargeable CR2032 batteries. Apple does not recommend them, and they tend to have lower voltage than single-use lithium cells, which can cause the AirTag to behave unpredictably or fail to connect. Stick with standard alkaline or lithium CR2032 batteries from brands like Energizer, Duracell, or store brands — they all work the same way.

Step-by-step battery replacement

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel ring facing you. Use your other hand to grip the ring firmly and twist it counterclockwise. You will feel resistance at first, but keep turning — it will release after a quarter turn or so. The white plastic battery cover will pop up slightly once the ring is loose.

Lift off the ring and the white plastic cover together. Inside you will see the old CR2032 battery sitting in a shallow metal cup. Slide the old battery out — it comes out easily with a fingernail or the edge of a coin. Drop the new CR2032 into the cup with the positive side (marked with a + symbol) facing up toward you. The negative side should face down into the cup.

Place the white plastic cover back on top of the battery, then twist the stainless steel ring clockwise until it clicks into place. You should hear or feel a distinct click when it is fully seated. That click means the battery compartment is sealed and the AirTag is ready to use. The Find My app will update the battery status within a few minutes.

How long AirTag batteries last

Apple rates AirTag batteries to last approximately one year under typical use. The actual lifespan depends on how often your AirTag sends location updates, which depends on how often your iPhone is nearby and how frequently you use the Find My app to check its location.

If you use Find My constantly or if your AirTag is in a place where it regularly loses and regains connection to your phone, the battery will drain faster. If your AirTag sits in a bag or on a keychain and you rarely check on it, the battery may last longer than a year. When the battery gets low, your iPhone will show a notification and the Find My app will display a low battery warning.

Where to buy replacement CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold at nearly every pharmacy and supermarket in the United States. CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, and most grocery stores stock them in the health and beauty section or near the checkout. A single battery usually costs $4 to $8, but buying a pack of four or eight is more economical.

Online retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, and Costco sell CR2032 batteries in bulk. If you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use coin batteries, buying a larger pack makes sense — you will use them eventually. Make sure the listing says CR2032 and specifies whether they are lithium or alkaline; both work, but lithium batteries tend to last slightly longer.

What to do if the battery compartment is stuck

If the stainless steel ring will not turn, try wrapping a rubber band around it for better grip, then twist again. The ring should turn smoothly with moderate pressure — you do not need to force it. If it still will not budge after several attempts, the ring may be cross-threaded or the device may have a manufacturing defect.

Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store if the ring remains stuck after gentle attempts to open it. Do not use pliers or other tools, as they can damage the device. Apple can open it for you or replace the AirTag if the battery compartment is defective. This is rare, but it does happen occasionally with devices that have been dropped or exposed to moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Apple does not recommend rechargeable CR2032 batteries. They have lower voltage than single-use lithium cells and may cause the AirTag to malfunction or lose connection. Stick with standard alkaline or lithium CR2032 batteries from mainstream brands.

How do I know when my AirTag battery is low?

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is low. You can also open the Find My app, tap the AirTag name, and scroll down to see the Battery Status. The app shows whether the battery is good, low, or critical.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

If you insert the CR2032 with the negative side facing up, the AirTag will not work. It will not damage the device, but it will not connect to your iPhone. straightforward open the compartment again, flip the battery so the positive side faces up, and close it. The AirTag will work when ready.

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

No. Once you close the battery compartment, the AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically within a few minutes. You do not need to remove it from Find My or set it up again.

Is it cheaper to replace the battery or buy a new AirTag?

Replacing the battery is much cheaper. A CR2032 battery costs $3 to $8, while a new AirTag costs around $29. Since the battery lasts about a year and the AirTag itself lasts several years, replacing the battery multiple times is the economical choice.