Yes, you can replace the battery yourself in about one minute
AirTag batteries are user-replaceable. You do not need tools, a technician, or an Apple Store appointment. The battery compartment is on the back of the device, and Apple designed it so you can open and close it by hand. A fresh CR2032 coin-cell battery costs between $3 and $8 at most drugstores, grocery stores, and online retailers.
When your AirTag stops working or the app warns you the battery is low, a replacement battery will restore it to full function. The process takes about 60 seconds and works the same way whether your AirTag is a standard model or a newer version.
Key Takeaways
- AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells that you can buy at any drugstore or supermarket for a few dollars.
- Open the back of the AirTag by pressing and twisting the stainless steel battery cover counterclockwise until it stops.
- Remove the old battery, insert the new one with the positive side facing up, and twist the cover back on clockwise until it clicks.
- Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, usually giving you several weeks of warning before the AirTag stops working.
What battery does an AirTag use
AirTags use a CR2032 lithium coin-cell battery. This is a standard battery type found in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and medical devices. It is 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick, and it costs between $3 and $8 for a single battery or a pack of several.
You can buy CR2032 batteries at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Amazon, Best Buy, and most grocery stores. They are not special or hard to find. Some pharmacies keep them behind the counter, but most stock them in the battery aisle near the checkout.
How to open the AirTag and remove the old battery
The back of your AirTag has a stainless steel cover with a small notch. Place your fingernail or a coin in the notch and press down while turning the cover counterclockwise. You do not need to turn far — usually a quarter turn is enough. The cover will pop off or come loose enough to lift away by hand.
Once the cover is off, you will see the old battery sitting in a shallow cup. It is a flat, round, silver disc. Lift it out with your fingernail or a plastic tool. Do not force it; if it is stuck, try tilting the AirTag slightly so gravity helps. Throw the old battery away or recycle it if your area has a battery recycling program.
How to insert the new battery
Take your new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side is flat and shiny (the positive terminal), and the other side is slightly recessed (the negative terminal). Hold the battery so the positive side — the shiny, flat side — faces up toward the sky.
Drop the battery into the cup on the back of the AirTag. It should sit flat and level. Now pick up the stainless steel cover and align the notch with the small post on the AirTag body. Press down and turn the cover clockwise until you hear or feel a click. The cover should be snug but not so tight that you strain your hand. If it does not click, remove it and check that the battery is sitting flat in the cup, then try again.
How to know when the battery is running low
Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is low. This warning usually comes weeks before the battery is completely dead, so you have time to buy a replacement without the AirTag stopping work. Open the Find My app, tap Items, select your AirTag, and scroll down to see the current battery status.
If you see a low battery warning but the AirTag is still working, you can keep using it for a while longer. However, it is a good idea to replace the battery within a week or two so the AirTag does not die while you are relying on it to track something important.
What to do if the cover is stuck or hard to open
If the cover will not budge, try using a coin with a thinner edge — a dime works better than a penny for some people. Press down firmly while turning, and be patient. The cover is designed to be hand-operated, so you should not need a tool or excessive force.
If the cover still will not open after several tries, or if you see cracks in the plastic body, stop and contact Apple Support. Forcing a stuck cover can damage the AirTag. Apple can replace the battery for you, though this usually requires a trip to an Apple Store or shipping the device to Apple.
How long does an AirTag battery last
Apple estimates that a CR2032 battery in an AirTag lasts about one year under normal use. The actual lifespan depends on how often your iPhone checks the AirTag's location and how much the AirTag is moving around. An AirTag on your keys that you use every day may need a battery change sooner than one on a suitcase you travel with a few times a year.
Once you replace the battery, your AirTag will work exactly as it did when it was new. There is no need to reset it, pair it again, or do anything else — just close the cover and go.
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 batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are different sizes and will not fit properly or work correctly. Always use a CR2032.
What happens if I put the battery in upside down?
The AirTag will not work. The battery cup is designed so that only the correct orientation fits properly. If you insert the battery with the negative side up, it straightforward will not make contact. Remove the cover, flip the battery so the positive side faces up, and try again.
Do I need to tell Apple or the Find My app that I replaced the battery?
No. The AirTag will start working when ready once you close the cover. Your iPhone will recognize the battery is now good and the low battery warning will disappear within a few minutes.
Is it safe to replace the battery myself, or should I go to Apple?
It is completely safe to replace the battery yourself. Apple designed AirTag specifically so owners could do this without tools or special knowledge. You do not need to visit an Apple Store unless the cover is damaged or stuck.