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

AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for $3 to $8. Apple designed the AirTag so you can swap the battery without tools, without opening the device, and without sending it anywhere. The whole process takes less than a minute.

The battery lasts about one year under normal use — Apple rates it at one year before it dies. You'll get a notification on your iPhone when the battery is low, giving you time to pick up a replacement before the AirTag stops working.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that costs $3 to $8 and is sold at most stores that carry batteries.
  • You replace the battery by twisting the stainless steel back of the AirTag counterclockwise until it comes off — no tools needed.
  • The old battery pops out easily once the back is off, and you slide the new one in with the positive side facing up.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low, so you have time to buy a replacement before it dies.
  • If you buy a CR2032 battery from a pharmacy or grocery store, you can replace it when ready without waiting for shipping.

What battery does an AirTag use

The AirTag runs on one CR2032 lithium coin cell battery. This is one of the most common battery sizes in the world — it powers watches, calculators, car key fobs, and hearing aids. You can find CR2032 batteries at pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), grocery stores (in the pharmacy or electronics aisle), hardware stores, and online at Amazon or eBay.

Prices vary slightly by brand and quantity. A single CR2032 typically costs $3 to $5 at a pharmacy; a pack of four or five costs $6 to $10. Name brands like Energizer and Duracell are more expensive than store brands, but they all work the same way in an AirTag. The battery lasts about one year before it needs replacing.

How to remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up and the stainless steel back facing down. Locate the small groove that runs around the edge of the steel back — you'll see it clearly. Place your thumb on the groove and twist the steel back counterclockwise (the same direction you'd unscrew a jar lid). It will loosen after a quarter turn or so.

Once it's loose enough, lift the steel back away from the plastic body. The old CR2032 battery will be sitting inside the plastic cup, usually with the positive side (the flat side with a plus sign) facing up. The battery may fall out on its own, or you may need to gently push it out with your finger. Set the old battery aside.

How to install the new battery

Before you install the new battery, check that it's a CR2032 and that you can see the plus sign on one side. Slide the new battery into the plastic cup with the positive side facing up — the side with the plus sign should be the side you see when you look down into the cup. The battery should sit flat and snug.

Once the battery is in place, line up the steel back with the plastic body and twist it clockwise until it's snug. You'll feel a slight resistance as it tightens. Don't force it — it should stop on its own when it's fully seated. Your AirTag is now ready to use, and your iPhone will recognize the new battery within a few seconds.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is installing the battery upside down — with the negative side (the flat back) facing up instead of the positive side. If you do this, the AirTag won't work, but it won't be damaged. straightforward remove the back again, flip the battery over, and reinstall it. There's no risk of breaking anything.

Another mistake is twisting the back too hard or in the wrong direction. The back twists counterclockwise to come off and clockwise to go back on — the same motion as a jar lid. If you're meeting resistance, you're probably twisting the wrong way. Stop, reverse direction, and try again. The back should come off and go back on with gentle pressure, not force.

Don't buy a CR2025 or CR2016 by mistake — these are similar-looking batteries that are slightly thinner and won't work reliably in an AirTag. Check the number on the battery package: it should say CR2032. If you're unsure, show the package to a pharmacy worker and say "I need this for an AirTag."

When your iPhone tells you the battery is low

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is running low — usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to buy a CR2032 without the AirTag going offline. The notification appears in the Find My app under the AirTag's name, and you may also see a low-battery alert in the Notifications Center.

If you ignore the notification and the battery dies, the AirTag stops transmitting its location. You won't be able to find it using Find My until you replace the battery. The good news is that replacing it brings the AirTag back to life when ready — there's no setup or pairing required.

Where to buy a CR2032 battery

You have two main options: buy in person or order online. In-person shopping is faster if you need the battery today. Walk into any CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, or similar pharmacy and ask for a CR2032 battery. Most stores keep them in the pharmacy section or near the checkout counter. Grocery stores often carry them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's also stock CR2032 batteries.

If you prefer to order online, Amazon and eBay both sell CR2032 batteries with fast shipping. A single battery usually qualifies for Prime shipping if you have an Amazon account. Buying a pack of four or five is more economical if you have multiple devices that use CR2032 batteries or if you want spares on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage than standard alkaline CR2032 batteries, and the AirTag may not recognize them or may drain them faster. Stick with a standard alkaline CR2032 for best results.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

The AirTag straightforward won't work if the battery is installed upside down. It won't damage the device or the battery. Remove the back, flip the battery so the positive side (the plus sign) faces up, and reinstall it. The AirTag will work normally once the battery is in the correct direction.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

Apple rates the battery at about one year of typical use. The actual lifespan depends on how often the AirTag transmits its location. If you check the AirTag's location frequently or if it's in an area with many Apple devices nearby, the battery may drain faster. Your iPhone will notify you when it's running low.

Do I need to remove the AirTag from my iPhone before replacing the battery?

No. You can replace the battery while the AirTag is still paired to your iPhone. There's no need to unpair it, remove it from Find My, or do anything on your phone. Just twist off the back, swap the battery, and twist the back on. Your iPhone will recognize the new battery within seconds.

Can I buy a CR2032 battery at a grocery store or do I have to go to a pharmacy?

Most grocery stores carry CR2032 batteries in the pharmacy or electronics section, and many have them near the checkout counter. You don't have to go to a dedicated pharmacy. If you're unsure whether your local store carries them, call ahead or check their website. Pharmacies, hardware stores, and big-box retailers like Target and Walmart all stock CR2032 batteries.