AirTags Include a Pre-Installed Battery Ready to Use

Yes, AirTags come with a battery already inside and ready to go. When you open a new AirTag, you'll find a CR2032 coin cell battery already installed behind a small plastic tab. You straightforward remove that tab, and the AirTag powers on when ready—no separate purchase or installation needed.

The battery is not rechargeable. Once it runs down, you replace it with a new CR2032 battery, which you can buy at most drugstores, supermarkets, or online retailers for a few dollars. Apple estimates the battery lasts about one year under normal use, though that varies depending on how often your AirTag sends location updates.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags ship with a CR2032 coin cell battery already installed and activated by a plastic pull-tab.
  • The battery is not rechargeable and typically lasts about one year before needing replacement.
  • Replacement CR2032 batteries are inexpensive and widely available at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low, giving you time to buy a replacement before it dies.

How to set up Your New AirTag

Activating an AirTag takes seconds. Open the small compartment on the back by twisting it counterclockwise until it stops—you'll see the battery and a thin plastic tab sticking out. Pull that tab straight out, and the AirTag powers on. You'll feel a small vibration and hear a sound confirming it's working.

After you remove the tab, hold the AirTag near your iPhone (or iPad) with Bluetooth enabled. Your device will prompt you to add it to your Apple ID account and give it a name—like "Keys" or "Backpack." That's all there is to it. The AirTag is now tracking and will show up in the Find My app.

Understanding Battery Life and Replacement

Apple rates the CR2032 battery to last approximately one year, but real-world life depends on how much your AirTag is being used. If you're constantly checking its location or if it's in a place where it's sending frequent updates, the battery will drain faster. An AirTag sitting in a desk drawer will use less power than one attached to a frequently-moved item like a dog collar or a travel bag.

You don't have to guess when to replace it. Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it completely dies. This gives you time to pick up a replacement battery without your AirTag going offline unexpectedly. When you're ready to replace it, straightforward twist open the back compartment again, remove the old battery, and slide in a new CR2032.

Where to Buy Replacement Batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin cell batteries made, so they're straightforward to find. You can buy them at pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, grocery stores, hardware stores, and big-box retailers like Target or Walmart. Online, they're available through Amazon, Best Buy, and many other retailers. A pack of two or four batteries typically costs between $3 and $8.

When shopping, make sure you're buying CR2032 specifically—not CR2025 or CR2016, which are similar-looking but won't work in an AirTag. The packaging will clearly label it as CR2032. Some batteries are labeled as DL2032 or ECR2032, which are the same thing under different naming systems and will work fine in your AirTag.

What Happens When the Battery Dies

When an AirTag's battery completely dies, it stops working when ready. You won't be able to see its location in Find My, and it won't send any updates. However, the AirTag itself isn't damaged—it will work perfectly once you install a fresh battery. There's no permanent harm to the device, and you don't need to reset anything or re-pair it with your iPhone.

If your AirTag's battery dies while it's tracking something you've lost, you lose the ability to locate it until you replace the battery. This is why the low-battery notification is useful—it gives you a window to replace the battery before that happens. If you do end up with a dead AirTag, straightforward install a new battery and it will resume working within moments.

Tips for Extending Battery Life

While you can't dramatically extend the life of a CR2032 battery, a few habits can help it last closer to the full year. Keep your AirTag in a location with good Bluetooth range from your iPhone or other Apple devices—weak signal causes the AirTag to work harder and drain the battery faster. If you're using an AirTag on something you rarely move, consider turning off notifications in the Find My app to reduce how often it's sending updates.

Also, avoid exposing your AirTag to extreme temperatures. Very hot or very cold environments can reduce battery performance. Store replacement batteries in a cool, dry place, and don't leave an AirTag in a hot car or freezing garage for extended periods if you want to maximize battery life. These are minor factors, but they add up over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them. Rechargeable versions have different voltage characteristics that may cause the AirTag to behave unpredictably or drain faster than a standard battery. Stick with standard, non-rechargeable CR2032 batteries for reliable performance.

How do I know if my AirTag battery is low?

Your iPhone will send you a notification in the Find My app when the battery is running low. You'll see a message saying the battery needs to be replaced. You can also check the battery status manually by opening Find My, selecting the AirTag, and looking at the battery indicator at the top of the screen.

What if I lose the plastic tab before I use my AirTag?

If the tab is lost or removed before you're ready to use the AirTag, the battery is already active and will start draining. You can still use the AirTag normally—just pair it with your iPhone as usual. The battery will last about one year from the moment the tab was removed, so you haven't damaged anything.

Do different AirTag models use different batteries?

All AirTags, including the standard AirTag and the AirTag Keychain, use the same CR2032 battery. There's no difference in battery type between models, so any CR2032 will work in any AirTag.