AirTags use a replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery, not a built-in rechargeable one

Yes, AirTags have a battery. Each AirTag contains a single CR2032 coin cell battery, which is a small, flat, round battery about the size of a dime. This is a standard replaceable battery, not a rechargeable one built into the device. When the battery runs low, you remove the back cover of the AirTag and swap in a fresh CR2032 — you cannot charge an AirTag by plugging it in.

The CR2032 battery lasts roughly one year under normal use, though this varies depending on how often your AirTag is detected and how much it communicates with nearby Apple devices. If you use an AirTag in a bag you carry every day, the battery may last closer to a year. If it sits in a drawer most of the time, it could last longer because it is not actively searching or reporting its location as often.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags contain a single CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore or supermarket for a few dollars.
  • The battery lasts approximately one year, though heavy use or frequent location updates can shorten that time.
  • When the battery is low, your iPhone will send you a notification, giving you time to replace it before the AirTag stops working.
  • Replacing the battery takes less than a minute — press the stainless steel back cover until it clicks, twist counterclockwise, and lift it off.
  • CR2032 batteries are not rechargeable, so you will need to buy replacements rather than charge the AirTag.

How to replace the battery in an AirTag

Replacing an AirTag battery is straightforward and requires no tools. Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up. Press down firmly on the stainless steel back cover with your thumb until you hear or feel a click. Once it clicks, twist the cover counterclockwise (to the left) about a quarter turn. The cover will come loose, and you can lift it off with your fingers.

Inside, you will see the CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal holder. Lift the battery out by the edge — do not touch the flat surfaces with your bare fingers, as oils from your skin can affect performance. Drop the new CR2032 battery into the holder with the positive side (the side with the + symbol) facing up. Replace the stainless steel cover by pressing it back on and twisting clockwise until it clicks firmly into place.

After you replace the battery, your iPhone should recognize the AirTag within a few seconds. If it does not, open the Find My app, tap the Items tab, select your AirTag, and check the battery status. The app will show you whether the new battery is registering correctly.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin cell batteries sold, so you can find them almost anywhere. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the battery aisle, usually for $3 to $8 per battery or in multipacks of 4 to 10 for $10 to $20. Supermarkets with pharmacy sections carry them as well. Online retailers like Amazon sell them in bulk at lower per-battery cost if you have multiple AirTags or other devices that use CR2032s.

When you buy a replacement, check the packaging to confirm it says CR2032 — this is the exact model AirTags use. Other coin cell batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 look similar but will not fit or work correctly. If you are unsure, show a store employee the battery compartment of your AirTag, and they can point you to the right one.

When to replace the battery

Your iPhone will notify you when an AirTag battery is running low. Open the Find My app, go to the Items tab, and select the AirTag. If the battery is low, you will see a "Low Battery" warning with a battery icon showing minimal charge. You do not need to replace it when ready — the warning typically appears when the battery has a few weeks of life left, giving you time to pick up a replacement.

If you ignore the warning and the battery dies completely, the AirTag will stop communicating with the Find My network. You will not be able to locate it or see its last known location. Once you replace the battery, it will reconnect within seconds and resume normal operation.

Battery life and what affects it

The one-year estimate for CR2032 battery life in an AirTag assumes typical use — roughly one location update per day. If your AirTag is in a frequently-used item like a wallet or keys, and your iPhone checks its location multiple times daily, the battery may drain faster and last 8 to 10 months instead. Conversely, if the AirTag sits in a rarely-used bag, the battery could last 14 to 18 months.

Temperature also plays a role. Batteries drain faster in cold environments, so an AirTag left in a car during winter will use its battery more quickly than one kept at room temperature. The Bluetooth radio inside the AirTag uses most of the battery power, so any activity that increases Bluetooth communication — such as using Precision Finding on your iPhone to locate the AirTag — will shorten battery life slightly.

Why AirTags do not have rechargeable batteries

Apple chose a replaceable coin cell battery instead of a rechargeable one for practical reasons. A rechargeable battery would require a charging port or wireless charging coil, both of which would make the AirTag thicker, heavier, or more expensive. The CR2032 approach keeps the AirTag small, lightweight, and waterproof — there are no openings or electronics that could let water in.

Replaceable batteries also mean you are not dependent on a charger or cable. You can swap a fresh battery anywhere, anytime, using a battery you bought at a store. This is simpler than carrying a charger or waiting for a device to charge, especially for something as small and portable as an AirTag.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Other coin cell batteries like CR2025, CR2016, or LR2032 will not fit properly or may damage the battery compartment. Always use a CR2032 replacement.

How do I know if my AirTag battery is dead?

Your iPhone will send you a low battery notification through the Find My app before the battery dies completely. If you miss that warning and the AirTag stops responding, the battery is dead. Replace it with a fresh CR2032, and the AirTag will reconnect within seconds.

Is it safe to touch the CR2032 battery with my bare hands?

It is safe, but not ideal. Oils and moisture from your skin can slightly reduce battery performance. If possible, hold the battery by its edge or use a clean cloth. If you do touch the flat surfaces, it will still work — just avoid prolonged contact.

Do AirTags come with a battery already installed?

Yes. New AirTags come with a CR2032 battery already inside and ready to use. You do not need to install a battery before using it for the first time — just remove the plastic pull-tab from the battery compartment if present, and the AirTag will set up.

Can I buy rechargeable CR2032 batteries for my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have lower voltage output than standard CR2032 batteries and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with standard, non-rechargeable CR2032 batteries for best results.