AirTags use replaceable coin-cell batteries, not built-in rechargeable ones

Yes, AirTags have batteries—but not the kind you charge. Each AirTag runs on a single CR2032 coin-cell battery, a small round battery about the size of a dime. You can buy these batteries at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for a few dollars. When the battery runs out, you pop off the back of the AirTag and swap in a fresh one. The whole process takes less than a minute.

Apple designed AirTags this way deliberately. A coin-cell battery lasts roughly one year under normal use, which means you replace it once annually rather than hunting for a charger or waiting for the device to power up. The battery is user-replaceable, so you do not need to send the AirTag anywhere or pay for a replacement unit.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin-cell battery that you can replace yourself in seconds without tools.
  • A single battery lasts about one year before the AirTag alerts you that it needs replacing.
  • CR2032 batteries cost a few dollars and are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online.
  • You do not need to charge an AirTag or send it in for service when the battery dies.

How to replace the battery in your AirTag

Replacing an AirTag battery requires no tools. Hold the AirTag with the white side facing down and the stainless steel back facing up. Press down firmly on the steel back and twist it counterclockwise until it stops—you will feel it loosen. Lift the steel back away from the white plastic casing.

The old CR2032 battery will be sitting in a small metal holder inside. Lift it out and drop in the new CR2032 battery with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up. Press the steel back onto the white casing and twist it clockwise until it clicks. Your AirTag will chime to confirm the battery is installed correctly.

When your AirTag tells you the battery is low

Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac will send you a notification when an AirTag battery is running low. The notification appears in the Find My app and usually arrives a few weeks before the battery is completely dead, giving you time to pick up a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working.

If you ignore the notification and the battery dies completely, the AirTag will not transmit its location or respond to your phone. It becomes inert until you install a fresh battery. There is no harm in letting it sit dead—the AirTag itself will not be damaged by a depleted battery.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin-cell sizes in the world. You can find them at pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), grocery stores, hardware stores, and big-box retailers like Target or Walmart. Online, Amazon and eBay stock them in bulk packs, which is cheaper per battery if you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use them.

Prices vary slightly, but a single CR2032 typically costs between $1 and $3. Bulk packs of 10 or 20 batteries cost less per unit. Some people buy a small supply in advance so they have one on hand when the notification arrives, rather than making a special trip to the store.

Why Apple chose coin-cell batteries instead of rechargeable ones

Rechargeable batteries would require a charger, a charging port on the AirTag itself, and regular charging habits. Coin-cell batteries avoid all of that. They are cheap, widely available, and last long enough that you only think about them once a year. The trade-off is that you generate a small amount of battery waste, but CR2032 batteries are recyclable—most retailers that sell them also accept old ones for recycling.

The one-year lifespan also means Apple does not have to design the AirTag to be waterproof around a charging port, which keeps the device simpler and more durable. The sealed design is one reason AirTags can survive being dropped, sat on, or left in a pocket through the wash without leaking or corroding.

What happens if you use the wrong battery

Do not use a different size or type of battery in an AirTag. The CR2032 is the only battery designed to fit the compartment and work with the AirTag's electronics. Using a different battery can damage the AirTag or cause it to malfunction.

Stick to CR2032 batteries from any reputable brand—store brands work just as well as name brands like Energizer or Duracell. The battery type is printed on the side of every CR2032, so you can double-check before you buy or install one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recharge a CR2032 battery instead of replacing it?

CR2032 batteries are not designed to be recharged. Attempting to recharge them can damage the battery and create a safety hazard. Always use fresh, single-use CR2032 batteries in your AirTag.

How long does an AirTag battery actually last?

Apple states roughly one year of typical use. The exact lifespan depends on how often your AirTag is transmitting location data. If you use it daily to track a frequently-moved item, the battery may last slightly less than a year. If the AirTag sits mostly still, it may last longer.

Will my AirTag stop working when ready when the battery dies?

No. You will receive a low-battery notification weeks in advance. The AirTag will continue working until the battery is completely depleted, which usually gives you plenty of time to buy a replacement battery.

Is there a way to extend the battery life of an AirTag?

Battery life is determined by the hardware and cannot be extended through settings or software changes. The only way to keep an AirTag working is to replace the battery when it runs low.