AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery, which contains lithium

Yes, AirTags have lithium batteries. The battery is a CR2032 coin cell, a small round battery about the size of a dime. It is a lithium battery, not alkaline, which is why it holds a charge longer than many other small batteries and works reliably in the cold.

Apple rates the CR2032 battery to last about one year of normal use before you need to replace it. The actual lifespan depends on how often your AirTag sends location updates — an AirTag in a frequently-used backpack will drain faster than one attached to a spare set of keys in a drawer.

You can buy replacement CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, supermarket, or electronics store for between $3 and $8 for a pack of several. The battery is not soldered in; you straightforward pop off the back of the AirTag with a coin and swap it out yourself in seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags contain a CR2032 lithium coin cell battery that lasts roughly one year before replacement.
  • The battery is user-replaceable — you do not need tools or a technician, only a coin to open the back.
  • CR2032 batteries are inexpensive and widely available at drugstores, grocery stores, and online retailers.
  • Battery life varies based on how often the AirTag communicates; frequent use drains it faster than occasional use.
  • Lithium batteries perform better in cold temperatures than alkaline alternatives, which matters if your AirTag travels outdoors in winter.

Why Apple chose lithium for AirTags

Lithium batteries hold their voltage more consistently than alkaline batteries as they drain, which means an AirTag will work reliably right up until the battery is nearly dead. An alkaline battery would start to lose power gradually, and the AirTag might miss location updates before the battery was completely exhausted.

Lithium also performs better in cold weather. If you attach an AirTag to a ski jacket or leave it in a car during winter, the lithium chemistry keeps the battery responsive even when the temperature drops. Alkaline batteries slow down significantly in the cold.

The CR2032 is also one of the most common coin cell batteries in the world, used in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and hearing aids. This means you can find replacements almost anywhere, and Apple did not have to design a proprietary battery that would be harder to source.

How to replace the battery yourself

Open the AirTag by holding it flat in one hand and using a coin (a penny, dime, or quarter works) to turn the stainless steel back cover counterclockwise. The cover will pop off after a quarter turn or so — do not force it.

Lift out the old battery. The CR2032 sits in a small metal holder with a white plastic ring around it. Slide the new CR2032 in with the positive side (marked with a + or the shiny side) facing up, then press the cover back on and turn it clockwise until it is snug. You will hear or feel a small click when it seats properly.

The AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically. If it does not show as connected in the Find My app within a few seconds, try removing and reinserting the battery, making sure the positive side is facing up.

Cost and where to buy replacement batteries

A single CR2032 battery costs $1 to $3 at most retailers. A pack of two to four batteries costs $3 to $8. You can buy them at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, and most grocery stores with a pharmacy or electronics section.

Some retailers sell name-brand batteries (Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic) at a higher price, and generic or store-brand CR2032 batteries at a lower price. Both work equally well in AirTags. The battery chemistry is standardized, so the brand does not matter.

If you own multiple AirTags, buying a larger pack is more economical. A pack of 10 CR2032 batteries from Amazon or a warehouse club costs roughly $0.50 to $0.80 per battery, compared to $1 to $3 per battery at a pharmacy.

Signs your AirTag battery is running low

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. The notification appears in the Find My app and says something like "AirTag battery is low" or "Replace battery soon."

If you do not see a notification but suspect the battery is dead, open the Find My app and look at the AirTag's status. If it says "No location found" or "Not reachable," the battery may be dead, or the AirTag may be out of range. Try moving closer to it or to a window. If the status does not change after a few minutes, replace the battery.

An AirTag with a dead battery will not send location updates and will not make a sound if you press the button on the Find My app to trigger its speaker. Once you replace the battery, it will reconnect within seconds.

Lithium battery safety and disposal

CR2032 lithium batteries are safe to handle and carry in a pocket or bag. They are sealed and do not leak under normal use. Do not expose them to extreme heat, crush them, or try to recharge them — they are single-use batteries.

When the battery is dead, do not throw it in the trash. Many retailers that sell batteries, including Best Buy and some pharmacies, have battery recycling programs. You can also check Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a recycling location near you. Lithium batteries can be recycled to recover the metal and reduce waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTags are designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin cell batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically similar but have different voltage or capacity, and they will not work reliably or may damage the AirTag's circuitry. Stick with CR2032.

How do I know if I am installing the battery correctly?

The positive side of the CR2032 (marked with a + or the shiny metallic side) must face up toward the white plastic ring. If you install it upside down, the AirTag will not work. Remove it, flip it, and try again. You will see a notification in Find My when the battery is recognized.

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

No. You will receive a low-battery notification first, usually several weeks before the battery is completely dead. After that, the AirTag will gradually lose the ability to send updates. Once the battery is fully depleted, it will not communicate at all, but you will have had warning.

Is it cheaper to replace the battery or buy a new AirTag?

Replacing the battery is far cheaper. A CR2032 costs $1 to $3, while a new AirTag costs around $29. Since the battery is user-replaceable and lasts about a year, you will spend only a few dollars per year to keep an AirTag working indefinitely.

Can I use rechargeable CR2032 batteries in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage (1.5V instead of 3V) and will not power the AirTag properly. Stick with standard single-use lithium CR2032 batteries.