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

AirTag batteries do not recharge. Instead, each AirTag contains a single CR2032 coin cell battery that you replace when it runs out. This is a standard battery you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for roughly $3 to $8 for a pack of several. Apple estimates each battery lasts about one year under normal use, though the actual lifespan depends on how often your AirTag sends location signals.

The battery compartment is on the back of the AirTag. You press down on the stainless steel cover, twist it counterclockwise, and lift it off to access the battery. The old battery comes out, and you drop the new CR2032 in with the positive side facing up. The whole swap takes less than a minute.

Your iPhone or iPad will notify you when the battery is running low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to pick up a replacement before the AirTag stops working.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that you buy separately and replace yourself when it drains.
  • Each battery typically lasts about one year, though frequent use or cold temperatures can shorten that time.
  • Your iPhone alerts you when the battery is low, so you have time to purchase and install a replacement before the AirTag stops tracking.
  • CR2032 batteries cost between $3 and $8 per pack and are sold at most pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers.
  • Replacing the battery takes under one minute and requires no tools — just press, twist, and swap.

How to replace an AirTag battery

Start by holding the AirTag with the stainless steel back facing you. Locate the circular metal cover on the back. Press down firmly on this cover with your thumb or finger, then twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. You will feel it loosen. Lift the cover straight up and set it aside.

The old CR2032 battery will be sitting in the compartment with the positive side (marked with a + symbol) facing up. Use your fingernail or a plastic tool to pry it out gently. Do not use a metal tool, as this can damage the battery compartment. Drop the new CR2032 battery in with the positive side facing up — this is the only orientation that works. Press the stainless steel cover back down and twist it clockwise until it clicks and sits flush with the AirTag body.

Your iPhone should recognize the new battery within a few seconds. If it does not, try removing and reinserting the battery to make sure it is making contact. Once the battery is seated properly, the AirTag will resume tracking and your phone will stop showing the low battery warning.

What happens when the battery dies

When a CR2032 battery fully drains, the AirTag stops transmitting its location. Your iPhone will show the AirTag as offline, and you will not be able to locate it using the Find My app. The AirTag itself does not break — it straightforward stops working until you install a fresh battery.

If you have lost an AirTag and cannot find it, a dead battery means it will not help you locate it. However, if someone else with an Apple device walks past the dead AirTag, their device may still detect it and relay its location to you through Find My, though this is less reliable than an active AirTag.

Choosing the right CR2032 battery

Any standard CR2032 coin cell battery will work in an AirTag. You do not need to buy Apple-branded batteries or any special version. Look for batteries labeled CR2032 at pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, grocery stores, electronics retailers, or online marketplaces. Duracell, Energizer, and store-brand versions all function identically in an AirTag.

Avoid counterfeit batteries from unknown sellers, especially on third-party marketplaces. Fake batteries may not hold a charge or could damage the AirTag. Stick to established retailers or the battery section of major drugstores if you want to be certain of quality.

Some people buy CR2032 batteries in bulk packs of 10 or 20 to keep on hand, since they are inexpensive and useful for other devices like watches, calculators, and car key fobs. This can lower your per-battery cost to $0.30 to $0.50 each.

Factors that affect battery life

Apple's one-year estimate assumes average use. Battery life shortens if your AirTag is constantly searching for a lost item, which causes it to transmit location signals more frequently. An AirTag in your everyday bag or on your keys will last longer than one you are actively using to track something you cannot find.

Cold temperatures also drain CR2032 batteries faster. If you leave an AirTag in a freezing car or outdoors in winter, expect the battery to die sooner than the standard estimate. Conversely, an AirTag kept indoors at room temperature will likely reach the full year of use.

The age of the battery matters too. CR2032 batteries have a shelf life, and old stock may not last as long as fresh batteries. Batteries purchased recently will perform better than ones sitting in a drawer for years.

Common mistakes when replacing batteries

The most frequent error is installing the battery upside down. The CR2032 must go in with the positive side (marked +) facing up. If you insert it backwards, the AirTag will not work, but the battery will not be damaged. straightforward remove it, flip it, and reinstall it correctly.

Another mistake is forcing the metal cover too hard when twisting. The cover should turn smoothly with gentle pressure. If you feel strong resistance, stop and check that you are twisting in the correct direction (counterclockwise to open, clockwise to close). Forcing it can strip the threads and make the cover difficult to seal properly.

Some people also forget to press down on the cover before twisting. The cover must be pressed down first, or it will not turn. If the cover seems stuck, make sure you are pressing down with steady pressure while twisting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recharge an AirTag battery instead of replacing it?

No. AirTags do not have rechargeable batteries. The CR2032 is a single-use coin cell that you replace when it drains. There is no charging port or wireless charging capability on an AirTag.

How do I know when my AirTag battery is low?

Your iPhone sends a notification when the battery is running low, usually several weeks before it dies completely. You can also check the battery status in the Find My app by selecting the AirTag and looking at its details. The notification gives you plenty of time to purchase a replacement battery.

What if I lose the metal cover when replacing the battery?

The metal cover is replaceable. You can contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to purchase a replacement cover. Without it, the battery compartment is exposed and the AirTag is more vulnerable to damage, so it is worth replacing if you lose it.

Do different brands of CR2032 batteries last longer in an AirTag?

No. All CR2032 batteries perform the same way in an AirTag, regardless of brand. Duracell, Energizer, and generic versions all last about one year under normal use. The difference between brands is minimal for this process, so buying the cheapest option is fine.

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage output than standard CR2032 batteries, which can cause the AirTag to behave unpredictably or stop working sooner. Stick with standard single-use CR2032 batteries for reliable performance.