AirTags use a standard battery that lasts about one year, then stops working until you replace it

An AirTag runs on a single CR2032 coin cell battery — the same type used in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. Apple rates the battery to last roughly one year under normal use. When the battery dies, the AirTag stops transmitting its location and will no longer work. You cannot recharge it; you must buy a new CR2032 battery and swap it out yourself.

The AirTag will warn you before the battery is completely dead. When the battery gets low, your iPhone sends you a notification saying the battery needs to be replaced. This usually happens a few weeks before the AirTag stops working entirely, giving you time to pick up a replacement battery before you lose tracking on your item.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that lasts approximately one year with normal use.
  • When the battery dies, the AirTag stops working completely and cannot be recharged.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, typically several weeks before it fails.
  • Replacing the battery takes less than a minute and costs between two and five dollars for a new CR2032.
  • How long a battery actually lasts depends on how often the AirTag transmits, which varies by how much you move the item it is attached to.

How to know when your AirTag battery is running low

Open the Find My app on your iPhone and tap the Items tab at the bottom. Select the AirTag you want to check. If the battery is low, you will see a yellow or red battery icon next to the AirTag's name, and a message saying "Battery Low" or "Replace Battery Soon." Tap on the AirTag name to see more details.

You can also check battery status in the Find My app by swiping down on the AirTag's card. The battery percentage appears at the top. Once it drops below 10 percent, the low-battery warning appears on your iPhone. Some users report receiving the notification when the battery still has a few weeks of life left, so you do not need to replace it the moment you see the alert.

How to replace an AirTag battery

Replacing the battery takes about 30 seconds. Hold the AirTag with the polished stainless steel side facing up. Press down on the steel back cover and twist it counterclockwise until it stops — you will feel it loosen after about a quarter turn. The cover pops off, and the old CR2032 battery slides out.

Drop the new CR2032 battery in with the positive side facing up (the side with the + symbol should face you). Press the steel cover back on and twist it clockwise until it clicks. The AirTag will chime, and your iPhone will show the battery as full again within a few seconds. If the AirTag does not chime, the battery may be inserted upside down — flip it and try again.

What affects how long the battery lasts

The one-year estimate assumes average use, but actual battery life depends on how often your AirTag transmits its location. An AirTag attached to your keys that stays in your pocket most of the time will use less battery than one on a frequently-moved suitcase or a pet collar. The more the AirTag moves around, the more often it broadcasts its location to nearby Apple devices, and the faster the battery drains.

Temperature also plays a small role. CR2032 batteries perform worse in very cold conditions, so an AirTag left in a freezing car or outdoor storage may drain faster than one kept at room temperature. However, this is a minor factor for most users in typical climates.

Where to buy replacement CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold at nearly every pharmacy, grocery store, and hardware store. You can find them at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Home Depot, and most supermarkets in the battery aisle. A single battery usually costs between two and five dollars. You can also order them online from Amazon or other retailers, though buying locally means you do not have to wait for shipping.

Some retailers sell multipacks of CR2032 batteries at a lower per-battery cost if you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use the same battery. A pack of four or eight batteries typically costs five to ten dollars total.

What happens if you ignore the low-battery warning

If you do not replace the battery after the warning, the AirTag will eventually stop working. Once the battery is completely dead, the AirTag cannot transmit its location, and the Find My app will show it as offline. You will not be able to track the item until you install a new battery.

If your AirTag is attached to something you use regularly — like a wallet or keys — you will notice it stops working because the Find My app will no longer show its location. If it is on something you do not check often, like a suitcase in storage, you might not realize the battery has died until you need to find that item.

Can you extend AirTag battery life

There is no way to extend the battery life of an AirTag itself. The CR2032 is a fixed-capacity battery, and once it is installed, it will drain at its normal rate. However, you can reduce how often the AirTag transmits by keeping it in a location where it does not move much. An AirTag on a stationary item uses less power than one on something that moves frequently.

Apple does not offer settings to adjust the transmission frequency or power mode of an AirTag. The device automatically manages its power based on movement and proximity to other Apple devices. You cannot manually control this behavior through the Find My app or any other setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recharge an AirTag instead of replacing the battery?

No. AirTags do not have rechargeable batteries and cannot be charged. You must remove the old CR2032 battery and install a new one. There is no charging port or wireless charging capability on an AirTag.

How do I know if my AirTag battery is dead or if the AirTag itself is broken?

If the Find My app shows the AirTag as offline and you have not received a low-battery warning in weeks, the battery is likely dead. Try replacing it with a new CR2032 first. If the AirTag still does not appear online after you install a fresh battery, the device itself may be faulty, and you should contact Apple Support.

What if I lose the back cover when I replace the battery?

The stainless steel back cover is replaceable. You can order a replacement from Apple's website or contact Apple Support to purchase one. The cover costs a few dollars. Without the cover, the battery can fall out, and the AirTag will not work.

Do all AirTags use the same battery?

Yes. All AirTag models use a CR2032 coin cell battery. Whether you own the original AirTag or a newer version, the battery type is the same, and replacement batteries from any manufacturer will work.

Will my AirTag still work if the battery is low but not dead?

Yes. Even when the battery is low and your iPhone shows the warning, the AirTag will continue to work and transmit its location. The low-battery notification just means you should plan to replace it soon. The AirTag does not stop working until the battery is completely depleted.