Yes, AirTag includes a battery when you buy it

An AirTag comes with a CR2032 coin cell battery already installed. You do not need to buy a separate battery before you can use it. The battery is ready to go the moment you unbox the device and pair it with your iPhone or iPad.

Apple includes the battery as part of the standard package because the AirTag is designed to work when ready after setup. You straightforward remove the plastic pull-tab that isolates the battery from the contacts, and the device activates. There is no assembly required.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag ships with a CR2032 battery installed and ready to use — no purchase or installation needed before first use.
  • The battery lasts roughly one year under normal use, after which you replace it with a standard CR2032 coin cell available at most retailers.
  • When the battery runs low, your iPhone sends you a notification and the AirTag's Bluetooth range shrinks before it stops working entirely.
  • Replacement CR2032 batteries cost between $3 and $8 for a pack, making ongoing use inexpensive compared to the initial AirTag purchase.
  • You can replace the battery yourself by twisting open the back of the AirTag — no tools or technical skill required.

How long the included battery lasts

The CR2032 battery that comes in your AirTag typically lasts around one year under normal use. Apple's estimate assumes you are using the AirTag in the standard way — checking its location occasionally through the Find My app rather than constantly pinging it or using it in a high-traffic area where it broadcasts its location frequently.

Heavy use shortens battery life. If you are tracking a frequently-moved item or live in a dense urban area where the AirTag is constantly communicating with nearby Apple devices, you may see the battery drain faster — sometimes in six to nine months. Light use, such as attaching an AirTag to a rarely-moved item like a suitcase, can stretch battery life closer to 18 months.

You will receive a notification on your iPhone when the battery is running low, giving you time to plan a replacement before the AirTag stops working.

What happens when you need a new battery

Replacing the battery is straightforward and costs very little. A CR2032 coin cell battery — the same type used in watches, calculators, and car key fobs — is sold at drugstores, supermarkets, electronics retailers, and online. A single battery costs between $3 and $8, or you can buy a pack of four or more for less per unit.

To replace the battery, hold the AirTag with the white side facing down and twist the stainless steel back counterclockwise until it comes loose. Remove the old battery, insert the new CR2032 with the positive side facing up, and twist the back clockwise until it clicks. The AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically.

The entire process takes less than a minute and requires no tools. If you are uncomfortable opening the device yourself, Apple Stores and many electronics retailers will replace the battery for you, though this usually costs more than buying the battery and doing it yourself.

Why Apple includes the battery instead of selling it separately

Including a battery makes the AirTag when ready usable. If you had to buy and install a battery before first use, many people would set the device aside and forget about it, or would be frustrated by an extra step at the point of purchase. By including the battery, Apple removes friction from the setup process.

The CR2032 is also one of the cheapest batteries to manufacture at scale, so the cost to Apple is minimal. The real expense is in the AirTag itself — the wireless chip, the speaker, and the precision engineering. The battery is a consumable item that you replace periodically, similar to how you replace the battery in a TV remote or a smoke detector.

Comparing AirTag battery life to other trackers

AirTag's one-year battery life is competitive with other small Bluetooth trackers. Tile trackers, which are a common alternative, also use replaceable coin cell batteries and last roughly one year. Some newer Tile models claim slightly longer battery life, but the difference is usually measured in weeks rather than months.

The advantage of AirTag is that it uses the Find My network, which means it can locate your item even if it is far away and not near your own devices. This broader network coverage comes at the cost of slightly higher power consumption than some trackers that only work within Bluetooth range of your phone.

If battery life is your primary concern, look at the specific model you are considering. Some trackers advertise two-year battery life, but they typically have a smaller range or fewer features. For most people, one year is a reasonable trade-off for the Find My network's coverage.

Storing and handling the included battery

The battery that comes with your AirTag is isolated by a plastic pull-tab during shipping and storage. This prevents the battery from draining while the AirTag sits on a shelf or in a warehouse. When you open the box, you straightforward pull this tab out, and the battery activates.

If you purchase an AirTag and do not plan to use it when ready, leave the pull-tab in place. This keeps the battery fresh for when you are ready to set up the device. Once you remove the tab, the battery begins to drain, so only pull it when you are ready to pair the AirTag with your iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 coin cell batteries. Using a different battery type or size will not fit, and attempting to force a different battery into the device can damage it. Stick with CR2032 replacements, which are widely available and inexpensive.

Does the battery come charged, or do I need to charge it first?

The battery comes fully charged and ready to use. You do not need to charge it before removing the pull-tab and pairing the AirTag. straightforward pull the tab and set up the device on your iPhone.

What should I do with the old battery after I replace it?

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not be thrown in the trash. Take used batteries to a retailer that accepts battery recycling — most electronics stores, Best Buy locations, and some supermarkets have collection bins. Some municipalities also have hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off batteries for free.

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

No. You will receive a low-battery notification first, and the AirTag's Bluetooth range will shrink before it stops working entirely. This gives you time to replace the battery before the device becomes unusable. However, once the battery is completely dead, the AirTag will not transmit its location until you install a new one.

Can I buy extra batteries to keep on hand?

Yes. Buying a pack of CR2032 batteries in advance is a practical choice if you own multiple AirTags or want to avoid a trip to the store when a battery dies. A four-pack costs roughly the same as two individual batteries, so buying in bulk saves money over time.