Yes, AirTag has a replaceable battery that lasts about one year
Your AirTag runs on a single CR2032 coin cell battery, the same type you find in watches, calculators, and hearing aids. Apple rates it to last roughly one year under normal use, though the actual lifespan depends on how often your AirTag sends location updates. When the battery gets low, your iPhone will send you a notification, and you can replace it yourself in about 10 seconds without tools or a trip to a store.
The battery is not soldered in or glued down—it sits in a compartment on the back of the AirTag that twists open. You buy a replacement CR2032 at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for a few dollars. This design means you never have to throw away the AirTag itself, and you are not locked into paying Apple for replacements.
Key Takeaways
- AirTag uses a CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy and replace yourself for a few dollars.
- Apple estimates the battery lasts about one year, but heavy use or frequent location updates may shorten that time.
- Your iPhone sends a low battery notification before the AirTag stops working, giving you time to plan a replacement.
- The battery compartment twists open by hand—no tools, screwdrivers, or special equipment needed.
How to replace the battery yourself
Open the AirTag by twisting the stainless steel back cover counterclockwise. It will separate from the white plastic body after a quarter turn or so. The CR2032 battery sits in a shallow cup and lifts straight out—there are no springs or clips holding it in place.
Drop the new CR2032 in with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up toward you. Twist the back cover clockwise until it sits flush. Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone within a few seconds, and the low battery warning will clear from the Find My app. The whole process takes less than a minute and requires no tools.
What affects how long the battery lasts
Apple's one-year estimate assumes normal use, which means your AirTag is in a bag, on a keychain, or in a pocket most of the time. The battery drains faster if you use the Find My app to play a sound on the AirTag frequently, or if you live in an area where it is constantly sending location updates to nearby iPhones.
If your AirTag is in a car you drive every day through a city, it will burn through the battery faster than one attached to a suitcase that sits in a closet. Extreme cold also reduces battery life temporarily—a CR2032 in freezing weather will report lower voltage, though it usually recovers when it warms up. If you notice the battery draining much faster than a year, check whether you are using the Find My app's sound feature repeatedly or whether the AirTag is in a high-traffic area.
Where to buy replacement CR2032 batteries
CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin cell types and are stocked almost everywhere. You can find them at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, grocery stores, hardware stores, and big-box retailers like Target and Walmart. Online, Amazon, eBay, and battery specialty sites all carry them. A single battery usually costs between $2 and $5, and a pack of four or five costs $5 to $10.
Buy a name-brand battery if you can—Energizer, Duracell, and Panasonic are reliable choices. Generic or off-brand CR2032 batteries work fine in AirTag, but they may not last quite as long. If you use multiple AirTags, buying a small pack and keeping spares on hand means you will never be caught without a replacement.
Signs your AirTag battery is running low
Your iPhone will show a low battery notification in the Find My app when the CR2032 is nearing the end of its life. This warning typically appears a few weeks before the battery is completely dead, so you have time to pick up a replacement without the AirTag going offline.
If you do not see a notification but suspect the battery is weak, open the Find My app, tap the Items tab, select your AirTag, and scroll down to see the battery level. If it shows as low or critical, replace it soon. Once the battery is completely dead, the AirTag will not send location updates or respond to the Find My network until you install a fresh battery.
Can you use rechargeable batteries in AirTag?
Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them for AirTag. Rechargeable coin cells have a lower voltage than single-use alkaline CR2032 batteries, and AirTag is designed to work with the standard 3-volt alkaline type. A rechargeable battery may not provide enough power for the AirTag to function reliably, or it may drain much faster than expected.
Stick with standard alkaline CR2032 batteries from a pharmacy or store. They are cheap, widely available, and may provide to work as designed. The convenience of recharging does not outweigh the risk of a weak connection or shortened battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my AirTag battery is dead?
A dead AirTag will not show up in the Find My app's location history, and it will not respond when you play a sound on it. Before the battery dies completely, your iPhone sends a low battery notification. If you miss that warning, the AirTag straightforward stops working until you replace the battery.
Can I use a different size coin cell battery in AirTag?
No. AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Other coin cell sizes like CR2025 or CR2016 will not fit the compartment or provide the correct voltage. Always use a CR2032.
What happens if I leave a dead battery in my AirTag for a long time?
A dead battery sitting in the compartment will not damage the AirTag. When you are ready to use it again, straightforward replace the dead battery with a fresh CR2032 and it will work normally. There is no harm in storing an AirTag with a dead battery inside.
Is the AirTag battery covered under warranty?
The AirTag itself is covered under Apple's one-year limited warranty, but the battery is considered a consumable item and is not covered. You are responsible for buying and replacing the CR2032 when it wears out, which is why Apple designed the compartment to open easily without tools.