AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin battery that lasts about one year before it runs out

An AirTag is powered by a single CR2032 coin-cell battery, the same type used in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. Apple estimates the battery will last roughly one year under normal use. When the battery dies, the AirTag stops working entirely — it cannot find your item, and your iPhone cannot locate it through the Find My network.

The actual lifespan depends on how often you use the AirTag. If you check its location frequently, play its sound alert regularly, or use it in a high-traffic area where it connects to many nearby Apple devices, the battery will drain faster. An AirTag sitting in a desk drawer will last longer than one attached to a frequently-used set of keys.

Apple sends you a notification on your iPhone when the battery is running low — typically a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to replace it before the AirTag stops working.

Key Takeaways

  • A CR2032 battery in an AirTag lasts approximately one year under typical use, though heavy use can shorten this to several months.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, usually giving you a few weeks' warning before it dies.
  • Replacing the battery is straightforward: twist the stainless steel back of the AirTag counterclockwise until it pops off, remove the old battery, and insert a new CR2032 with the positive side facing up.
  • The AirTag is completely non-functional once the battery dies — it cannot be located or make sound until you replace the battery.
  • CR2032 batteries cost between $3 and $8 for a pack of several, and you can buy them at drugstores, supermarkets, electronics retailers, or online.

How to Replace the Battery Yourself

Replacing an AirTag battery takes less than one minute and requires no tools. Hold the AirTag with the stainless steel back facing you. Place your thumb on the back and push upward while twisting counterclockwise. The back will pop off after a quarter-turn or so — do not force it.

Once the back is off, you will see the CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal holder. The positive side (marked with a + symbol) should be facing up. Lift out the old battery and drop in the new one, positive side up. Press the back onto the AirTag and twist clockwise until it clicks and sits flush. Your iPhone will recognize the fresh battery within a few seconds.

If the back is stuck, try wrapping a thin cloth around your thumb for better grip, or use the edge of a coin to gently pry it. Do not use a screwdriver or anything sharp — you can damage the plastic ring underneath.

Where to Buy Replacement CR2032 Batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Check the battery aisle at any drugstore (CVS, Walgreens), supermarket, or big-box retailer like Target or Walmart. Electronics stores like Best Buy stock them, and they are available online through Amazon, eBay, and the manufacturers' own websites.

Prices vary slightly by brand and quantity. A single battery typically costs $3 to $5, but buying a pack of four or more usually brings the per-battery cost down to $1 to $2 each. Name brands like Energizer, Duracell, and Panasonic are reliable, but store-brand CR2032 batteries work just as well and often cost less.

Check the expiration date on the package before you buy. Batteries stored for years can lose charge, so look for a date at least a year or two in the future. Once you open a pack, use the batteries within a few months for best performance.

Signs Your AirTag Battery Is Dying

Your iPhone will show a low-battery notification in the Find My app before the battery is completely dead. Open Find My, tap the Items tab, select your AirTag, and scroll down — if the battery is low, you will see a warning message and a battery icon showing red or low charge.

In some cases, the AirTag may stop responding to location requests or take much longer to update its position. If you try to play the sound and nothing happens, or if the sound is very quiet, the battery is likely nearly empty. Once the battery is completely dead, the AirTag will not appear in Find My at all, and your iPhone will show it as offline.

Do not wait until the AirTag stops working completely. Replace the battery as soon as you see the low-battery warning, so you do not lose tracking on your item.

What Happens If You Leave a Dead AirTag in Your Bag or Pocket

A dead AirTag is useless for finding your item. It cannot transmit its location to the Find My network, and it cannot receive signals from nearby Apple devices. If you lose the item while the AirTag is dead, you will have no way to locate it.

The AirTag itself will not cause any problems if left in a bag or pocket. It is not dangerous, it will not leak, and it will not damage anything around it. However, you should replace the battery as soon as possible so the AirTag can resume working. If you know you will not need the AirTag for several months, you can remove the battery and store it separately to prevent it from draining while unused.

How Battery Life Compares to Other Tracking Devices

AirTags have one of the longest battery lives of any small tracking device on the market. Most Bluetooth trackers from other manufacturers last three to six months before needing a new battery. Some use rechargeable batteries that require plugging in every few weeks, which is less convenient than straightforward swapping in a new coin cell.

The trade-off is that AirTags cannot be recharged — you must buy and replace the battery each time. However, because CR2032 batteries are cheap and widely available, and because they last a full year, most people find this simpler than managing a rechargeable device. You will spend roughly $5 to $10 per year on replacement batteries, depending on how many AirTags you own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recharge an AirTag battery instead of replacing it?

No. AirTags use a non-rechargeable CR2032 coin-cell battery. There is no way to recharge it, and attempting to do so could damage the battery or the AirTag. You must remove the old battery and insert a new one.

Will my AirTag work if I put in a different type of battery?

No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Using a different size or type of battery will not fit properly, will not power the device, and could damage it. Always use a CR2032.

How do I know if my new battery is installed correctly?

After you insert the new battery and close the back, your iPhone should recognize it within a few seconds. Open Find My, tap Items, and select your AirTag. If the battery icon shows a full charge and the AirTag appears online, the battery is installed correctly. If it still shows offline, remove the back and check that the positive side of the battery is facing up.

Can I use an old or expired CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

You can, but it is not recommended. Old or expired batteries may not hold a full charge and could die much sooner than a fresh one. For best results, use a new battery with an expiration date at least a year in the future.

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

Take it to a battery recycling program. Most electronics retailers, including Best Buy, accept used batteries for recycling at no charge. You can also check Earth911.com or call your local waste management facility to find a recycling location near you. Do not throw batteries in the trash.