The battery door twists open, not pulls
To change your AirTag battery, hold the white plastic back cover and twist the stainless steel ring counterclockwise until it stops. The cover will separate from the ring. Remove the old CR2032 coin battery and drop in a fresh CR2032 — the flat side should face up toward you. Twist the ring back clockwise until you hear a click. The whole process takes about 30 seconds.
Most people try to pull the cover straight off, which does not work. The twist motion is the only way to open it. You do not need tools, and you should not force it — if it does not turn easily, you are twisting the wrong direction.
Key Takeaways
- The AirTag battery cover opens by twisting the steel ring counterclockwise, not by pulling or prying.
- AirTags use CR2032 coin batteries, which cost $3 to $8 for a pack and last about one year of normal use.
- The flat side of the new battery must face upward when you insert it, or the AirTag will not work.
- After you close the cover, your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically within a few seconds.
What battery your AirTag needs
Your AirTag uses a CR2032 coin battery, a round silver battery about the size of a dime. You can find CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer. A single battery costs between $3 and $8, though packs of four or more are cheaper per battery. Duracell and Energizer are common brands, but any CR2032 will work.
A fresh CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. If your AirTag is in a backpack or car that you use every day, you may need to change it sooner. If it sits in a drawer most of the time, it may last longer.
Step-by-step: opening and closing the AirTag
Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic side facing up. Use your other hand to grip the stainless steel ring around the edge. Turn the ring counterclockwise — the same direction you would unscrew a jar lid. You will feel it rotate about a quarter turn before it stops. Do not force it past that point.
Once the ring stops turning, lift the white plastic cover straight up and away from the ring. The cover will come free easily. Inside, you will see the old CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal cup. Tip the AirTag or use your fingernail to pop the old battery out and set it aside.
Take your new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side is flat and shiny; the other side has a ridge around the edge. Place the battery into the metal cup with the flat side facing up toward you. The ridge side should face down into the cup. Press gently until the battery sits flat.
Now align the white plastic cover with the steel ring and press down. Turn the ring clockwise — the same direction you would screw a jar lid closed — until you hear or feel a click. The cover is now sealed. Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone within a few seconds, and you will see a notification that the battery is good.
What to do if the cover will not open
If the ring will not turn, you may be twisting in the wrong direction. Try clockwise instead of counterclockwise. If it still does not move, the cover may be stuck from age or dirt. Soak the edge where the ring meets the plastic in warm water for a minute, then dry it and try again.
Do not use pliers or a wrench — you will damage the ring and may crack the plastic. If the cover remains stuck after soaking, the AirTag itself may be defective. Apple will replace it under warranty if it is less than one year old.
Checking that the battery is installed correctly
After you close the cover and hear the click, pick up your iPhone and open the Find My app. Tap the Items tab at the bottom, then tap your AirTag from the list. If the battery status shows a green battery icon, the new battery is installed correctly and working. If it shows a red or yellow battery icon, the battery may be inserted upside down.
If the battery appears to be installed wrong, open the cover again and check that the flat side of the battery is facing up. Flip it if needed, close the cover, and check the Find My app again. The status should update within 10 to 15 seconds.
How often you need to change the battery
Most AirTags need a new battery once per year if you use them regularly. If you have an AirTag in a car you drive every day, it may need a change every 8 to 10 months. If you have one in a closet or a rarely-used bag, it might last 14 to 16 months.
Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is low — usually when it has about 10 percent charge left. You do not have to change it when ready, but you should plan to do it within the next week or two. Once the battery is completely dead, the AirTag will not send location updates until you replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of battery in my AirTag?
No. AirTags are designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin battery types, such as CR2025 or CR2016, are physically different sizes and will not fit or work. Always use a CR2032.
What if I put the battery in upside down?
The AirTag will not work if the battery is upside down. Your iPhone will show a low or dead battery status in the Find My app. Open the cover, flip the battery so the flat side faces up, and close it again. It should work within seconds.
Do I need to reset my AirTag after changing the battery?
No. Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically after you close the cover. You may see a brief notification in the Find My app, but no manual reset is needed. If it does not reconnect within 30 seconds, try moving closer to your iPhone.
Is it safe to touch the battery with my bare hands?
Yes. CR2032 batteries are safe to handle with bare hands. You do not need gloves. Wash your hands afterward if you prefer, but there is no risk from touching the battery itself.
Where is the cheapest place to buy CR2032 batteries?
Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens usually charge $5 to $8 per battery. Grocery stores and big-box retailers like Target often have lower prices. Online retailers like Amazon typically offer the best per-battery cost if you buy a pack of four or more, though you pay for shipping.