Open the AirTag and swap the battery out

To change an AirTag battery, hold the stainless steel back cover and press down firmly on the white plastic battery cover on the opposite side. Twist the plastic cover counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it stops, then lift it away. The old CR2032 coin battery will come out with it.

Drop a fresh CR2032 battery into the empty slot with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up. Replace the plastic cover by setting it back in the slot and twisting clockwise until you hear or feel a click. The whole process takes about 30 seconds once you know the motion.

Your AirTag will chime when the new battery makes contact, confirming the swap worked. If it does not chime, the battery may be inserted upside down — flip it and try again.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin battery, which you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for $3 to $8 for a pack of several.
  • The plastic battery cover twists counterclockwise to open and clockwise to close — do not force it or you risk stripping the threads.
  • The positive side of the battery (marked +) must face upward when you insert it, or the AirTag will not power on.
  • A chime from the AirTag confirms the battery is seated correctly and the device is working again.

What battery type your AirTag needs

All AirTags use a CR2032 lithium coin battery, the same flat, round battery found in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. You do not need a special Apple battery — any CR2032 from any brand works the same way. A single battery lasts about one year under normal use, though heavy use (constant location tracking) may drain it faster.

CR2032 batteries are inexpensive and widely available. You can find them at pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, grocery stores, hardware stores, and online. A pack of four or five costs $4 to $8, so buying a few extras to keep on hand is practical.

Step-by-step: opening the AirTag without damage

The most common mistake is twisting too hard or in the wrong direction. Hold the shiny stainless steel back of the AirTag steady in one hand. With your other hand, press down on the white plastic battery cover on the front side and twist it counterclockwise. You will feel resistance — that is normal. Stop when the cover will not turn anymore; you have only rotated about a quarter turn.

Lift the plastic cover straight up and away from the AirTag. The old battery will usually come out with it, stuck to the inside of the cover by a tiny magnet. If the battery stays in the slot, pick it out with your fingernail or a plastic spoon. Do not use a metal tool, which can scratch the interior.

Inspect the battery slot for any corrosion or debris. If the slot looks clean and shiny, you are ready to insert the new battery. If you see white or blue-green crusty buildup, gently wipe it away with a dry cloth before proceeding.

Inserting the new battery correctly

Take your new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side is flat and unmarked; the other has a + symbol stamped into it. The + side is the positive terminal and must face upward into the AirTag. This is the most important step — if the battery goes in upside down, the AirTag will not work.

Drop the battery into the slot gently. It should sit flat and not wobble. Now align the plastic cover with the slot and press down while twisting clockwise. You will feel it tighten. Stop when you hear a small click or when the cover is snug — do not over-tighten, as the plastic threads can strip.

Within a second or two, your AirTag should emit a chime or beep. This sound confirms the battery is making contact and the device is powered on. If you hear nothing, remove the cover, flip the battery over, and try again.

Troubleshooting when the AirTag does not chime

If the AirTag is silent after you close the battery cover, the battery is almost certainly upside down. Open the cover again, remove the battery, flip it so the + side faces up, and reinsert it. Close the cover and listen for the chime.

If the AirTag still does not chime after flipping the battery, the new battery itself may be defective — rare, but it happens. Try a different CR2032 from the same pack or a different brand. If a second battery also produces no sound, the AirTag hardware may have failed and you may need to contact Apple Support.

Do not assume the AirTag is broken if it does not chime when ready. Sometimes the chime is quiet. Hold the AirTag to your ear and listen closely, or open the Find My app on your iPhone to see if the AirTag appears as connected. If it shows up in the app, the battery is working even if you did not hear the chime.

How often to replace the battery

Apple states that an AirTag battery lasts about one year. In practice, this depends on how often you use the Find My app to locate the AirTag and how frequently the AirTag is moving. An AirTag on a stationary keychain at home will last longer than one in a backpack you carry everywhere.

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. You do not have to replace it the moment you see the notification, but it is a good reminder to pick up a new CR2032 battery on your next store trip. Replacing the battery before it fully drains prevents the AirTag from going offline unexpectedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage output than standard lithium CR2032 batteries, which can cause the AirTag to behave unpredictably or fail to power on. Stick with standard single-use CR2032 batteries for reliable performance.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

The AirTag will not power on and will not chime. The battery contacts will not align properly, so no electrical connection forms. straightforward open the cover, flip the battery so the + side faces up, and close the cover again. The AirTag will chime once the correct polarity is restored.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself, or should I go to Apple?

Replacing the battery yourself is safe and takes 30 seconds. Apple does not charge for battery replacement at their stores, but you have to make an appointment and wait. Doing it at home is faster and costs the same or less, since you buy the battery yourself for a few dollars.

Can I buy a CR2032 battery anywhere, or are there specific brands I need?

Any CR2032 lithium battery from any brand works in an AirTag. Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, and store brands all perform identically. Buy whatever is cheapest or most convenient. The only batteries to avoid are rechargeable versions, which have lower voltage.

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

Lithium coin batteries are recyclable and should not go in the trash. Most pharmacies and electronics stores have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. You can also search for a local battery recycling program on Earth911.com or call your city's waste management office for drop-off locations.