The battery in your AirTag comes out from the back, and you swap in a new CR2032 coin cell battery—the same kind used in watches and calculators.

Open the stainless steel or white back cover by pressing down on it and twisting counterclockwise about a quarter turn. The cover will pop off. You'll see the battery sitting in a small metal holder with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up toward you.

Lift the battery straight out. Drop in a fresh CR2032 battery with the positive side facing up again. Press the cover back on and twist clockwise until it clicks. That's it—your AirTag is ready to track again.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery, which you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online for a few dollars.
  • The battery cover twists off counterclockwise and twists back on clockwise—you don't need tools or force.
  • Make sure the new battery's positive side faces up when you install it, or the AirTag won't work.
  • A fresh battery typically lasts about one year before the AirTag will alert you to replace it again.

Where to Buy a CR2032 Battery

CR2032 batteries are standard and widely available. You'll find them at drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, supermarkets in the pharmacy or electronics aisle, hardware stores, and online retailers. A single battery costs between $2 and $5 depending on the brand and where you shop. Some stores sell them in multipacks, which is cheaper per battery if you have other devices that use them.

Any CR2032 will work in your AirTag—you don't need an Apple-branded battery. Duracell, Energizer, and store brands all perform the same way. If you're buying in person, check the package to confirm it says CR2032; the number matters because other coin cell sizes won't fit.

What to Do If the Cover Won't Come Off

The cover can stick if it's been on for a long time or if there's dirt around the edge. Try twisting it again with a bit more pressure—you're aiming for a quarter turn, not a full rotation. If it still won't budge, wet your thumb or use a dry cloth to get better grip on the metal.

Do not use a tool to pry it open; you'll scratch the finish or crack the plastic underneath. If the cover is truly stuck after a few gentle attempts, set the AirTag aside for a few minutes and try again. Sometimes a little time helps loosen it.

How to Know When Your Battery Needs Replacing

Your iPhone or iPad will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is running low. The message appears in the Find My app and says something like "AirTag battery is low." You don't have to replace it when ready—the AirTag will keep working for a while longer—but it's a good reminder to grab a new battery the next time you're at a store.

If you ignore the notification long enough, the AirTag will eventually stop working entirely. Once you replace the battery, the notification clears and the AirTag resumes tracking normally.

Checking Battery Health in the Find My App

Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad and tap the Items tab at the bottom. Select the AirTag you want to check. Scroll down and you'll see the battery percentage listed under "Battery Level." This shows you roughly how much charge is left, so you can plan ahead if you're at 20 or 30 percent.

The percentage is an estimate, not a precise measurement, so don't be alarmed if it jumps around slightly from day to day. What matters is the general trend: if it's dropping steadily, a replacement is coming soon.

Disposing of the Old Battery Safely

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the regular trash. Most drugstores and supermarkets that sell batteries also have a battery recycling bin near the checkout or customer service desk—ask an employee where it is. You can also take old batteries to a local recycling center; search online for "battery recycling near me" to find one.

Some retailers like Best Buy accept batteries for recycling even if you didn't buy them there. Proper disposal keeps the battery materials out of landfills and makes sure the lithium is recovered safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different size battery in my AirTag?

No. The AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin cell sizes like CR2025 or CR2016 won't fit in the holder, and forcing one in will damage the battery compartment. Always use CR2032.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

The AirTag won't work. The battery holder is designed so the positive side must face up. If your AirTag isn't responding after a battery change, open the cover again and check that the + symbol on the battery is facing toward you, not away.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A fresh battery typically lasts about one year. The exact time depends on how often your AirTag is being tracked and how frequently it's sending location updates. Heavy use drains it faster than light use.

Do I need to reset my AirTag after changing the battery?

No. straightforward replacing the battery keeps all your settings and pairing intact. The AirTag will resume working as soon as you install the new battery and close the cover.

Can I buy rechargeable CR2032 batteries for my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have different voltage characteristics and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with standard disposable CR2032 batteries for best results.