The battery in your AirTag slides out from the side, and you swap it for a fresh CR2032 coin cell battery in about 30 seconds

Your AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for a few dollars. The battery sits in a small compartment on the side of the tag. Apple rates these batteries to last about a year under normal use, though the exact lifespan depends on how often your AirTag sends location updates.

When the battery gets low, your iPhone will send you a notification saying the battery needs to be replaced. You do not have to wait for that alert—if your AirTag feels light or you straightforward want fresh power, you can replace it anytime. The process requires no tools and takes less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries, which cost a few dollars and are sold at most pharmacies and supermarkets.
  • The battery compartment is on the side of the tag and opens by pressing and twisting the metal back cover counterclockwise.
  • You will hear or feel a click when the cover is fully loose—do not force it, as the threads are delicate.
  • The old battery slides straight out; the new one goes in with the positive side facing up toward you.

What you need before you start

Gather a CR2032 battery before you begin. These are widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, electronics retailers, and online. They are inexpensive—usually between $2 and $5 for a single battery, or cheaper if you buy a pack of several. Check the package to confirm it says CR2032; there are other coin cell sizes, and you need this specific one.

You do not need any tools. The AirTag is designed to open by hand. If you have weak grip strength or arthritis, a rubber jar opener or a thin cloth can give you better traction on the metal cover, but it is not required.

How to open the battery compartment

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the flat metal side facing up. You will see a small metal disc on the back—this is the battery cover. Place your thumb or finger on the edge of this metal disc and press down firmly while twisting it counterclockwise (the same direction you would turn to open a jar lid). You are not turning it far—only about a quarter turn.

You will feel or hear a small click when the cover is loose enough to lift. Stop turning at that point. If you feel strong resistance, you are turning the wrong direction or pressing too hard. Ease off and try again. The threads are small and can strip if you force them.

Once you feel the click, lift the metal cover straight up and set it aside somewhere you will not lose it. The battery compartment is now open and you can see the old battery inside.

Removing the old battery and installing the new one

The old battery will slide straight out of the compartment. You may need to tip the AirTag slightly or use your fingernail to nudge it, but it should come free without much effort. Set the old battery aside—you can recycle it at most pharmacies or electronics stores, or throw it in the trash if your local rules allow it.

Take your new CR2032 battery and look at it. One side is flat and marked with a plus sign (+); the other side is slightly domed. Slide the battery into the compartment with the flat, positive side facing up toward you. It should fit snugly but not require force. If it does not slide in smoothly, flip it over—you may have had it upside down.

Closing the battery compartment

Once the new battery is seated, place the metal cover back on top of the compartment. Align the cover so it sits flat, then press down and twist it clockwise (the same direction you would turn to close a jar) until you feel a click. That click tells you the cover is fully seated and the threads are engaged.

Do not over-tighten. Once you feel the click, stop turning. The cover should be snug but not require force to remove next time.

Confirming the battery is working

Your iPhone should recognize the new battery within a few seconds. Open the Find My app, tap the Items tab, and select your AirTag. Scroll down and look at the battery status—it should now show a full or nearly full battery icon instead of a low-battery warning. If the status does not update within a minute, try closing and reopening the Find My app.

If the battery status still shows low after you have installed a fresh battery, the issue may be with the AirTag itself rather than the battery. In that case, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.

What to do with the old battery

CR2032 batteries contain materials that can be recycled. Most pharmacies and drugstores have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk—ask an employee where to find it. Electronics retailers like Best Buy also accept batteries for recycling. If you cannot find a local option, you can throw the battery in the trash in most places, though recycling is better for the environment.

Do not throw the battery in water or attempt to disassemble it. Store it in a cool, dry place until you can recycle or dispose of it properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to replace the AirTag battery?

Apple rates CR2032 batteries to last about one year in an AirTag under normal use. The exact lifespan depends on how often your AirTag is sending location updates. If you use it heavily—checking its location multiple times a day—the battery may drain faster. Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low.

Can I use a different type of coin cell battery?

No. The AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries specifically. Other coin cell sizes, such as CR2025 or CR2016, will not fit properly or may damage the compartment. Always use CR2032.

What if the metal cover is stuck and will not turn?

Try wrapping a thin cloth or rubber band around the edge of the cover to improve your grip, then twist gently. If it still will not budge, stop and do not force it—you risk stripping the threads. Contact Apple Support for help, or visit an Apple Store and ask them to replace the battery for you.

Do I need to remove the AirTag from my iPhone before replacing the battery?

No. You can replace the battery while the AirTag is still paired to your iPhone. The pairing will not be affected, and your iPhone will recognize the new battery automatically once it is installed.

Can I replace the battery myself, or should I go to Apple?

You can replace it yourself—the process is straightforward and requires no tools. If you are uncomfortable doing it or the cover will not open, Apple Stores and some authorized retailers will replace the battery for you, usually for a small fee or sometimes at no charge.