The battery comes out from the back, and you swap it for a new CR2032 coin cell

Open the AirTag by pressing down on the stainless steel back and twisting it counterclockwise until it stops. The back will come loose in your hand. Lift out the old battery — it will be a flat, silver coin about the size of a dime. Drop in a fresh CR2032 battery with the positive side facing up (the side with the numbers and markings). Press the back onto the AirTag and twist clockwise until you hear a click. The whole job takes under a minute.

The AirTag will beep once when the new battery makes contact, confirming it is seated correctly. If you do not hear a beep, remove the back, check that the battery is sitting flat with the positive side up, and try again. You do not need to unpair or reset the AirTag — it will work exactly as before.

Key Takeaways

  • Press down on the stainless steel back and twist counterclockwise to open the AirTag.
  • The battery is a CR2032 coin cell, available at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for under $5.
  • Insert the new battery with the positive side (marked side) facing up, then twist the back clockwise until it clicks.
  • You will hear a beep when the battery connects; if you do not, remove the back and reseat the battery.
  • No pairing, reset, or app changes are needed after you replace the battery.

Where to buy a CR2032 battery

CR2032 batteries are standard coin cells sold everywhere. Walgreens, CVS, Target, Walmart, and most grocery stores stock them in the pharmacy or electronics section for $2 to $5 per battery. You can also order them online from Amazon, Best Buy, or the Apple Store. Buy a pack of two or four if you have multiple AirTags — they last about a year per tag, so having spares on hand saves a trip later.

Do not buy counterfeit or off-brand batteries from unknown sellers. Stick to recognizable names like Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, or Sony. A real CR2032 will last the full year; a fake one may die in weeks or fail to seat properly in the AirTag.

Why the battery dies and how often to replace it

An AirTag battery lasts roughly one year under normal use. The battery drains faster if you use the Find My app frequently, enable the speaker to play sounds, or live in a cold climate — all of these increase the power draw. If you rarely use the Find My feature and keep the AirTag in a warm place, you might stretch it to 14 or 15 months.

The AirTag will send you a notification in the Find My app when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to buy a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working. You can also check the battery status manually by opening the Find My app, tapping the AirTag, and looking at the battery percentage shown at the top of the screen.

What to do if the AirTag does not beep after you install the battery

If you twist the back on and hear no beep, the battery is not making contact. Remove the back again and look at the battery. Make sure it is sitting flat and centered in the compartment — it should not be tilted or wedged to one side. Check that the positive side (the side with printing) is facing up toward the back cover. Dust or debris can also block contact, so wipe the battery and the inside of the back with a dry cloth.

Reinsert the battery, press the back down firmly, and twist clockwise. You should feel resistance and hear a click when the back is fully seated. If you still hear no beep after three tries, the battery itself may be dead or defective. Try a different CR2032 from a different pack or store. If a second battery also fails to beep, contact Apple Support — the AirTag itself may have a hardware issue.

How to know if your AirTag battery is actually dead

A dead AirTag battery shows up in the Find My app as "No Location Found" or "Battery Low" with a red or yellow warning icon. The AirTag will not broadcast its location to other Apple devices, so you cannot find it using Find My. If you press the button on the back to play a sound, nothing will happen.

Sometimes an AirTag appears dead but the battery still has a small charge. If you have not replaced the battery yet, try restarting your iPhone or iPad and opening Find My again — occasionally the app takes a few minutes to update the status. If the warning persists after a restart, the battery is genuinely depleted and needs replacement.

Recycling the old battery

Do not throw a used CR2032 battery in the trash. Coin cell batteries contain lithium and other materials that can leak or catch fire in landfills. Most pharmacies and electronics stores accept used batteries for free recycling — drop them off at the customer service desk or the battery recycling bin near the checkout. Best Buy, Walgreens, CVS, and Home Depot all take them.

If you do not have a store nearby, search for a battery recycling location on Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org by entering your zip code. Many municipalities also hold hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off batteries. Recycling takes two minutes and keeps the battery out of the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of battery in my AirTag?

No. The AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin cell sizes like CR2025 or CR2016 will not fit, and using the wrong battery can damage the AirTag or create a safety hazard. Always use a CR2032.

Do I need to remove the AirTag from my keys or bag to change the battery?

No. You can change the battery while the AirTag is attached to your keychain, bag, or wallet. The battery compartment is on the back, so you can access it without removing the AirTag from anything. Just make sure you have a flat surface to work on so you do not drop the small back cover.

Will changing the battery erase my AirTag or reset it to factory settings?

No. Replacing the battery does not erase any data or reset the AirTag. It will remain paired to your Apple ID and your Find My network, and it will work exactly as it did before. You do not need to unpair it, re-add it, or do anything in the Find My app.

What if I lose the stainless steel back cover when I open the AirTag?

Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to order a replacement back cover. Apple sells them separately for around $10 to $15. In the meantime, you can tape the battery compartment closed with clear tape to keep the battery in place, though this is not a permanent solution. Do not use the AirTag without the back cover for extended periods, as the battery could fall out.

How do I know if I am inserting the battery the right way?

The positive side of the CR2032 is the side with printing and numbers on it. This side should face up, toward the stainless steel back cover. The negative side is blank and shiny. If you insert it upside down, the AirTag will not beep and will not work. Remove the back and flip the battery over if you are unsure.