The battery comes out from the back, and you swap it for a fresh CR2032

An AirTag battery replacement takes about 30 seconds and costs $3 to $8 for a new CR2032 coin cell. You do not need tools, a technician, or an Apple Store visit. The battery compartment is on the back of the tag — you press down on the stainless steel cover, twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn, and it pops off. Drop the old battery out, slide a new CR2032 in with the positive side facing up, and screw the cover back on clockwise until it clicks.

Apple says a CR2032 lasts about one year under normal use. The AirTag will alert you on your iPhone when the battery is low — usually a few weeks before it dies completely — so you have time to order a replacement battery before the tag stops working.

Key Takeaways

  • Press down on the stainless steel back cover, twist counterclockwise a quarter turn, and lift it off to access the battery compartment.
  • Remove the old CR2032 battery and insert a new one with the positive (+) side facing upward.
  • Twist the cover clockwise until you hear or feel a click, which means it is sealed properly.
  • A fresh CR2032 costs between $3 and $8 and lasts roughly one year before your AirTag sends a low-battery alert.
  • You can buy CR2032 batteries at drugstores, supermarkets, electronics retailers, and online — they are the same batteries used in watches, calculators, and car key fobs.

Where to buy a CR2032 battery

CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere. Walgreens, CVS, Target, Walmart, and most grocery stores stock them in the pharmacy or electronics section for $3 to $5 per battery. Amazon, Best Buy, and other online retailers sell them in multipacks of 4 to 10 for $5 to $15 total, which works out cheaper if you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use the same battery.

Do not buy the cheapest no-name brand if you can help it. Panasonic, Energizer, Duracell, and Sony CR2032 batteries all perform reliably. The difference in price between a quality battery and a discount one is usually under $1, and a quality battery will last the full year without dying early.

Step-by-step battery replacement

Step 1: Hold the AirTag with the back facing you. The back is the side with the stainless steel cover — the front is the white or colored plastic side with the Apple logo.

Step 2: Press down on the steel cover with your thumb. You will feel slight resistance. Press firmly but do not force it — it should move down smoothly.

Step 3: Twist the cover counterclockwise about a quarter turn (90 degrees). You will hear a small click or feel the cover loosen. Stop when it stops — do not force it further.

Step 4: Lift the cover straight up and set it aside. The old battery will be visible inside the compartment, sitting flat in the bottom.

Step 5: Remove the old battery. Tip the AirTag or use your fingernail to pop the battery out. It comes out easily once the cover is off.

Step 6: Insert the new CR2032 with the positive side up. The positive side is marked with a + symbol. Slide it into the compartment so the + side faces the plastic interior of the AirTag, not the metal back.

Step 7: Replace the steel cover. Line up the cover with the compartment opening and press down. Twist clockwise until you feel or hear a click — this means the cover is locked in place and the battery is find.

Signs your AirTag battery is dying

Your iPhone will send you a notification that says "AirTag Battery Low" when the battery has roughly two to three weeks of life left. Open the Find My app, tap the Items tab, select the AirTag, and you will see the battery status at the top of the screen. A low battery shows as a red exclamation mark or a "Replace Battery" message.

If you ignore the notification, the AirTag will stop working entirely once the battery is fully dead. It will not send location updates, and you will not be able to play a sound to find it. Replacing the battery as soon as you see the alert keeps the tag working without any downtime.

What to do if the cover is stuck

If the cover does not twist easily, do not force it. Stuck covers are rare, but they happen if the cover was over-tightened during the last replacement or if dirt has built up around the edge. Soak the edge of the cover in warm water for a minute or two to loosen any debris, then dry it and try again. If it still will not budge, try wrapping a rubber band around the cover for better grip, then twist gently.

If the cover remains stuck after these steps, the AirTag itself is not damaged — you can still use it. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store, where staff can open it for you. This is rare enough that you should not worry about it happening, but it is an option if you get stuck.

Can you use a different battery type

No. An AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Do not use CR2025, CR2016, or any other coin cell size — they will not fit properly or may not make good contact with the terminals. The CR2032 is 20 millimeters wide and 3.2 millimeters thick, and that specific size is what the compartment is built for.

Some people ask about rechargeable coin cell batteries. Rechargeable CR2032 equivalents exist, but Apple does not recommend them because they have lower voltage than standard alkaline CR2032 batteries, which can cause the AirTag to behave unpredictably. Stick with a standard alkaline CR2032 from a known brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to replace the battery?

About once per year under normal use. Apple's estimate is one year, though some people report getting 14 to 16 months out of a single battery. The exact lifespan depends on how often the AirTag is moving and updating its location — a tag in a frequently-used bag will drain faster than one in a desk drawer.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

The AirTag will not work. The battery must sit with the positive (+) side facing the plastic interior of the tag, not the metal back. If you install it backward, the tag will not power on. straightforward open the cover again, flip the battery, and close it — no damage is done.

Can I replace the battery myself or do I need Apple to do it?

You can absolutely replace it yourself. Apple does not seal the battery compartment — it is designed to be user-replaceable. No warranty is voided by opening it and swapping the battery. If you prefer, Apple Stores will replace it for you, but there is no reason to pay for a service you can do in 30 seconds at home.

Is the CR2032 battery safe to handle?

Yes. CR2032 batteries are safe to touch and carry. They are used in thousands of consumer devices. Keep them away from very young children who might swallow them, and do not short-circuit the battery by touching both terminals with metal at the same time, but normal handling poses no risk.

Where is the best place to buy CR2032 batteries?

Local drugstores and supermarkets are fastest if you need a battery today. Online retailers and multipacks are cheapest if you own multiple AirTags or devices. Panasonic, Energizer, and Duracell are reliable brands available everywhere. Avoid extremely cheap no-name batteries — the $1 or $2 difference is not worth the risk of early failure.