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

An AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online. When your AirTag stops finding your keys or wallet, the battery is usually dead. Replacing it takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools.

The battery sits behind the white plastic back of the AirTag. You press down on that back panel, twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn, and it pops off. The old battery falls out (or you can pick it out with your finger). Drop in a fresh CR2032 with the positive side facing up, press the back on, and twist clockwise until it clicks. That's it.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries, which cost between $3 and $8 for a pack and are sold at most pharmacies and grocery stores.
  • Press down on the white back panel, twist counterclockwise a quarter turn, and the battery compartment opens—no screwdriver needed.
  • Insert the new battery with the positive (+) side facing up, then twist the back panel clockwise until it clicks to seal it.
  • Your AirTag will chime when you put in a fresh battery, confirming it is working.

Where to buy a CR2032 battery

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin cells made. You'll find them at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, and most grocery stores in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. A single battery costs $3 to $5; a pack of two or four costs $5 to $8 and is cheaper per battery if you have multiple devices that use them.

Online, Amazon, Best Buy, and Costco all stock CR2032 batteries. If you order online, expect to pay a bit more per battery but less overall if you buy a multipack. Some dollar stores carry them too, though selection varies by location.

Step-by-step battery replacement

Step 1: Hold the AirTag with the white back facing up. The back panel is the larger, flatter side. The front has the Apple logo and is slightly curved.

Step 2: Press down on the center of the white back panel. You'll feel a slight give as you press. Don't press hard—just enough to feel resistance.

Step 3: While pressing, twist the back panel counterclockwise about a quarter turn (roughly 90 degrees). You'll hear or feel a small click as the panel unlocks. The back doesn't come all the way off; it rotates to reveal the battery compartment.

Step 4: Remove the old battery. It will either fall out or sit loosely in the compartment. If it's stuck, gently pry it out with your fingernail or a plastic spoon.

Step 5: Insert the new CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side facing up. The positive side is the shiny, flat side. The negative side is the dimpled side facing down into the compartment.

Step 6: Press down on the back panel and twist clockwise until it clicks. You'll feel it lock into place. The panel should sit flush with the rest of the AirTag.

Step 7: Listen for a chime. Your AirTag will play a sound within a few seconds, confirming the battery is installed and the device is working. If you don't hear anything after 10 seconds, remove the battery, check that the positive side is facing up, and try again.

What to do with the old battery

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the trash. Most pharmacies and electronics stores accept used batteries for recycling at no charge. CVS, Walgreens, Best Buy, and Home Depot all have battery recycling programs. Some grocery stores do too—ask at the customer service desk.

If you can't find a local drop-off, Call2Recycle (call2recycle.org) has a locator tool that shows recycling centers near you. You can also hold onto the old battery until you have several and take them all at once.

How often you'll need to replace the battery

A CR2032 battery in an AirTag lasts about one year under normal use. If you use the AirTag heavily—checking its location multiple times a day, or using it with Precision Finding (which uses Bluetooth more intensively)—the battery may last 6 to 9 months. Light use can stretch it to 18 months, though Apple's official estimate is one year.

Your AirTag will send a notification to your iPhone 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.

Troubleshooting if the AirTag won't chime after battery replacement

If you don't hear a chime after installing a new battery, the most common cause is the battery facing the wrong way. Remove the back panel again and check that the shiny positive side is facing up toward the white plastic, not down into the compartment. Flip it and try again.

If the battery is oriented correctly and you still hear nothing, the battery itself may be dead (rare, but it happens). Try a different CR2032 from a different pack or store. If a second battery also doesn't work, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem, and you may need to contact Apple Support or replace the AirTag.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 coin cells. Using a different battery type can damage the device or cause it to malfunction. CR2032 batteries are inexpensive and widely available, so there's no reason to substitute.

Will replacing the battery erase my AirTag's location history?

No. Replacing the battery does not erase any data or reset the AirTag. It will remain paired to your Apple ID and will continue tracking from where you left off. The only thing that changes is the battery.

Is it safe to touch the battery with my bare hands?

Yes. Handling a CR2032 battery briefly with your bare hands is safe. Avoid touching the battery terminals excessively or storing it in a way that allows it to short-circuit (for example, loose in a pocket with metal objects), but normal handling is fine.

What if I drop the battery and can't find it?

CR2032 batteries are small and straightforward to lose. If you drop one, look carefully on the floor and under nearby furniture. If you can't find it, just open a new battery from your pack. The cost is minimal, and it's safer than searching for a loose battery that could be a choking hazard if you have small children or pets.