The battery in an AirTag comes out from the back and takes a standard CR2032 coin cell, which you can buy at any pharmacy or grocery store for a few dollars

AirTags use a CR2032 battery, a flat, round coin-cell battery about the size of a dime. When your AirTag stops working or the Find My app tells you the battery is low, you do not need to replace the whole device — just swap out the old battery for a new one. The whole process takes less than a minute and requires no tools.

Your AirTag will alert you when the battery is running low through a notification in the Find My app. You can also check the battery status by opening Find My, tapping the Items tab, selecting your AirTag, and looking at the battery percentage shown at the top of the screen. Once it drops below 10 percent, replacement is coming soon.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin-cell battery that you can buy at pharmacies, grocery stores, or online for $3 to $8.
  • The battery compartment is on the back of the AirTag and opens by pressing and twisting the metal ring counterclockwise until it comes free.
  • The old battery pops out easily once the ring is off; drop the new CR2032 in with the positive side facing up.
  • After you close the compartment, the AirTag will make a sound to confirm the battery is installed correctly.

How to Open the Battery Compartment

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic side facing you and the metal ring facing away. Press down on the metal ring with your thumb or finger and twist it counterclockwise — the direction opposite to a clock's hands. You do not need to twist hard; a quarter turn is usually enough to break the seal.

Once you feel the ring loosen, keep twisting until it comes completely free from the plastic casing. The ring will separate in your hand. Set it aside somewhere you will not lose it — you will need it to close the compartment again.

Remove the Old Battery and Install the New One

With the ring off, you will see the old CR2032 battery sitting inside a small circular compartment. It should pop out easily if you tip the AirTag or gently push on the edge of the battery with your finger. If it sticks, a gentle tap on the back of the AirTag usually dislodges it.

Take your new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side is flat and unmarked (the negative side), and the other has a plus sign printed on it (the positive side). Drop the new battery into the compartment with the positive side facing up — toward the white plastic, not toward the metal. The battery should sit flat and flush with the compartment.

Close the Compartment and Confirm It Works

Pick up the metal ring and align it with the grooves on the plastic casing. Press down and twist clockwise — the same direction as a clock's hands — until the ring is snug. You will feel it click or seat into place. Do not force it; it should close smoothly without excessive pressure.

Within a few seconds of closing the compartment, your AirTag should emit a sound — usually a small beep or chime. This sound confirms that the battery is installed correctly and the AirTag is working. If you do not hear a sound, open the compartment again and check that the battery is sitting flat with the positive side up, then close it once more.

Where to Buy a CR2032 Battery

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin-cell batteries made, so they are straightforward to find. You can buy them at pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, grocery stores, hardware stores, and online retailers. A single battery usually costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you shop. Some stores sell them in multipacks if you have other devices that use the same battery.

Look for the label "CR2032" or "DL2032" on the package — both names refer to the same battery. Avoid buying the cheapest option if you can; a name-brand battery from Panasonic, Energizer, or Duracell will last longer than a generic alternative.

How Long a CR2032 Battery Lasts

A CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year under normal use. The exact lifespan depends on how often your AirTag is detected by nearby Apple devices — the more frequently it communicates, the faster the battery drains. If you use your AirTag on a keychain that you carry every day, you will get closer to a full year. If it sits in a drawer or travels rarely, the battery may last longer.

Apple's Find My app will notify you when the battery drops to 10 percent, giving you a few weeks' notice before the AirTag stops working. This means you can plan ahead and buy a replacement battery before your AirTag goes dead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Using a different size or type of battery will not fit in the compartment or will damage the device. Stick with CR2032 or DL2032 batteries only.

What if my AirTag still does not work after I replace the battery?

First, open the compartment again and confirm the battery is sitting flat with the positive side facing up. If it is positioned correctly and the AirTag still does not make a sound, the device itself may have a problem. Try the battery in another device if you have one, or contact Apple Support for help with the AirTag.

Is there a way to recharge the battery instead of replacing it?

No. CR2032 batteries are not rechargeable. Once the battery is dead, you must replace it with a new one. There is no charging port or wireless charging option for AirTags.

Do I need to remove the AirTag from Find My before replacing the battery?

No. You can replace the battery while the AirTag is still paired to your account. The device will reconnect automatically once the new battery is installed and working.