You can replace an AirTag battery yourself in under a minute

AirTag batteries are user-replaceable, and Apple designed the process to take almost no time. You need a CR2032 coin cell battery — the same type used in watches, calculators, and car key fobs — and nothing else. No tools, no adhesive, no special knowledge. The battery sits in a compartment on the back of the tag that twists open by hand.

Most people replace their AirTag battery once every one to two years, depending on how often the tag sends location updates. A fresh CR2032 costs between $3 and $8 at any pharmacy, supermarket, or electronics store. You can also order them online in bulk if you own multiple AirTags.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries twist out from the back of the tag — grip the stainless steel ring and turn it counterclockwise until it stops.
  • You need a CR2032 coin cell battery, which you can buy at any pharmacy or supermarket for $3 to $8.
  • The entire replacement takes less than one minute and requires no tools or technical skill.
  • Apple's AirTag app will notify you when the battery is low, usually giving you weeks of warning before it dies completely.

Step 1: Open the battery compartment

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up and the stainless steel ring facing down. Grip the steel ring firmly between your thumb and index finger. Turn it counterclockwise — the same direction you would unscrew a jar lid — until you feel it stop. The ring will rotate about a quarter turn before it catches.

Once the ring stops turning, lift it away from the plastic body. The compartment will open, and you will see the old battery sitting inside. If the battery is stuck, you can gently pry it out with your fingernail or a plastic spoon handle, but it usually comes free on its own.

Step 2: Remove the old battery and insert the new one

Take out the spent CR2032 battery and set it aside. Look at the new battery before you place it in the compartment. The side marked with a + symbol (the positive side) should face up, toward the white plastic. The unmarked side (negative) faces down, toward the metal contact inside the compartment.

Drop the new battery into the compartment with the positive side up. It will sit flat against the metal contact. You do not need to press hard or snap it into place — it straightforward rests there.

Step 3: Close the compartment and test

Place the stainless steel ring back on top of the compartment, aligning it with the grooves on the plastic body. Turn it clockwise — the opposite direction from when you opened it — until it stops. You will feel a slight resistance as the threads catch. Do not force it; it will tighten naturally and stop when fully seated.

Open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and tap the AirTag in your list. If the battery status shows a full or high charge, the replacement was successful. The tag will resume sending location updates when ready. If the status still shows low or no battery, remove the ring again, check that the positive side of the battery faces up, and reseat it.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them near the checkout or in the health and beauty section. Supermarkets carry them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all have them in stock. You can also order them from Amazon or other online retailers, though buying locally means you can replace your battery the same day you notice it is low.

Prices vary slightly, but a single CR2032 usually costs $3 to $8. If you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use the same battery, buying a pack of 10 or 20 online is often cheaper per battery than buying one at a time. Duracell, Energizer, and Panasonic are reliable brands, but store brands work just as well.

How to know when your battery is running low

The Find My app sends you a notification when your AirTag battery is low. This warning typically comes weeks before the battery is completely dead, giving you time to buy a replacement without your tag going offline. You can also check the battery status manually by opening Find My, selecting the AirTag, and looking at the battery percentage shown on the tag's details screen.

If you ignore the low battery warning and the battery dies completely, the AirTag will stop sending location updates. You will not be able to find it using Find My until you replace the battery. Other people's iPhones can still detect it and report its location to you, but the tag itself will be silent.

Disposing of the old battery

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the regular trash. Most pharmacies and supermarkets have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. Best Buy also accepts batteries for recycling. Some municipalities have hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off batteries for free. Check your local waste management website or call your city's public works department to find a drop-off location near you.

If you have only one or two old batteries and no recycling option nearby, storing them in a safe, dry place until you can recycle them is acceptable. Keep them away from metal objects that could cause them to short-circuit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Using a different size or chemistry battery will not fit properly, will not power the tag, and could damage the compartment. CR2032 is a standard size, so finding one is never difficult.

What if I put the battery in upside down?

The AirTag will not work. The positive and negative sides must align with the metal contacts inside the compartment. If your tag does not show a battery charge after closing the ring, open it again and flip the battery so the + symbol faces up toward the plastic.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

Most CR2032 batteries last one to two years in an AirTag, depending on how often the tag sends location updates. Tags in frequent use drain batteries faster than tags that sit in a drawer. Apple's estimate is roughly one year of typical use per battery.

Do I need to reset my AirTag after changing the battery?

No. Your AirTag will resume working as soon as you close the compartment and the battery makes contact. All your settings, name, and connection to your Apple ID remain unchanged. The tag will appear in Find My within seconds.

Can I buy rechargeable batteries for my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage output than standard CR2032 batteries and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with standard disposable CR2032 batteries for consistent performance.