The battery in an AirTag comes out from the back and takes a standard CR2032 coin cell

An AirTag uses a single CR2032 battery, which is a flat, round coin-shaped battery about the size of a dime. When your AirTag stops showing location updates or the Find My app tells you the battery is low, you need to swap it out. The whole job takes less than three minutes and requires no tools.

Apple rates the CR2032 battery to last about one year in normal use, though that varies depending on how often you trigger the speaker or use the Find My app to locate the tag. When the battery dies, the AirTag stops communicating with your devices, so you won't be able to track it or hear its speaker.

Key Takeaways

  • The AirTag battery compartment is on the back side and opens by pressing and twisting the stainless steel ring counterclockwise.
  • You need a CR2032 coin cell battery, which costs between $3 and $8 and is sold at drugstores, hardware stores, and online retailers.
  • The battery slides in with the positive side facing up, and you'll hear a click when it seats correctly.
  • After you close the compartment, the AirTag reconnects to Find My automatically within a few seconds.

How to open the battery compartment

Flip the AirTag over so you're looking at the stainless steel back. You'll see a thin metal ring around the edge of the white plastic disc. Press down on that ring with your thumb and twist it counterclockwise (the same direction you'd unscrew a jar lid). The ring will rotate about a quarter turn and then stop.

Once you've twisted it, the white plastic disc pops out from the back. Set the ring aside somewhere you won't lose it—you'll need it to close the compartment again. The battery sits in a shallow cup inside the plastic disc, held in place by a small metal contact.

Removing the old battery and inserting the new one

Lift the old CR2032 battery straight up and out of the cup. If it's stuck, you can use your fingernail or the edge of a coin to gently pry it up. Don't force it—coin cell batteries are fragile and can crack if you bend them.

Take your new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side is marked with a plus sign (+) and is the positive terminal; the other side is blank and is the negative terminal. Slide the battery into the cup with the positive side facing up toward you. You should hear a small click as the metal contact on the plastic disc touches the battery. If you don't hear a click, the battery isn't seated all the way—lift it and try again.

Closing the compartment and reconnecting

Line up the white plastic disc with the opening on the back of the AirTag. The disc only fits one way, so if it doesn't slide in smoothly, rotate it 180 degrees and try again. Once it's seated, press down and twist the stainless steel ring clockwise (the opposite direction from when you opened it) until it stops. You'll feel it click into place.

Open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac within a few seconds of closing the compartment. The AirTag should show as connected again. If it still shows as offline after 30 seconds, open the battery compartment again and make sure the battery is sitting flat in the cup with the positive side up.

Where to buy a CR2032 battery

CR2032 batteries are common and widely sold. You can find them at drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's, and supermarkets in the pharmacy or electronics section. Online, they're available through Amazon, Best Buy, and most retailers that sell batteries. A single battery usually costs between $3 and $8, though buying a pack of two or four brings the per-battery cost down.

Make sure the package says CR2032 and not CR2025 or another similar number—the wrong size won't fit. Most batteries sold for watches, calculators, and hearing aids are CR2032, so if you're not sure, ask a store employee to point you to the right aisle.

What to do if the battery compartment won't open

If the ring won't twist, try wrapping a rubber band around it for better grip, then twist again. Sometimes the ring is just tight from the factory. If it still won't budge, try using a coin—place the edge of a penny or dime in the groove on the ring and twist gently. Don't use a screwdriver or sharp tool, as you can damage the ring.

If the ring twists but the plastic disc doesn't pop out, the battery compartment may be stuck. Try pressing down harder on the ring while you twist, or tap the back of the AirTag gently on a soft surface to loosen it. If nothing works after a few tries, contact Apple Support—forcing it too hard can crack the plastic.

How often you'll need to replace the battery

Apple says a CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. That means checking the location of the tag a few times a week and using the speaker occasionally. If you use Find My very frequently or trigger the speaker multiple times a day, the battery may drain faster and need replacement every 8 to 10 months. If you barely use the AirTag, it might last 14 to 16 months.

The Find My app will notify you when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. That gives you time to buy a replacement battery before the AirTag goes offline. You don't have to replace it the moment you see the low-battery warning, but doing so soon prevents the tag from becoming untrackable.

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 batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically different sizes and won't fit properly or work correctly. Always use a CR2032.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

If you insert the battery with the negative side facing up, the AirTag won't power on and Find My will show it as offline. straightforward open the compartment again, flip the battery over so the positive side faces up, and close it. The AirTag will reconnect within seconds.

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 linked to your account. Just swap the battery and close the compartment—it will reconnect automatically. You only need to remove it from Find My if you're giving it away or no longer want to track it.

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

Yes. CR2032 batteries are safe to handle with your bare hands. You don't need gloves. Just avoid dropping the battery or bending it, as that can damage the cell and cause it to leak.

Can I recycle the old battery?

Yes. CR2032 batteries contain materials that can be recycled. Many drugstores and electronics retailers have battery recycling programs—ask at the customer service desk. You can also check Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a recycling location near you.