AirTag batteries last about one year under normal use
An AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that typically lasts around one year before it runs out. The actual length depends on how often the AirTag communicates with your iPhone or other Apple devices — the more frequently it sends location updates, the faster the battery drains. A tag sitting in a desk drawer will last longer than one attached to a frequently-used set of keys.
Apple's official estimate is one year, and most users report getting close to that timeframe. When the battery gets low, your iPhone sends you a notification through the Find My app, giving you time to replace it before the tag stops working entirely. The battery does not die suddenly; you will see the warning weeks in advance.
Key Takeaways
- AirTag batteries last approximately one year under typical use, though this varies based on how often the tag communicates with your devices.
- You will receive a low battery notification on your iPhone through the Find My app before the battery dies completely.
- Replacement batteries are CR2032 coin cells, which cost between $3 and $8 for a pack and are available at most drugstores and online retailers.
- Replacing an AirTag battery takes less than a minute and requires only twisting the back cover off and inserting a new cell.
- The battery cannot be recharged; you must physically replace it with a fresh CR2032 when it runs out.
What affects how long your AirTag battery lasts
The main factor is communication frequency. An AirTag broadcasts its location periodically so that other Apple devices nearby can relay its position to you through the Find My network. If your AirTag is in a busy area with many Apple devices around, it communicates more often and drains faster. An AirTag in a quiet location or one you rarely check on will use less power.
Temperature also plays a role. Extreme cold slows down chemical reactions inside the battery, making it perform poorly temporarily, though it usually recovers when warmed up. Extreme heat speeds up the battery's discharge rate. Normal indoor and outdoor temperatures have minimal impact on the one-year estimate.
How you use the tag matters too. If you open the Find My app constantly to check on the AirTag's location, that does not drain the battery directly — the tag itself does not know you are looking at it. However, if you are checking frequently because the tag is moving around a lot (attached to a pet or a frequently-used item), the increased communication will drain the battery faster than if the tag stays in one place.
How to replace an AirTag battery
Replacing the battery is straightforward and takes about one minute. Hold the AirTag with the white side facing up. Press down on the stainless steel back cover and twist it counterclockwise until it stops — you will feel it loosen after about a quarter turn. Lift the cover off.
Remove the old CR2032 battery and note which side was facing up (the positive side, marked with a +, should face toward you). Insert the new CR2032 battery with the positive side facing up, then replace the cover by pressing it down and twisting clockwise until it clicks. Your iPhone will recognize the fresh battery within a few seconds, and the low battery notification will disappear from the Find My app.
Do not force the cover. If it does not twist easily, you are turning it the wrong direction. The motion is gentle — a quarter turn is all that is needed.
Where to buy replacement CR2032 batteries
CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin cell types and are sold almost everywhere. You can find them at drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, supermarkets, hardware stores, and online retailers including Amazon. A pack of two to four batteries typically costs between $3 and $8, depending on the brand and where you buy them.
Name brands like Energizer and Duracell are widely available, but store brands work just as well and often cost less. Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers on third-party marketplaces — they may not hold a full charge. If you buy in person, check the expiration date on the package; batteries do not expire quickly, but very old stock may have lost some capacity.
Signs your AirTag battery is running low
The clearest sign is a notification in the Find My app on your iPhone. When the battery drops below a certain threshold, Apple sends you an alert that says the battery is low and suggests you replace it. This notification appears weeks before the battery is completely dead, so you have plenty of time to get a replacement.
If you do not see a notification but suspect the battery is low, open the Find My app, tap the Items tab, select your AirTag, and scroll down to see the battery level. It will show as a percentage or as "Low" if it is near the end. Some older versions of iOS may not display a percentage, only a "Low" status.
If the battery dies completely, the AirTag will stop communicating with the Find My network. You will not be able to see its location, and the Find My app will show it as offline. This is rare if you replace the battery after receiving the low battery warning.
Can you recharge an AirTag battery
No. AirTags use a non-rechargeable CR2032 battery, and there is no way to recharge it. You must physically replace it with a new battery when it runs out. This design choice keeps the AirTag thin and lightweight, which is important since it is meant to slip into a wallet or attach to a keychain.
If Apple had used a rechargeable battery, the AirTag would need to be thicker to accommodate a charging circuit, and you would need to charge it regularly — possibly every few weeks depending on usage. The disposable battery approach means you replace it once a year and forget about it.
How to extend your AirTag battery life
There is no setting in the Find My app to reduce communication frequency or extend battery life. Apple has optimized the communication pattern to balance battery life with location accuracy, and users cannot adjust this.
The practical steps are straightforward: keep your AirTag in a normal temperature environment, avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for extended periods, and do not submerge it in water (AirTags are water-resistant but not waterproof). These steps will not dramatically extend the battery life, but they prevent unnecessary stress on the battery.
If you have an AirTag you rarely use, removing it from the Find My app temporarily will stop it from broadcasting and will preserve the battery. You can re-add it to the app whenever you need it again. This is useful for backup AirTags or ones you keep for occasional use.
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 properly or could damage the AirTag. CR2032 is a standard size, so there is no reason to use anything else — they are inexpensive and widely available.
What happens if I leave a dead AirTag in the Find My app?
A dead AirTag will show as offline in the Find My app, but it will remain in your list of items. You can replace the battery and it will come back online automatically. If you no longer want the AirTag, you can remove it from the app by tapping it and selecting the option to stop tracking it.
Does cold weather kill AirTag batteries faster?
Cold weather does not permanently damage the battery, but it does reduce its performance temporarily. A cold battery will drain faster and may not hold a charge as effectively until it warms up. If your AirTag is exposed to freezing temperatures regularly, you may notice the battery runs out slightly sooner than one kept at room temperature.
How do I know which side of the CR2032 goes in first?
The positive side, marked with a + symbol, should face up toward you when you are looking into the AirTag. Most CR2032 batteries have the + printed on the top side. If you insert it upside down, the AirTag straightforward will not work, but it will not damage anything — flip it over and try again.
Can I buy AirTag batteries in bulk to save money?
Yes. Buying a larger pack of CR2032 batteries costs less per battery than buying a small pack. A 10-pack or 20-pack from a retailer like Amazon or Costco will cost significantly less per battery than a 2-pack from a drugstore. Since you only need one battery per year per AirTag, buying in bulk makes sense if you have multiple AirTags or want to keep spares on hand.