An AirTag battery lasts about one year under normal use

Apple's AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that typically runs for one year before the battery drains completely. The actual length depends on how often you use the Find My app to locate the tag, how far away you are when you search, and whether the tag is moving around or sitting still in one place.

When the battery gets low, your iPhone will send you a notification telling you it's time to replace it. You don't have to wait for the battery to die completely—the tag will still work after that notification arrives, but the battery is genuinely running down. Most people replace the battery within a few weeks of seeing the alert.

The CR2032 battery costs between $3 and $8 for a pack of several, and you can find them at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer. Replacing it takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools.

Key Takeaways

  • A new CR2032 battery in an AirTag lasts approximately one year with typical daily use.
  • Your iPhone sends a low battery notification when the battery is running out, giving you time to replace it before it dies.
  • The battery life shortens if you search for the tag frequently or use the Precision Finding feature, which uses more power.
  • Replacement CR2032 batteries are inexpensive and widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online.
  • Opening the AirTag and swapping the battery takes less than a minute and does not require any special tools or technical knowledge.

What affects how long your AirTag battery lasts

The one-year estimate assumes you use the Find My app a few times a week to check on your keys, wallet, or bag. If you search for your AirTag multiple times every day, the battery will drain faster because each search uses power. The Precision Finding feature—which shows you the direction and distance to the tag on your iPhone—uses more battery than a straightforward location ping.

Temperature also plays a small role. CR2032 batteries perform better in moderate conditions and lose some capacity in very cold weather, though this is usually not enough to noticeably shorten the battery life in everyday use. Storing an AirTag in a freezing car overnight will not drain the battery, but using it constantly in subfreezing temperatures may reduce its lifespan by a few weeks.

The age of the battery before you even put it in the AirTag matters too. Batteries sitting on store shelves for months lose some charge naturally. If you buy an AirTag and the battery dies in eight months instead of twelve, the battery was likely manufactured months before you purchased it.

How to replace the battery yourself

Open the AirTag by pressing down on the stainless steel back and twisting it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. The back will pop off, and you'll see the CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal holder. The battery has a white sticker on top with the Apple logo.

Lift the battery out by the edge—do not touch the flat surfaces, as oils from your skin can reduce contact. Drop in the new CR2032 battery with the positive side (the side with the number printed on it) facing up. The battery should sit flat in the holder without any force.

Press the stainless steel back onto the AirTag and twist it clockwise until it clicks and sits flush. You'll hear a small click when it's seated correctly. The AirTag will chime to confirm the battery is installed, and your iPhone will update the battery status in the Find My app within a few seconds.

Signs your AirTag battery is running low

The most obvious sign is the low battery notification on your iPhone. Open the Find My app, tap the Items tab, select your AirTag, and scroll down—if the battery is low, you'll see a message saying "Replace Battery Soon" or "Battery Low." This notification usually appears when the battery has about two weeks of charge remaining.

If you don't see a notification but the AirTag hasn't chimed when you've searched for it recently, the battery may be nearly dead. A healthy AirTag plays a sound when you search for it; a silent response usually means the battery is completely drained. However, the tag will still transmit its location to nearby Apple devices even when the battery is dead, so it's not completely useless.

What happens when the battery dies completely

An AirTag with a dead battery will no longer play a sound when you search for it, and it won't light up or respond to any commands. However, it will still send its location to the Find My network if other Apple devices pass near it. This means you can still see where your AirTag is on a map, but you won't be able to make it beep to help you find it in your home or car.

The tag itself is not damaged by a dead battery. Once you replace the battery, the AirTag works exactly as it did before. There is no limit to how many times you can replace the battery—you can use the same AirTag for years by swapping in a fresh CR2032 whenever the old one runs out.

Buying and storing replacement batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold in packs of two, four, or more at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, supermarkets, hardware stores, and online retailers. A single battery costs roughly $1 to $2 when you buy a pack, making replacement very affordable. Some people keep a spare CR2032 in a drawer so they can swap it in when ready when they get the low battery alert.

Store CR2032 batteries in a cool, dry place away from metal objects that could short the terminals. A plastic battery case or a small envelope in a drawer works well. Batteries last longer when stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. A CR2032 stored properly will hold its charge for several years before you use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries, and using a different size or type will not work. CR2032 is a standard size, so you won't have trouble finding the correct battery, but do not attempt to use a CR2025, CR2016, or any other variant.

Does the AirTag battery drain faster if I use it in a wallet or bag?

No. Whether the AirTag is in a wallet, attached to keys, or sitting on a shelf, the battery drains at the same rate. The location does not affect battery life—only how often you search for the tag and how far away you are when you do.

Will my AirTag stop working if I don't replace the battery right away?

It will stop playing a sound and responding to searches, but it will still transmit its location to the Find My network. You can still see where it is on a map, just not make it beep. Replace the battery as soon as you can if you rely on the sound to find your tag.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself, or should I take it to Apple?

It is completely safe to replace the battery yourself. The process takes less than a minute and requires no tools or technical knowledge. Apple does not offer battery replacement services—they expect you to do it at home. There is no risk of damaging the AirTag.

Can I recycle the old CR2032 battery?

Yes. Many pharmacies and retailers that sell batteries also have battery recycling programs. You can drop off used CR2032 batteries at most CVS, Walgreens, and Best Buy locations for free. Some municipalities also have battery recycling drop-off sites—check your local waste management website.