An AirTag battery lasts about one year under normal use

Apple's AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin-cell battery that typically runs for roughly one year before it needs replacing. The exact 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. If you use your AirTag daily to track a frequently-moved item like your keys or wallet, you'll get closer to the one-year mark. If it sits in a rarely-opened bag, the battery may last longer.

Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. You'll see a notification on your phone and a low-battery warning in the Find My app. This gives you time to pick up a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries last approximately one year under typical daily use, though this varies based on how often the device communicates.
  • Your iPhone sends you a notification when the battery drops low, giving you advance warning before the AirTag stops working.
  • Replacement CR2032 batteries cost a few dollars and are widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
  • Replacing the battery yourself takes less than a minute—you twist off the back of the AirTag and swap in a new CR2032 coin cell.
  • The battery cannot be recharged; AirTag is designed to use disposable batteries only.

What drains an AirTag battery faster

An AirTag communicates with nearby Apple devices to report its location. Every time it sends a signal, it uses a small amount of battery power. If your AirTag is in constant motion or in a location with many Apple devices nearby, it will transmit more frequently and drain faster than one that sits still in a predictable place.

Temperature also affects battery life. Extreme cold slows down chemical reactions inside the battery, making it perform poorly temporarily. Extreme heat can permanently damage the battery. Normal room temperature and typical outdoor conditions do not significantly shorten battery life.

The age of the battery itself matters too. A CR2032 battery sitting on a store shelf for years will have lost some charge before you even install it. Fresh batteries from a recently-stocked store will last longer than old stock.

How to replace an AirTag battery

Replacing the battery is straightforward and requires no tools. Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up. Press down on the stainless steel back cover and twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it stops. The cover will pop off, revealing the battery inside.

Remove the old CR2032 battery and note which side was facing up—the positive side, marked with a plus sign, should face toward you. Insert the new CR2032 battery the same way, positive side up. Press the stainless steel cover back on and twist it clockwise until it clicks and stops. Your AirTag will chime to confirm the battery is installed correctly.

If your AirTag does not chime after you install a new battery, remove it and check that the positive side of the battery is facing up. Reinsert it and twist the cover back on. The chime should sound when ready.

Where to buy replacement CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin-cell types and are stocked almost everywhere. You can find them at drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, supermarkets, hardware stores, and big-box retailers like Target and Walmart. Online, they are available through Amazon, Best Buy, and the Apple Store itself.

Prices vary slightly by retailer and whether you buy a single battery or a pack. A single battery typically costs between two and five dollars. Multi-packs of four to ten batteries usually cost less per unit and are worth buying if you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use CR2032 cells.

Look for name-brand batteries from manufacturers like Energizer, Duracell, or Panasonic. Generic store-brand CR2032 batteries work fine and often cost less. Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers, as they may be counterfeit or old stock with reduced capacity.

Signs your AirTag battery is dying

The first sign is a notification from your iPhone. Open the Find My app and tap the Items tab, then select your AirTag. If the battery is low, you will see a red or yellow battery icon next to the AirTag's name. The notification typically appears a few weeks before the battery is completely dead, giving you time to replace it.

If you ignore the notification and the battery fully dies, your AirTag will stop communicating. It will no longer show up in Find My, and you will not receive location updates. The AirTag itself is not broken—it straightforward needs a new battery to work again.

Some people notice their AirTag becomes harder to find in the Find My app as the battery weakens, because it communicates less frequently. If you suddenly cannot locate an AirTag that you could find easily before, check the battery status in the app.

Can you recharge an AirTag battery

No. AirTag uses a disposable CR2032 battery and cannot be recharged. Apple designed it this way to keep the device thin and lightweight. There is no charging port, no wireless charging, and no way to refill the battery—you must physically remove the old one and install a new one.

This design choice means you will need to buy replacement batteries periodically, but it also means your AirTag will never fail because a charger is lost or broken. The battery swap takes less than a minute and costs only a few dollars.

How battery life compares across AirTag models

Apple makes one standard AirTag model, and all of them use the same CR2032 battery with the same one-year lifespan. There is no "pro" or "plus" version with a longer-lasting battery. If you own multiple AirTags, they will all need replacement batteries at roughly the same time if you use them equally.

Third-party tracking devices like Tile use different battery types and have different lifespans. Some Tile models have rechargeable batteries, while others use replaceable batteries similar to AirTag. If you are comparing AirTag to another brand, check that brand's battery specifications separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery type in my AirTag?

No. AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 coin-cell batteries. Using a different size or type of battery will not fit properly and may damage the device. Stick with CR2032 replacements only.

What should I do with the old battery after I remove it?

CR2032 batteries contain small amounts of lithium and should not be thrown in the trash. Take old batteries to a retailer that accepts battery recycling—most Best Buy locations, Home Depot stores, and some supermarkets have battery collection bins. Some municipalities also have hazardous waste collection days. Check your local waste management website for drop-off locations near you.

Will my AirTag work if the battery is completely dead?

No. A dead battery means the AirTag cannot communicate at all. It will not appear in Find My, and you will not receive any location data. Install a fresh CR2032 battery and it will work again when ready.

Does cold weather really affect AirTag battery life?

Cold slows down the chemical reactions inside the battery, so it may perform poorly temporarily in freezing temperatures. Once the battery warms up, it usually recovers. Extreme cold can permanently reduce battery capacity, but normal winter weather does not cause lasting damage.

How do I know if I installed the battery correctly?

Your AirTag will chime once when you twist the cover back on if the battery is installed correctly. If you do not hear a chime, remove the cover and check that the positive side of the battery (marked with a plus sign) is facing up toward you. Reinstall it and twist the cover back on.