An Apple AirTag battery lasts about one year under normal use
An Apple AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that typically lasts around one year before it needs replacing. The actual length depends on how often you use the Find My app to locate the tag, how frequently the tag communicates with nearby Apple devices, and whether you have Bluetooth enabled on your iPhone or other devices. A tag you check on once a week will drain the battery more slowly than one you locate several times a day.
When the battery gets low, your iPhone sends you a notification saying the battery needs replacing. At that point, you have a small window—usually a few weeks—before the tag stops working entirely. The notification gives you time to pick up a replacement battery before the tag becomes useless.
Key Takeaways
- An AirTag battery typically lasts about one year with normal use, though heavy use can shorten that to several months.
- Your iPhone notifies you when the battery is low, giving you time to replace it before the tag stops working.
- Replacement batteries are inexpensive CR2032 coin cells available at most pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers.
- Replacing the battery yourself takes less than a minute and requires no tools other than your fingers.
- If your AirTag stops responding after the battery dies, replacing the battery will restore it to full function.
What affects how long your AirTag battery lasts
The main factor is how often you actively search for your tag using the Find My app. Each search uses power. If you check on a tag multiple times per day—say, looking for your keys or wallet—the battery drains faster than if you check once a week or less. A tag attached to something you rarely lose will last longer than one on something you frequently misplace.
Temperature also plays a role. Coin cell batteries perform worse in cold environments, so an AirTag in a car during winter may drain faster than one kept indoors at room temperature. Extreme heat has the opposite effect but can damage the battery itself.
The density of Apple devices around you matters too. An AirTag in a city where it regularly communicates with iPhones, iPads, and Macs will use more power than one in a rural area. The tag is constantly broadcasting its location to the Find My network, and that process uses battery power.
How to know when your AirTag battery is running low
When the battery reaches about 10 percent capacity, your iPhone displays a notification that says "Battery Low" or "Replace Battery" in the Find My app. You will see this alert in the app itself and may also receive a push notification on your phone. This warning typically appears several weeks before the battery completely dies, giving you time to obtain a replacement.
If you ignore the notification and the battery fully drains, the AirTag will stop responding to Find My searches. It will not broadcast its location, and you will not be able to locate it. However, the tag itself is not damaged—replacing the battery will restore it to working order when ready.
How to replace an AirTag battery yourself
Replacing the battery takes about one minute and requires no special 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 CR2032 battery inside.
Remove the old 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 with the positive side up, then replace the cover by pressing it down and twisting clockwise until it clicks. Your AirTag will reconnect to Find My within a few seconds, and you will see it active in the app again.
Do not force the cover. If it does not turn easily, you are twisting the wrong direction. The cover should rotate smoothly with light pressure.
Where to buy replacement CR2032 batteries
CR2032 batteries are among the most common coin cell batteries and are sold almost everywhere. You can find them at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, grocery stores, hardware stores, and big-box retailers like Target and Walmart. Online retailers including Amazon stock them as well. A single battery typically costs between one and three dollars, and many stores sell multipacks of four or more at a lower per-unit price.
When buying, look for the label "CR2032" on the package. Some sellers also label them as "2032 batteries" or "coin cell batteries." Avoid buying the cheapest option if the brand is unfamiliar—reputable manufacturers like Energizer, Duracell, and Panasonic are widely available and reliable.
What happens if you do not replace the battery
If the battery fully drains and you do not replace it, the AirTag becomes inert. It will not broadcast to Find My, and you will not be able to locate it. The tag itself is not harmed by a dead battery—it is straightforward dormant. As soon as you install a fresh CR2032, the tag wakes up and reconnects to the Find My network within seconds.
A dead AirTag attached to something you have lost is useless until you replace the battery. This is why the low-battery notification is important: it gives you the chance to replace the battery before the tag dies and becomes unable to help you find your item.
Extending your AirTag battery life
You cannot significantly extend the battery life, but you can avoid draining it faster than necessary. Minimize how often you use the Find My app to search for the tag. If you have multiple AirTags, avoid checking on all of them constantly. Keep the tag at room temperature when possible, especially if it is stored for long periods.
If you have an AirTag on something you rarely lose—like a bag you always know where it is—consider removing it or disabling notifications so you are not tempted to check on it frequently. The less you interact with the tag, the longer the battery lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of battery in my AirTag?
No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 coin cell batteries. Using a different battery type or size can damage the tag or cause it to malfunction. Always use a CR2032 replacement.
Does cold weather really drain an AirTag battery faster?
Yes. Coin cell batteries perform less efficiently in cold temperatures, so an AirTag in a freezing car or outdoor environment will drain faster than one kept indoors. However, the battery recovers normal performance when warmed up again.
What if my AirTag battery dies while it is attached to something I have lost?
The tag will stop broadcasting to Find My and you will not be able to locate it using the app. If you find the item through other means, replacing the battery will restore the tag to working order. If you do not find the item, the dead tag cannot help you.
Is there a way to check the exact battery percentage of my AirTag?
The Find My app shows only "Low" or "Good" status, not an exact percentage. Once you see the low-battery notification, plan to replace the battery within the next few weeks before it fully drains.
Do I need to remove the AirTag from my item to replace the battery?
No. You can replace the battery while the AirTag is still attached to your keys, bag, or whatever it is tracking. The process takes less than a minute and does not require removing the tag from its holder.