Apple AirTag batteries last 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 replacement. The actual lifespan 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 it in a high-traffic area where it's constantly connecting to the network.

Apple does not publish exact battery drain rates, so the one-year estimate is based on typical household use patterns. If you check your AirTag's location multiple times per day or keep it in a busy location like a shopping bag you carry everywhere, the battery may drain faster. If the tag sits in a drawer and you check it once a month, it may last longer than a year.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple AirTag batteries last approximately one year under normal use, though this varies based on how often you locate the tag.
  • The battery is a CR2032 coin cell that you can replace yourself in seconds without tools or special equipment.
  • Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is low, giving you time to replace it before the tag stops working.
  • Frequent use of the Find My app to locate your tag will drain the battery faster than occasional checks.

How to know when your AirTag battery is running low

Your iPhone automatically monitors the AirTag's battery level and sends you a notification when it drops below a certain threshold. You'll see a message that says "AirTag battery is low" in the Find My app or as a system notification. This warning typically appears when the battery has roughly 10 percent charge remaining, giving you a window of time to replace it before the tag becomes inactive.

You can also check the battery status manually by opening the Find My app, tapping the Items tab, selecting your AirTag, and looking at the battery percentage displayed on the tag's details screen. This shows you the current charge level at any time, so you don't have to wait for a low-battery warning if you want to stay ahead of it.

Replacing the battery yourself

Replacing an AirTag battery takes less than a minute and requires no tools. Hold the AirTag with the polished stainless steel back facing up, then press down firmly on the back cover and twist counterclockwise until it stops. The cover will pop off, and you can lift out the old CR2032 battery.

Insert a new CR2032 battery with the positive side facing up (the side with the + symbol should be visible when you look down into the battery compartment). Press the battery down until it sits flat, then align the cover with the grooves on the AirTag body and twist clockwise until you hear or feel a click. Your iPhone will recognize the new battery within a few seconds, and the Find My app will show the battery percentage has reset to 100 percent.

CR2032 batteries are inexpensive and widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, electronics retailers, and online. A single battery costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it. Buying a multi-pack is usually cheaper per battery if you have multiple AirTags or other devices that use the same battery type.

Factors that affect battery life

The primary factor that drains an AirTag battery is the frequency of location updates. Every time you open the Find My app and check where your tag is, the AirTag communicates with nearby Apple devices to report its location. If you check your AirTag's location five times a day, the battery will drain noticeably faster than if you check it once a week.

The second factor is the tag's environment. An AirTag in a busy area—such as in your work bag that you carry through crowded places—will communicate with more Apple devices throughout the day, which uses more power. An AirTag that stays in one location, like a set of keys on your nightstand, will use less battery because it's not constantly connecting to new devices.

Bluetooth range and signal strength also play a minor role. An AirTag in a metal container or deep inside a backpack may use slightly more power to maintain a connection than one in an open pocket. However, this difference is small compared to the impact of how often you locate the tag.

What happens when the battery dies

When an AirTag battery is completely dead, the tag stops communicating with the Find My network. You will no longer be able to see its location in the Find My app, and it will not send out Bluetooth signals that nearby devices can detect. The tag becomes inert until you replace the battery.

If you've lost an item and the AirTag battery dies before you find it, you won't be able to use the Find My app to locate it. This is why it's important to replace the battery as soon as you receive the low-battery notification rather than waiting until the tag stops working entirely.

Comparing AirTag battery life to other trackers

Most Bluetooth tracking devices on the market use similar coin-cell batteries and have comparable battery lives. Tile trackers, for example, also use CR2032 batteries with roughly one-year lifespans under normal use. Some newer trackers use rechargeable batteries instead, which can be charged via USB but may not last as long between charges.

The advantage of the AirTag's replaceable battery is that you're never locked into a device that stops working when the battery dies. You straightforward buy a new CR2032 battery for a few dollars and swap it out. With rechargeable trackers, you may eventually need to replace the entire device if the battery degrades over time, which is more expensive than replacing a coin cell.

Tips for extending battery life

If you want to stretch your AirTag battery beyond one year, reduce how often you check its location in the Find My app. Only look up the tag's position when you actually need to find the item it's attached to, rather than checking it out of habit.

You can also enable notifications in the Find My app so that you receive an alert if your AirTag leaves a designated location, like your home or office. This way, you don't need to manually check the app to know if something has been moved or lost. The tag will still use some battery power to maintain its connection, but you'll be checking the app less frequently, which reduces overall drain.

Keeping your AirTag in a protective case or pouch won't significantly extend battery life, but it will protect the tag from physical damage that could cause it to stop working before the battery dies naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you should only use a CR2032 battery in your AirTag. Other battery types may not fit properly or could damage the device. CR2032 is a standard size, so you have many brand options to choose from, but the size and chemistry must match.

Does cold weather affect how long an AirTag battery lasts?

Yes, cold temperatures can temporarily reduce battery performance. A CR2032 battery in freezing conditions may show a lower charge level or drain faster than it would at room temperature. However, the battery usually recovers its normal performance when it warms up again. Extreme cold can permanently damage a battery, so avoid leaving AirTags in very cold environments for extended periods.

What should I do with the old CR2032 battery after I remove it?

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should be recycled rather than thrown in the trash. Many retailers that sell batteries, including Best Buy and some grocery stores, have battery recycling programs. You can also search for a local e-waste recycling center that accepts batteries.

Will my AirTag stop working when ready when the battery dies?

No, the battery doesn't die all at once. After you receive the low-battery notification, the AirTag will continue to work for a period of time, though its range and reliability may decrease. Replace the battery within a few days of the warning to avoid losing the ability to locate your tag.

Do I need to remove the AirTag from the Find My app before replacing the battery?

No, you don't need to remove it or do anything in the app. straightforward replace the battery, and your iPhone will automatically detect the new battery within seconds. The Find My app will show the battery percentage has returned to 100 percent.