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 frequently it connects to nearby Apple devices, and whether you have it in a case that might affect signal strength. A tag you check on once a week will last longer than one you search for multiple times daily.

Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low—usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to pick up a replacement battery before the tag stops working. The notification appears in the Find My app and as a system alert on your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries last approximately one year under typical use, though heavy searching can shorten this to several months.
  • Your iPhone sends you a low battery notification through the Find My app before the battery fully drains.
  • Replacement batteries are CR2032 coin cells, which cost between $3 and $8 and are sold at most drugstores and electronics retailers.
  • Changing the battery takes less than a minute and requires only twisting the metal back of the AirTag open.

What shortens AirTag battery life

The main factor that drains your battery faster is frequent use of the Find My app to locate your tag. Each time you search for an AirTag, it uses power to broadcast its location to nearby Apple devices. If you search for the same tag multiple times per day, you may see battery life drop to six or eight months instead of a full year.

Using the speaker feature—the sound that plays when you search for a tag—also uses more power than passive location tracking. A tag that sits in a drawer and only gets checked once a month will last longer than one you actively use to find your keys several times a week.

The case or holder you use can also affect battery life slightly. Cases that block the antenna or create interference may force the tag to work harder to connect to nearby devices, which drains the battery faster. Apple's official leather case and most third-party cases are designed to minimize this effect.

How to replace the battery yourself

Replacing an AirTag battery is straightforward and takes about one minute. First, hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing down and the metal back facing up. Place your thumb on the metal back and press down firmly while twisting counterclockwise until the metal disc pops off—you should feel it release after about a quarter turn.

Once the back is open, lift out the old CR2032 battery. Drop the new CR2032 battery in with the positive side (the side with the number printed on it) facing up. Press the metal back onto the AirTag and twist clockwise until it clicks into place. Your iPhone should recognize the new battery within a few seconds and clear the low battery notification.

If the back is difficult to open, try wrapping a small cloth around your thumb for better grip, or use the edge of a coin to help with the twist. Do not force it—the mechanism is designed to open with moderate pressure and a quarter turn.

Where to buy replacement CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin cell batteries and are stocked at nearly every pharmacy, grocery store, and electronics retailer. You can find them at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon. A single battery typically costs between $3 and $8, depending on the brand and where you shop. Buying a pack of two or four batteries is usually cheaper per unit than buying one at a time.

Look for the CR2032 designation on the package—this is the exact size and type your AirTag needs. Some packages say "3V lithium coin cell" or "DL2032," which are the same battery under different names. Avoid alkaline coin cells, which are not the right chemistry for AirTag and will not work properly.

Signs your AirTag battery is dying

The first sign is the notification from Apple's Find My app. This alert appears both in the app itself and as a system notification on your iPhone, and it means you have a few weeks left before the battery is completely dead. You do not need to replace it when ready, but you should pick up a new battery within the next week or two.

If you ignore the notification and the battery fully drains, the AirTag will stop working entirely. It will not broadcast its location, and the Find My app will show it as offline. Once you replace the battery, it will reconnect and resume normal operation within seconds.

Checking your AirTag battery status in Find My

Open the Find My app on your iPhone and tap the Items tab at the bottom. Select the AirTag you want to check. The battery percentage appears near the top of the screen, below the AirTag's name. This shows you the current charge level at a glance, so you can plan ahead before the low battery warning arrives.

If the battery percentage does not appear or shows as unknown, the AirTag may be out of range of nearby Apple devices. Move closer to an area with other iPhones or Apple devices, and the status should update within a few minutes. If it still shows unknown after several hours, the battery may already be dead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 lithium coin cells. Other battery types, including alkaline coin cells or rechargeable batteries, will not work properly and may damage the device. Always use a new CR2032 battery.

Does cold weather affect how long the battery lasts?

Yes, cold temperatures reduce battery performance temporarily. A battery in a freezing environment will drain faster and may show a lower charge level than it actually has. Once the AirTag warms up, the battery performance returns to normal. This is temporary and does not permanently shorten battery life.

What happens if I leave my AirTag in Find My mode while searching?

Continuous searching drains the battery much faster than normal use. If you leave the search active for hours at a time, you may see battery life drop significantly. Use the search feature only when you actually need to locate the tag, then stop searching once you find it.

Is there a way to extend battery life?

The main way to extend battery life is to search for your AirTag less frequently. Keeping the tag in a case that does not block the antenna also helps. Beyond that, battery life is determined by the CR2032 cell itself, and no settings in the Find My app can extend it further.

Will my AirTag work if the battery is completely dead?

No. Once the battery is fully drained, the AirTag cannot broadcast its location or connect to the Find My network. It will appear offline in your Find My app. Replace the battery to restore full function.