An AirTag battery lasts about one year under normal use

A standard AirTag uses one CR2032 coin cell battery, the same type found in watches and calculators. Apple rates the battery life at approximately one year, though the actual length depends on how often the AirTag sends location updates and how frequently your iPhone checks it.

The battery does not die suddenly. When it gets low, your iPhone will send you a notification saying the battery needs to be replaced. At that point, you typically have a few weeks left before the AirTag stops working entirely. The notification appears in the Find My app and as a system alert on your phone.

You cannot recharge an AirTag battery. When it runs out, you remove the old CR2032 and snap in a new one—a process that takes about 30 seconds and costs between $3 and $8 for a replacement battery.

Key Takeaways

  • An AirTag battery lasts roughly one year under typical use, though this varies based on how often it transmits location data.
  • Your iPhone alerts you when the battery is low, giving you time to replace it before the AirTag stops working.
  • Replacement is straightforward: twist off the white plastic back, remove the old CR2032 battery, and insert a new one.
  • A CR2032 battery costs a few dollars and is available at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
  • Heavy use—such as tracking a frequently-lost item or checking its location many times per day—can shorten battery life.

What affects how long your AirTag battery lasts

The one-year estimate assumes normal use: checking the Find My app occasionally and letting the AirTag sit in a bag or on a keychain. If you check its location multiple times per day or use the Find My network feature constantly, the battery drains faster because the AirTag transmits more often.

Temperature also plays a role. Extreme cold slows down battery chemistry, so an AirTag left in a freezing car or garage may report low battery sooner than one kept at room temperature. Heat does not help either—a hot car can also reduce battery life.

The age of the battery itself matters too. CR2032 batteries have a shelf life. If you buy a pack and store it for years before using it, the battery may not last the full year once installed. Use batteries within a year or two of purchase for the best performance.

How to replace an AirTag battery

Replacing the battery is straightforward and requires no tools. Hold the AirTag with the white plastic back facing up. Press down firmly on the back and twist it counterclockwise until it stops—usually a quarter turn. The back 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 +, should face toward you). Drop the new battery in with the positive side up, then align the back cover and twist it clockwise until you hear a click. The AirTag is ready to use when ready.

If the back is stuck, try wrapping a thin cloth around it for better grip, or run warm water over it for a few seconds to loosen any corrosion. Do not force it—patience works better than strength.

Where to buy replacement CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are among the most common battery types and are sold almost everywhere. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the health and beauty section or near the checkout. Supermarkets carry them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's have them in the electrical section.

Online, you can order them from Amazon, Walmart, or any pharmacy website. A single battery costs $2 to $5, though buying a pack of four or eight brings the per-battery cost down. Name brands like Energizer and Duracell tend to cost more than store brands, but performance is similar for this battery type.

Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers, especially on third-party marketplaces. A battery that costs 50 cents is likely counterfeit and may not last as long or could leak inside your AirTag.

Signs your AirTag battery is failing

The first sign is the low battery notification on your iPhone. This appears in the Find My app under the AirTag's name and also as a system notification. Once you see this alert, plan to replace the battery within the next few weeks.

If you ignore the notification, the AirTag will eventually stop responding to location requests. Your iPhone will show it as offline in the Find My app, and you will not be able to play a sound on it or see its last known location. At this point, the battery is dead and must be replaced.

In rare cases, a battery may leak if left dead for months. If you open an AirTag and see white or blue residue inside, do not touch it directly. Rinse the battery compartment gently with water and let it dry completely before installing a new battery.

Extending your AirTag battery life

You cannot significantly extend battery life through settings—AirTags do not have a power-saving mode or adjustable features. However, you can reduce unnecessary battery drain by not checking the Find My app excessively. Each location check uses a small amount of power, so checking once a day instead of ten times a day does make a difference over months.

Keep your AirTag at room temperature when possible. If you use one to track luggage or a car that sits outside in winter, expect the battery to drain faster than one kept indoors. This is normal and not a defect.

If you have an AirTag you do not use regularly, remove the battery and store it separately. This prevents the battery from slowly draining while the AirTag sits unused. Reinstall the battery when you need the AirTag again.

What to do if your AirTag battery drains too fast

If your AirTag battery dies in a few months instead of a year, the problem is usually the battery itself, not the AirTag. Try replacing it with a fresh battery from a different brand or package. If the new battery also drains quickly, the issue may be with the AirTag hardware.

AirTags are covered by Apple's one-year limited warranty, which includes defects in battery performance. If you believe your AirTag is faulty, contact Apple Support with the purchase date and a description of the problem. They can determine whether the device should be replaced.

Do not attempt to repair an AirTag yourself beyond battery replacement. The device is sealed and not designed for user service. Opening it further can damage the internal components and void any remaining warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Other coin cell batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 may physically fit but will not work properly and could damage the AirTag. Always use a CR2032.

Does the AirTag battery drain faster if I use it to track a lost item?

Yes. If you are actively searching for a lost item and checking its location frequently, the battery drains faster than normal use. However, even heavy use should not reduce the battery life to less than a few months.

What happens if I leave a dead battery in my AirTag?

The AirTag will not work, and the battery may leak over time, potentially damaging the internal circuitry. Remove a dead battery as soon as you notice the AirTag is offline and replace it with a fresh one.

Is it safe to replace the AirTag battery myself?

Yes. Battery replacement is a straightforward, safe process that requires no special tools or training. Just make sure your hands are clean and dry, and do not force the back cover if it is stuck.

Can I buy AirTag batteries in bulk to save money?

Yes. Buying CR2032 batteries in packs of four, eight, or more reduces the per-battery cost. However, only buy what you will use within a year or two, since batteries lose charge over time even when not installed.