Open the AirTag and Remove the Old Battery
An AirTag battery swap takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools. Hold the AirTag with the flat side facing up. Press down firmly on the stainless steel back cover and twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it stops. The cover will come loose in your hand.
Inside you'll see a circular battery sitting in a shallow metal cup. The battery is a CR2032 coin cell—the same type used in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. Lift the battery straight up and out of the cup. If it's stuck, try gently prying the edge with your fingernail or a plastic spoon handle rather than a metal tool, which can scratch the interior.
Key Takeaways
- AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for $3 to $8.
- The back cover twists counterclockwise and requires only hand pressure—no tools, screwdrivers, or special equipment needed.
- A fresh CR2032 battery lasts about one year of normal use before the AirTag alerts you to replace it.
- The battery contacts inside the AirTag are designed to work with either side of the battery facing up, so orientation does not matter.
Insert the New Battery and Close the Cover
Take your new CR2032 battery and drop it into the metal cup with either side facing up—the AirTag works the same either way. The battery should sit flat and flush with the rim of the cup. You'll hear or feel a small click as it settles into place.
Now twist the stainless steel back cover clockwise until it stops. You should feel resistance as the threads engage, and the cover will be snug when fully seated. Do not force it—if you feel strong resistance before the cover is flush with the AirTag body, back off and realign the threads, then try again.
What Happens After You Replace the Battery
Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac within a few seconds. You may see a notification that the battery is now good, or the battery status in the Find My app will straightforward update from "Replace Battery" to a full battery icon. No pairing or setup is required—the AirTag remembers your device.
If you don't see the battery status update after a minute, try opening the Find My app and tapping the AirTag name, then closing and reopening the app. If the AirTag still shows as unreachable, remove the battery, wait 10 seconds, and reinsert it.
Where to Buy a CR2032 Battery
CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Check the pharmacy or health section of any supermarket, drugstore, or big-box retailer. You can also order them online from Amazon, eBay, or the websites of retailers like Walmart or Target. A single battery costs $3 to $8 depending on the brand and where you shop. Buying a pack of two or four is usually cheaper per battery than buying one.
Any CR2032 will work in an AirTag—you do not need an Apple-branded battery or a premium brand. Standard alkaline CR2032 batteries are fine. Avoid rechargeable CR2032 batteries, which have lower voltage and may not power the AirTag reliably.
How Often You'll Need to Replace the Battery
Apple estimates that a CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. Your actual battery life depends on how often the AirTag is moving, how often you check its location in Find My, and how many times it connects to nearby Apple devices. An AirTag in a desk drawer will last longer than one on a frequently-traveled keychain.
Your AirTag will send you a notification when the battery is running low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. You do not have to replace it when ready—the AirTag will continue to work for a while after the low-battery warning. Plan to keep a spare CR2032 on hand so you can swap it in whenever you see the warning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common error is twisting the cover the wrong direction. Remember: counterclockwise to open, clockwise to close. If you twist clockwise first, you'll tighten the old cover and make it harder to remove. Take a breath and twist the opposite way.
Do not use a coin or tool to pry the cover open. The stainless steel is soft and scratches easily. Your fingernail or a plastic tool works just as well and won't damage the AirTag. If the cover is truly stuck, run the AirTag under warm water for a few seconds to help the metal expand slightly, then try again.
Do not force the battery into the cup. It should drop in smoothly and sit flat. If you feel resistance, the battery is probably upside down or misaligned—lift it out and try again. Forcing it can bend the metal contacts inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of battery in my AirTag?
No. AirTags are designed for CR2032 coin cells only. Other battery types, including CR2025 or CR2016, are physically smaller and will not make proper contact with the terminals. Rechargeable CR2032 batteries have lower voltage and may not work reliably.
What do I do with the old battery?
Take it to a battery recycling program. Most electronics retailers like Best Buy accept used batteries for free. Some supermarkets and pharmacies also have battery drop-off bins. Do not throw it in the trash—lithium batteries can pose a fire risk in landfills.
Will my AirTag stop working if I don't replace the battery right away?
Not when ready. The AirTag will send you a low-battery notification weeks before the battery is completely dead. It will continue to work for a while after the warning, but its range and reliability will decrease. Replace it when you see the notification to avoid losing tracking.
Do I need to unpair my AirTag before changing the battery?
No. straightforward remove the old battery, insert the new one, and close the cover. The AirTag will reconnect to your device automatically within seconds. Unpairing and repairing is not necessary and will only add extra steps.
Why does my AirTag still show low battery after I replaced it?
The battery status in Find My can take a few minutes to update. Close the Find My app completely and reopen it. If the status still shows low battery after five minutes, remove the new battery, wait 10 seconds, and reinsert it to force a reconnection.