The battery in an AirTag comes out from the back and takes about 30 seconds to swap

An AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for a few dollars. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. You do not need tools, special knowledge, or an Apple Store visit—the battery compartment is designed to open by hand, and the whole job takes less time than tying a shoe.

The battery lasts roughly one year under normal use, though that varies depending on how often the AirTag communicates with your phone and nearby Apple devices. When it dies, you straightforward pop the back off, remove the old battery, drop in a new one, and snap the cover back on. The AirTag will start working again when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a CR2032 coin cell battery, which costs between $2 and $5 and is sold at most retailers that carry batteries.
  • The battery compartment is on the back of the AirTag and opens by pressing and twisting the stainless steel cover counterclockwise.
  • The old battery slides out easily once the cover is off; the new one goes in with the positive side facing up.
  • Your iPhone will confirm the battery is working within a few seconds of closing the cover.

What battery type you need

The AirTag takes a CR2032 lithium coin cell battery. This is one of the most common battery sizes in the world, sold under many brand names—Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, and store brands all make them. You can find them at pharmacies, grocery stores, hardware stores, and online. A single battery costs between $2 and $5 depending on the brand and how many you buy in a pack.

Do not use a rechargeable CR2032 or a different coin cell size. The AirTag is designed for the standard disposable CR2032, and using the wrong battery can damage the device or cause it to malfunction. When you buy a battery, the packaging will clearly say "CR2032"—if it says anything else, it is the wrong one.

How to open the battery compartment

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back facing up. You will see a circular metal cover on the back. Place your thumb or fingernail on the edge of this cover and press down firmly while twisting it counterclockwise (the same direction you would turn a screw to loosen it). The cover will rotate about a quarter turn and then pop out.

If the cover is stuck, do not force it. Wash your hands so your thumb has better grip, dry them completely, and try again. Some people find it easier to use a coin—a dime or penny works well—to grip and turn the cover. Press down on the cover with the coin edge and twist counterclockwise until it comes free. The cover is made of stainless steel and is durable, so normal hand pressure will not damage it.

Removing the old battery and installing the new one

Once the cover is off, you will see the old CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal cup. It will slide out easily if you tilt the AirTag slightly or use your fingernail to gently pry the edge of the battery upward. Set the old battery aside—you can throw it away or recycle it at a store that accepts batteries.

Take your new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side is flat and marked with a "+" symbol (the positive side), and the other side is slightly raised (the negative side). Slide the new battery into the metal cup with the positive side facing up toward the stainless steel cover. The battery should sit flat and snug in the cup. If it feels loose or tilted, remove it and try again—it should fit smoothly without force.

Closing the cover and confirming it works

Once the battery is seated, pick up the stainless steel cover and align it with the opening on the back of the AirTag. Press down on the cover and twist it clockwise (the opposite direction from when you opened it) until you hear or feel a click. The cover should be flush with the back of the AirTag and not wobble or stick out.

Within a few seconds, open the Find My app on your iPhone and look for the AirTag. You should see it listed with a green dot or a "Connected" status. If it does not appear right away, wait 10 seconds and refresh the app. If the AirTag still does not show up, remove the cover, check that the battery is seated correctly with the positive side up, and close the cover again. A battery installed upside down is the most common reason an AirTag does not respond after a battery change.

What to do if the cover is stuck or damaged

If the cover will not budge after several attempts, try wrapping a rubber band around your thumb or finger for better grip, or use a coin with a thicker edge. Avoid using sharp tools like knives or screwdrivers, which can slip and scratch the AirTag or your hand. If the cover is cracked or the metal is bent, the AirTag may still work, but the cover will not seal properly and dust or moisture could get inside.

If you damage the cover beyond repair or lose it, you can contact Apple Support to order a replacement cover, though this is rare. Most people never have trouble opening or closing the battery compartment. If you are uncomfortable doing it yourself, any Apple Store can change the battery for you at no charge—you just need to bring the AirTag and a new CR2032 battery, or they can sell you one.

How often you need to change the battery

A CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year. This assumes normal use—the AirTag communicating with your iPhone and nearby Apple devices a few times per day. If you use the AirTag very frequently, such as attaching it to a car you drive daily and checking its location constantly, the battery may drain faster. If the AirTag sits unused for weeks at a time, the battery will last longer.

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to buy a replacement battery and change it at your convenience. You do not have to change the battery the moment you get the notification—the AirTag will continue to work for a while longer, though its range and responsiveness may decrease slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them for AirTags. They have a lower voltage than standard disposable CR2032 batteries and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with a standard disposable CR2032 from a major brand.

What happens if I install the battery upside down?

If the negative side faces up instead of the positive side, the AirTag will not work. You will not see it in the Find My app, and it will not respond. straightforward remove the cover, flip the battery over so the "+" symbol faces up, and close the cover again. It will work when ready.

Do I need to reset the AirTag after changing the battery?

No. The AirTag will recognize the new battery automatically and resume working within seconds. You do not need to unpair it from your iPhone, restart your phone, or do anything else. Just close the cover and check the Find My app.

Where is the cheapest place to buy a CR2032 battery?

Prices vary slightly, but drugstores, supermarkets, and dollar stores usually have competitive prices on single batteries. Buying a multi-pack online is often cheaper per battery if you have multiple devices that use CR2032s. Check the packaging to confirm it says "CR2032" before you buy.

Can I take an AirTag apart further to clean it or fix something else?

The AirTag is not designed to be disassembled beyond the battery compartment. If you try to pry apart the plastic or stainless steel body, you will damage it and likely break internal components. If something other than the battery is wrong, contact Apple Support.