AirTag batteries last about a year and swap out in seconds

Your 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. To replace it, you twist the stainless steel back of the AirTag counterclockwise until it pops off, drop in a fresh CR2032 (positive side facing up), and twist the back on again. The whole job takes under a minute.

You do not need any tools, special knowledge, or a trip to an Apple Store. The battery is not glued in, and the AirTag is not waterproof once you open it—but it will still work fine in rain or a pocket. Just do not submerge it.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, sold everywhere batteries are sold, and cost between two and five dollars.
  • Your iPhone sends a low-battery notification when the battery is running out, giving you time to buy a replacement before the AirTag stops working.
  • Twist the stainless steel back counterclockwise until it releases, insert the new battery with the positive side facing up, and twist the back clockwise until snug.
  • The AirTag will continue to work after you open it, but it is no longer waterproof, so avoid submerging it in water.

What battery your AirTag needs

Every AirTag uses a CR2032 battery—a coin-shaped lithium cell 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick. This is one of the most common battery sizes in the world. You can find CR2032 batteries at pharmacies, grocery stores, hardware stores, electronics retailers, and online. A single battery costs between two and five dollars depending on the brand and where you buy it.

Any CR2032 will work in your AirTag. You do not need an Apple-branded battery or a special version. Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, and store brands all function identically. If you want to stock up, buying a pack of four or eight is usually cheaper per battery than buying one at a time.

How to open your AirTag and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back facing up. Place your thumb on the white plastic side and your fingers underneath the steel back. Twist the steel back counterclockwise—the direction opposite a clock's hands—with steady, even pressure. You will feel it loosen after a half turn or so.

Keep twisting until the back comes free. It will separate from the white plastic body. Set the back aside on a clean surface. Inside, you will see the old CR2032 battery sitting flat in a shallow cup. Tip the AirTag gently or use your fingernail to pry the battery out. It should come free with minimal effort.

Installing the new battery

Before you insert the new battery, look at it closely. One side is flat and shiny (the positive side), and the other side is slightly raised with a minus sign printed on it (the negative side). The positive side must face upward when you install it.

Drop the new battery into the cup with the positive side up. It will sit flat and snug. Now pick up the steel back and align it with the white plastic body. Twist the back clockwise (the direction a clock's hands move) until it is snug. You will feel resistance as the threads catch. Do not force it—twist until it stops naturally. The back should sit flush with the plastic body with no gaps.

Your AirTag is now ready to use. Your iPhone will recognize the new battery within a few seconds and the low-battery notification will disappear.

When to replace your AirTag battery

Apple designs AirTag batteries to last about one year of normal use. What counts as normal varies—if you use your AirTag every day in a backpack or on your keys, it will drain faster than one you use occasionally. Cold weather also drains batteries slightly faster than warm weather.

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is running low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to buy a replacement battery without your AirTag going silent. If you ignore the notification and the battery dies, the AirTag will stop sending location data until you replace it, but you can still replace the battery and resume using it.

What happens after you open your AirTag

Opening your AirTag to change the battery does not break it or void any warranty. The AirTag will continue to work exactly as before. However, opening it does remove the waterproof seal. Your AirTag will still survive light rain, a splash, or a brief dunk, but you should not submerge it in water or expose it to heavy moisture for extended periods.

If you are worried about water damage after opening it, you can buy a waterproof case designed for AirTags. These cases are plastic or silicone shells that slip over the AirTag and protect it from water while still allowing the Bluetooth signal to pass through. They cost between five and fifteen dollars.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is inserting the battery upside down. If you put the negative side facing up, the AirTag will not work. If your AirTag does not respond after you replace the battery, open it again and flip the battery over.

Another mistake is twisting the back too hard. The threads are plastic and can strip if you force them. Twist until you feel resistance, then stop. The back does not need to be cranked down tight—snug is enough.

Do not lose the steel back. If it falls off or you misplace it, you can buy a replacement back from Apple or third-party sellers for a few dollars, but it is easier to keep track of it while you work. Set it on a clean surface where you can see it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Yes, rechargeable CR2032 batteries work in AirTags. They typically hold a charge for about six months instead of a year, so you will need to recharge them more often. Some people prefer them to save money over time, while others find the extra charging step annoying. Both disposable and rechargeable versions work fine.

What do I do if I lose the steel back?

You can order a replacement back from Apple's website or from third-party retailers like Amazon for three to five dollars. Until it arrives, your AirTag will still work without the back, but the battery will be exposed and the device is no longer water-resistant. Keep the AirTag in a pocket or bag to protect the battery.

How do I know if my AirTag battery is actually dead?

Open the Find My app on your iPhone and look at your AirTag. If it shows a low-battery icon or notification, the battery is running out. If the AirTag shows as offline or has not updated its location in several hours, the battery is likely dead. Replace it and check again after a few seconds.

Is it safe to throw away the old battery?

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in regular trash in most places. Take old batteries to a pharmacy, electronics store, or hazardous waste collection site. Many retailers that sell batteries also accept old ones for recycling at no charge.