Remove the stainless steel back to access the battery

The battery in an AirTag sits behind the stainless steel back cover. To open it, hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic side facing up. Place your thumb on the back cover and press down firmly while twisting counterclockwise about a quarter turn — you will feel it loosen. Once it turns, lift the cover straight up and set it aside.

The battery will be sitting in a small metal holder inside. You do not need to remove the holder itself; the battery lifts straight out. If it feels stuck, try gently prying one edge with your fingernail or a plastic spoon handle rather than forcing it, which can damage the battery compartment.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin battery, which you can find at any pharmacy, grocery store, or hardware store for a few dollars.
  • The stainless steel back twists counterclockwise about a quarter turn to open; do not force it or you may strip the threads.
  • The old battery lifts straight out of its metal holder — you do not need to remove the holder or any other parts.
  • The new battery goes in with the flat side facing up (the positive side), and the back cover twists clockwise until snug.
  • Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically once the new battery is installed; no pairing or setup is needed.

Insert the new CR2032 battery with the flat side up

Buy a CR2032 coin battery before you open your AirTag. These are standard batteries sold everywhere — pharmacies, grocery stores, dollar stores, and hardware stores all carry them. They cost between two and five dollars.

When you are ready to install it, hold the battery so the flat side (marked with a plus sign) faces up. Drop it into the metal holder inside the AirTag. It should sit flat and level. If it tilts or sits crooked, lift it out and try again — the battery must make full contact with the metal contacts inside.

Twist the back cover clockwise until it stops

Once the battery is seated, pick up the stainless steel back cover and align it with the white plastic base. The cover has a small notch that lines up with a post on the base — line these up first so the cover sits evenly. Then press down gently and twist clockwise about a quarter turn until you feel resistance and it stops turning.

Do not over-tighten. The cover should be snug but not require force. If it feels stuck before a quarter turn, stop and check that the battery is sitting flat — a tilted battery can prevent the cover from closing all the way.

Your AirTag will reconnect automatically

Once the back is sealed, your AirTag will power on and reconnect to your iPhone within a few seconds. You will see a notification on your phone confirming the connection. No setup, pairing, or app changes are needed — the AirTag remembers your phone and picks up right where it left off.

If your AirTag does not reconnect after 30 seconds, open the Find My app and check the status. If it still shows as disconnected, open the AirTag again and make sure the battery is making contact with the metal holder inside. A battery that is not seated flush will not power the device.

Common mistakes that prevent the battery from working

The most common error is installing the battery upside down. The flat side with the plus sign must face up toward the white plastic. If you install it backwards, the AirTag will not power on at all. If your AirTag does not reconnect after you close it, open it again and flip the battery.

The second mistake is not seating the battery fully in its holder. If the battery is tilted or sitting at an angle, it will not make proper contact with the metal contacts inside, and the AirTag will not turn on. Lift the battery out, check that the holder is clean and level, and drop the battery in again so it sits completely flat.

A third issue is over-tightening the back cover. If you twist too hard, you can strip the threads on the plastic base, and the cover will no longer seal properly. Twist until you feel it stop — that is enough. If the cover is loose after a quarter turn, the battery is probably not seated correctly rather than the cover being under-tightened.

How often you need to replace the battery

A CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year under normal use. The exact lifespan depends on how often your AirTag is detected by nearby iPhones and Apple devices — an AirTag in a busy area with many Apple devices nearby will drain the battery faster than one in a quiet location.

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 offline. Once the battery is fully dead, the AirTag will not power on or connect until you install a fresh one.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold at pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), grocery stores, dollar stores, hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe's), and online retailers. You can also find them at electronics stores and some big-box retailers. They are inexpensive — usually two to five dollars per battery — and often sold in multi-packs if you have multiple AirTags or other devices that use them.

If you are buying online, make sure the listing says CR2032 specifically. There are similar-looking coin batteries with different model numbers that will not work in an AirTag. When in doubt, take a photo of the old battery before you remove it and match the model number on the new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I install the battery backwards?

The AirTag will not power on. The battery must have the flat side (positive terminal) facing up. If your AirTag does not reconnect after you close it, open it again and flip the battery so the flat side faces the white plastic interior.

Can I use a different type of coin battery instead of CR2032?

No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Other coin batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically different sizes and will not fit properly or make contact with the metal holder inside. Always use CR2032.

Do I need to unpair my AirTag before changing the battery?

No. straightforward remove the old battery, install the new one, and close the back cover. Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically within seconds. You do not need to open the Find My app or change any settings.

How do I know if the battery is installed correctly?

Your iPhone will show a notification that your AirTag has reconnected, usually within 10 to 30 seconds of closing the back cover. If you do not see this notification after a minute, open the AirTag again and check that the battery is sitting flat and level in its holder with the flat side facing up.

Can I reuse the old battery if I remove it carefully?

Not reliably. Once a CR2032 battery is fully drained, it will not hold a charge again. Even if the AirTag showed low battery before you removed it, the battery is at the end of its life. Buy a fresh battery for the best performance.