The battery in your AirTag lasts about a year, and changing it takes less than a minute

An AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for a few dollars. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. To replace it, you press down on the stainless steel back of the AirTag, twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn, and lift the cover off. The old battery pops out, you drop in a new CR2032 (positive side facing up), and twist the cover back on clockwise until it clicks. That's it.

You do not need any tools, and you do not need to remove the AirTag from its holder or keychain. The whole process takes about 30 seconds once you have the new battery in hand.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are standard CR2032 coin cells, sold at drugstores and supermarkets for $3 to $8 per battery.
  • Press down on the metal back, twist counterclockwise a quarter turn, and the cover lifts off to reveal the battery compartment.
  • Insert the new CR2032 with the positive side (marked with a +) facing upward, then twist the cover clockwise until it clicks.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, but you can also check the battery status in the Find My app under the AirTag's details.

What battery does an AirTag use

An AirTag runs on a CR2032 battery, a coin-shaped lithium cell 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick. This is one of the most common battery types in the world — you will find it in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and hearing aids. Any CR2032 will work in an AirTag, whether it is a name brand like Energizer or Duracell or a generic store brand.

A single CR2032 lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. If you use the AirTag heavily — checking its location multiple times a day — the battery may drain faster. If you rarely use it, it may last longer. Apple does not sell replacement batteries; you buy them separately.

Step-by-step: how to open the AirTag and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back facing up. Use your thumb or finger to press down firmly on the center of the metal back. You will feel resistance — keep pressing.

While pressing down, use your other hand to twist the metal back counterclockwise (the same direction you would unscrew a jar lid). You only need to turn it about a quarter turn, roughly 90 degrees. You will hear or feel a small click when the cover releases.

Lift the metal back away from the plastic body. The old CR2032 battery will either stay in the cover or fall out into your hand. If it sticks to the metal, gently pry it out with your fingernail or a plastic tool — do not use a sharp metal object, as that can damage the battery compartment.

Installing the new battery

Before you insert the new CR2032, check which side is marked with a + symbol. That is the positive terminal. Hold the AirTag body so the battery compartment faces up, and place the new battery into the circular slot with the positive side facing upward. The battery should sit flat and flush with the rim of the compartment.

Pick up the metal back cover and align it with the plastic body. The cover has a small notch or alignment mark that matches a ridge on the body — line these up so the cover sits evenly. Press down gently and twist the cover clockwise (the same direction you would screw a jar lid shut) until you hear or feel a click. The cover should be snug but not so tight that you strain to turn it.

Your AirTag is now ready to use. If it was previously connected to your iPhone, it will reconnect automatically within a few seconds. You should see the battery status update in the Find My app.

How to check your AirTag battery status before it dies

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is low, but you can also check the status yourself at any time. Open the Find My app on your iPhone, tap the Items tab at the bottom, and select the AirTag you want to check. Scroll down and you will see the battery level displayed as a percentage.

If the battery shows below 10 percent, it is a good idea to have a new CR2032 on hand so you can replace it as soon as it dies. Some people keep a spare battery in a drawer or with their keys so they are never caught without one.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is inserting the battery upside down — with the negative side facing up instead of the positive side. If your AirTag does not respond after you close the cover, open it again and flip the battery over. The positive side (marked with a +) must face upward toward the cover.

Another mistake is twisting the cover too hard when closing it. The cover should click into place with moderate pressure; if you force it, you risk cracking the plastic body or stripping the threads. If the cover does not click after a quarter turn, open it and check that the battery is sitting flat in the compartment and that the cover is aligned properly.

Do not use a metal tool to pry out a stuck battery, as this can scratch or damage the battery compartment and prevent the cover from sealing properly. A plastic spoon, credit card edge, or your fingernail will do the job without harm.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Check the pharmacy or health and beauty section of any supermarket, drugstore, or big-box retailer like Target or Walmart. You can also order them online from Amazon, eBay, or the websites of battery manufacturers. A single battery usually costs $3 to $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it; buying a pack of four or more often brings the per-battery cost down.

Generic batteries work just as well as name brands for AirTag use. If you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use CR2032 batteries, buying in bulk makes sense — the batteries have a shelf life of several years when stored in a cool, dry place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage than standard alkaline CR2032 cells, which can cause the AirTag to behave unpredictably or fail to connect. Stick with standard alkaline CR2032 batteries.

What do I do with the old battery?

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the trash. Most pharmacies and retailers that sell batteries also have a battery recycling bin near the checkout or customer service desk. You can also search for a local battery recycling program on Earth911.com or your city's waste management website.

How long does a CR2032 battery last if I don't use the AirTag?

Even if an AirTag is not actively being tracked, it still broadcasts its location periodically, so the battery will drain over time. Expect roughly one year of battery life regardless of how often you check on it. If you plan to store an AirTag for several months, you can remove the battery to prevent it from draining.

Will my AirTag stop working if the battery dies completely?

Yes. Once the battery is fully dead, the AirTag will not broadcast its location or respond to any commands. Your iPhone will show it as offline in the Find My app. The AirTag will resume working as soon as you install a fresh battery.

Is there a way to extend the battery life of my AirTag?

Battery life depends mainly on how often the AirTag broadcasts its location, which you cannot adjust. However, if you own multiple AirTags, keeping them in a group (rather than spread across different locations) can reduce how often each one needs to broadcast. Otherwise, straightforward replacing the battery once a year is the expected maintenance.