The battery comes out from the back, and you swap it for a fresh CR2032 coin cell

Apple AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells — the same flat, round batteries used in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. When your AirTag stops finding your keys or wallet, the battery is usually dead. Replacing it takes about 30 seconds and costs between $3 and $8 for a single battery at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer.

You do not need tools, a technician, or any special knowledge. The battery compartment is on the back of the AirTag and opens by hand.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, sold at drugstores and supermarkets for $3 to $8 each.
  • The battery compartment is on the back of the AirTag and twists open counterclockwise by hand — no tools needed.
  • A fresh CR2032 battery lasts about one year under normal use before the AirTag alerts you to replace it.
  • The AirTag will send a notification to your iPhone when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely.

Step-by-step: removing and replacing the battery

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic back facing up. You will see a stainless steel ring around the edge of the back. Place your thumb and forefinger on opposite sides of that ring and twist counterclockwise — the same direction you would turn to open a jar. The ring will loosen and come free after a quarter turn or less.

Once the ring is off, the white plastic battery cover will lift out. Inside, you will see the old CR2032 battery sitting flat in the compartment. Lift it out with your fingernail or a plastic tool — do not use a sharp metal object, as it can damage the compartment. Drop the new CR2032 battery in with the positive side (the shiny side with the + marking) facing up toward you.

Replace the white plastic cover, then twist the stainless steel ring clockwise until it sits flush with the back of the AirTag. You will hear or feel a small click when it is seated correctly. Your AirTag is now ready to use.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere: CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, and most grocery stores stock them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. A single battery costs $3 to $8 depending on the brand and where you shop. Buying a pack of four or eight is usually cheaper per battery than buying one at a time.

Any brand works — Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, and store brands all perform the same way in an AirTag. The only thing that matters is that it is a CR2032 coin cell. Do not buy a different size or type by mistake.

How long a battery lasts and when to replace it

A fresh CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use — meaning you are using the Find My app to locate the AirTag a few times a week. If you use it constantly, the battery may last eight to ten months. If you rarely use it, it may last longer.

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is running low, usually two to four weeks before it dies completely. At that point, you have time to buy a new battery without the AirTag going offline. If you ignore the notification and the battery dies, the AirTag will stop working until you replace it.

What to do with the old battery

Do not throw a used CR2032 battery in the trash. Most drugstores and supermarkets have a battery recycling bin near the checkout or customer service desk — ask an employee where it is. Best Buy also takes batteries for free. Some municipalities have hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off batteries along with other electronics.

Batteries contain materials that can harm the environment if they end up in a landfill, so recycling takes a few minutes and makes a difference.

Troubleshooting: what to do if the AirTag still does not work

If you installed a new battery and the AirTag still does not show up in Find My or respond to your iPhone, the problem is usually not the battery. First, make sure the battery is installed with the positive side facing up — if it is upside down, the AirTag will not power on. Remove it, flip it, and try again.

If the battery is in correctly and the AirTag still does not work, try restarting your iPhone. Hold down the power button, slide to power off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then open Find My and check whether the AirTag appears. If it still does not show up after a restart, the AirTag itself may be damaged and may need to be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of battery in my AirTag?

No. AirTag is designed for CR2032 coin cells only. Other battery types — like AAA, AA, or 9-volt batteries — will not fit and will not power the device. Always use a CR2032.

Is it safe to touch the battery with my bare hands?

Yes. Touching a CR2032 battery with your bare hands is safe. The voltage is too low to cause any harm. If you have a pacemaker or other medical implant, ask your doctor before handling batteries, but for most people there is no risk.

What if I put the battery in backwards?

If the negative side (the flat, unmarked side) is facing up instead of the positive side, the AirTag will not turn on. You will not damage anything — just remove the battery, flip it, and reinstall it with the shiny + side facing up.

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

No. Once you install a new battery, the AirTag will power on automatically and reconnect to your iPhone within a few seconds. You do not need to do anything else.