Open the AirTag and Remove the Old Battery

To change the battery in your AirTag, start by holding the device with the white plastic side facing up. Press down firmly on the stainless steel back cover and twist it counterclockwise until it stops — you'll feel it loosen after about a quarter turn. The cover will come free in your hand.

Once the cover is off, you'll see a circular battery sitting in a white plastic holder. The battery is a CR2032, a common coin-cell battery about the size of a dime. Lift the battery straight up and out of the holder. If it's stuck, try gently prying one edge with your fingernail or a plastic spoon handle — metal tools can scratch the inside.

Set the old battery aside. You now have the AirTag open and ready for the new battery.

Key Takeaways

  • The AirTag uses a CR2032 coin-cell battery, which you can buy at most drugstores, supermarkets, or online for a few dollars.
  • Press down on the stainless steel back and twist counterclockwise to open the AirTag — it takes only a quarter turn.
  • Insert the new battery with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up toward you, then twist the cover clockwise until snug.
  • Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically once the battery is installed and the cover is sealed.

Insert the New CR2032 Battery

Before you install the new battery, check which side is which. A CR2032 battery has a flat positive side marked with a + symbol and a flat negative side on the back. The positive side must face up toward you when you place it in the AirTag.

Drop the new battery into the white plastic holder with the + side up. It should sit flat and level in the holder. If it feels loose or tilted, remove it and try again — the battery needs to make good contact with the metal contacts inside.

Close the AirTag and Verify It Works

Once the battery is seated, pick up the stainless steel cover and align it with the opening on the AirTag. Press down gently and twist clockwise until you feel it stop — again, about a quarter turn. The cover should be snug but you don't need to force it. If it won't close, the battery may not be sitting flat; open it again and reseat the battery.

After you close the AirTag, pick up your iPhone and open the Find My app. Tap the Items tab at the bottom, then tap your AirTag in the list. If the battery status shows as "Good" or displays a percentage, the new battery is working and the AirTag has reconnected. If you see "No Battery" or a warning, open the AirTag again and check that the battery is inserted with the + side facing up.

Where to Buy a CR2032 Battery

A CR2032 battery is one of the most common coin-cell batteries made, and you can find it almost anywhere. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the watch and battery aisle. Supermarkets often carry them near the checkout or in the pharmacy section. Target, Walmart, and most hardware stores have them as well.

Online, you can order CR2032 batteries from Amazon, eBay, or the websites of the retailers listed above. A single battery usually costs between $2 and $5, though buying a pack of four or eight brings the per-battery cost down. Make sure the package says CR2032 — there are other coin-cell sizes like CR2025 and CR2016 that look similar but won't work in an AirTag.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most frequent error is inserting the battery upside down. If the negative side (the blank back) faces up, the AirTag will not power on. If your AirTag doesn't show a battery status after closing it, open it again and flip the battery over.

Another mistake is not twisting the cover far enough. If the cover is loose, the battery may lose contact with the metal connectors inside, and the AirTag will stop working. Twist until you feel resistance, then give it a tiny bit more — it should be snug enough that you can't easily twist it further by hand.

Don't use a metal tool to pry out a stuck battery unless you're very careful. Scratching the inside of the AirTag can damage the electrical contacts. A plastic spoon, a plastic credit card edge, or even a wooden toothpick works better and won't harm the device.

How Often You'll Need to Replace the Battery

A CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year under normal use. If you use your AirTag heavily — checking its location multiple times a day, or using the Find My network feature constantly — the battery may drain faster and need replacement every 8 to 10 months. Light use can stretch it to 18 months or longer.

Your iPhone will alert you when the battery is running low. The Find My app will show a low battery warning, usually when the battery has a few weeks of life left. This gives you time to pick up a new CR2032 before the AirTag stops working entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage output than standard alkaline CR2032 batteries, and the AirTag may not recognize them or may drain them very quickly. Stick with a standard alkaline CR2032 for reliable performance.

What if my AirTag still doesn't work after I change the battery?

First, open the AirTag again and confirm the battery is inserted with the + side facing up and sitting flat in the holder. Close it and wait 30 seconds, then check the Find My app again. If it still shows no battery, try a different new CR2032 battery — the first one may have been defective. If a second battery doesn't work, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem.

Do I need to remove my AirTag from Find My before changing the battery?

No. You can change the battery without removing the AirTag from your account. straightforward open it, swap the battery, close it, and it will reconnect automatically. You don't need to do anything in the Find My app.

Is it safe to leave the AirTag open while I go buy a new battery?

Yes, leaving the AirTag open for a short time is safe. The device won't be damaged. However, don't leave it open for days or expose it to water or dust while it's open. If you need to step away, you can close the AirTag without a battery inside — it just won't work until you install one.

Can I use a different type of battery, like a CR2025?

No. The AirTag is designed specifically for a CR2032 battery. A CR2025 is slightly thinner and won't make proper contact with the electrical connectors inside. Always use a CR2032 to may support your AirTag works correctly.