Replace the battery by twisting the stainless steel back off, removing the old CR2032 coin cell, and inserting a new one

An AirTag battery lasts about one year of normal use. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. To replace it, hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing you, then press down firmly on the stainless steel back and twist counterclockwise until it stops. The back will come loose in your hand. Remove the old CR2032 battery, drop in a new CR2032 (the positive side faces up), and twist the back clockwise until you hear a click.

The whole process takes about 30 seconds. You do not need tools, and you cannot install the battery backward in a way that damages the AirTag — the battery compartment is designed so the CR2032 only fits one way.

Key Takeaways

  • Press down and twist the stainless steel back counterclockwise to open the battery compartment.
  • Use a CR2032 coin cell battery, which you can find at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for $3 to $8.
  • Insert the new battery with the positive side facing up, then twist the back clockwise until it clicks.
  • Your iPhone will stop showing a low battery warning within a few minutes of installing the new battery.

What type of battery does an AirTag use

AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery, a common 3-volt battery about the size of a dime. You can buy CR2032 batteries at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, grocery stores, hardware stores, and online. They are inexpensive — usually $3 to $8 for a pack of four — and you may already have some at home for other devices like watches, calculators, or car key fobs.

Do not use a different battery size or type. The AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032, and using the wrong battery can damage the device or cause it to malfunction.

Step-by-step battery replacement

Step 1: Position the AirTag correctly. Hold the AirTag in your hand with the white plastic side facing toward you and the stainless steel back facing away. This is the only orientation you need — there is no "right side up" for an AirTag.

Step 2: Open the battery compartment. Press down firmly on the stainless steel back with your thumb or finger. While pressing, twist the back counterclockwise (the same direction you would unscrew a jar lid). You will feel it loosen after a quarter turn or so. Continue twisting until the back comes free in your hand. Set it aside on a clean surface.

Step 3: Remove the old battery. You will see the old CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal cup inside the AirTag. Tip the AirTag or use your finger to push the battery out. It should come out easily.

Step 4: Insert the new battery. Take your new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side is flat and marked with a plus sign (+) — this is the positive side. Place the battery into the metal cup with the positive side facing up toward the opening. The battery should sit flat and snug.

Step 5: Close the battery compartment. Pick up the stainless steel back and align it with the opening. Press down and twist clockwise (the same direction you would screw a jar lid closed) until you hear or feel a click. The back should be snug and flush with the plastic body. Do not force it — if it does not click after a full turn, remove it and check that the battery is seated correctly.

How to know when your AirTag battery is low

Your iPhone will notify you when the AirTag battery is running low. Open the Find My app, tap the Items tab, select the AirTag, and scroll down — if the battery is low, you will see a "Replace Battery" message with a battery icon showing red or low charge. You may also see a notification on your iPhone lock screen or in the Notification Center.

An AirTag will continue to work for a short time after the low battery warning, but you should replace the battery within a few days to avoid the device stopping unexpectedly. If you ignore the warning for weeks, the AirTag will eventually stop sending location data.

Common mistakes to avoid

Twisting the wrong direction. The most common mistake is twisting clockwise when you should twist counterclockwise to open. Remember: press down first, then twist the same way you would open a jar lid (counterclockwise). If you twist the wrong way, you will just tighten it further.

Inserting the battery upside down. The CR2032 has a positive side (marked with a +) and a negative side. Always place the positive side facing up toward the opening. If you insert it upside down, the AirTag will not work, but you can straightforward remove it and flip it over — no damage is done.

Using the wrong battery type. CR2032 is the only battery that works in an AirTag. Do not substitute a CR2025, CR2016, or any other coin cell battery, even if it looks similar. Using the wrong battery can cause the AirTag to malfunction or fail to power on.

Forcing the back closed. If the back does not twist smoothly or does not click after a full rotation, stop and check the battery position. The battery should be sitting flat in the metal cup with no edges sticking up. Forcing a misaligned back can crack the plastic or damage the internal components.

What to do if your AirTag stops working after battery replacement

If you have replaced the battery and the AirTag still does not work, first remove the battery and reinsert it to make sure it is seated correctly. Check that the positive side is facing up. Close the back firmly until you hear the click.

If the AirTag still does not respond, try restarting your iPhone and opening the Find My app again. Sometimes the app needs a moment to recognize the new battery. If the AirTag still shows as offline or disconnected after 10 minutes, the device itself may have a hardware issue unrelated to the battery. In that case, you may need to contact Apple Support or consider replacing the AirTag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries are not recommended for AirTags. Apple designs AirTags for single-use CR2032 batteries, and rechargeable versions often have different voltage output that can cause the AirTag to malfunction or drain faster. Stick with standard disposable CR2032 batteries.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. Battery life depends on how often the AirTag is tracked and how far away it is from your devices. An AirTag that is tracked frequently or is far from your iPhone may drain the battery faster.

What if I lose the stainless steel back while changing the battery?

If you lose the back, you can contact Apple Support to order a replacement back, though it may cost $10 to $15. In the meantime, the AirTag will not work without the back because the battery compartment will be exposed and the battery may fall out. Do not use the AirTag until you have the back replaced.

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

No. You do not need to remove the AirTag from Find My or unpair it from your iPhone. straightforward replace the battery, close the back, and the AirTag will reconnect automatically within a few minutes. Your location history and settings will remain unchanged.

Can I replace the battery while the AirTag is still attached to my keys or bag?

Yes. You can replace the battery without removing the AirTag from your keychain or bag. Just hold it steady, press and twist the back open, swap the battery, and close it back up. There is no need to detach it from anything.