The battery in an AirTag lasts about one year, and you replace it yourself in under a minute

AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery, the same type found in watches and calculators. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. You do not need tools, a technician, or a replacement device — you straightforward open the white plastic back, remove the old battery, and snap in a new one.

The entire process takes less than 60 seconds. You can buy CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, electronics retailer, or online. A single battery costs between $3 and $8, depending on the brand and how many you buy at once.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries that last roughly one year before needing replacement.
  • You open the white plastic back by pressing down and twisting counterclockwise until it stops.
  • The battery sits in a metal holder; lift it out and replace it with the new battery facing the same direction.
  • CR2032 batteries are inexpensive and widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, but you can also check the battery status in the Find My app.

Step-by-step: Opening the AirTag and removing the old battery

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up. You will see a thin seam between the white back and the stainless steel front. Press down on the white back with your thumb and twist it counterclockwise. It will rotate about a quarter turn before it stops — do not force it past that point.

Once the back is loose, lift it away from the front. Inside, you will see a metal battery holder with the CR2032 battery sitting in it. The battery has a flat side and a slightly raised side; the raised side faces up toward you. Lift the battery straight out of the holder by pressing gently on the edge and letting it pop up.

Installing the new battery and closing the AirTag

Take your new CR2032 battery and check which side is which. The flat side is the negative end; the raised side is the positive end. Place the battery into the metal holder with the raised side facing up, exactly as the old one was positioned. You will hear or feel a small click as it seats into place.

Now align the white plastic back with the stainless steel front. The seam should line up smoothly. Press down and twist the white back clockwise until it stops — again, about a quarter turn. You will feel it tighten slightly. The AirTag is now closed and ready to use.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common battery types in the world, so you have many options. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the health and beauty section or near the checkout. Supermarkets carry them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all sell them in their electronics sections.

Online, you can order them from Amazon, Walmart.com, or the websites of any pharmacy chain. Buying a pack of four or eight batteries costs less per battery than buying a single one, and since AirTags last about a year, having spares on hand means you will not need to make a special trip when the next one dies.

How to check your AirTag battery status before it dies

Your iPhone sends 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 and tap the Items tab at the bottom. Select the AirTag you want to check. The battery percentage appears near the top of the screen, below the AirTag's name.

If the battery shows below 10 percent, you should replace it soon. The notification usually arrives around that point, but checking manually is useful if you have not opened Find My in a while or if you want to know the exact percentage.

What to do if the battery is stuck or the back will not open

If the white back is difficult to twist, try wrapping a small piece of cloth or a rubber band around it for better grip. Twist gently — you should not need to force it. If it still will not budge, let the AirTag sit for a few hours; sometimes moisture or debris in the seam can make it stick temporarily.

If the battery itself is stuck in the metal holder, do not pry at it with a sharp object. Instead, tilt the AirTag slightly so the battery is at an angle, then gently tap the edge of the AirTag on a soft surface. The battery should slide or pop out. If you damage the metal holder or the plastic back, you will need to replace the entire AirTag, as these parts are not sold separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Other coin cell batteries may fit physically but will not work properly or could damage the device. Always use a CR2032 replacement.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

Most CR2032 batteries last about one year in an AirTag, though this varies based on how often you use the Find My app and how frequently the AirTag communicates with nearby Apple devices. Heavy use shortens battery life; light use may extend it slightly.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

If you insert the battery with the flat side facing up instead of the raised side, the AirTag will not work. You will not see any damage, but the device will not communicate with your iPhone. straightforward open it again, flip the battery over, and close it. No harm is done.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes. The CR2032 battery is not dangerous to handle, and the AirTag has no sharp edges or electrical hazards inside. Wash your hands after handling the battery if you prefer, as some people are sensitive to the metals used in coin cells, but the process itself is completely safe.

Can I recycle the old battery?

Yes. Many pharmacies and retailers that sell batteries also accept old batteries for recycling. Call ahead to confirm, or check your local waste management website for battery drop-off locations in your area.