The battery in an AirTag comes out from the back and takes a CR2032 coin cell, which you can buy at any drugstore

Open an AirTag by pressing down on the stainless steel back and twisting it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. The back will pop off. Inside you'll see a circular battery holder with the CR2032 battery sitting in it. Press down on the battery and it will spring out. Drop in a fresh CR2032 — any brand works, and they cost between $3 and $8 for a pack of four — with the positive side facing up. Press the back on and twist clockwise until it clicks. That's it.

The whole job takes about 30 seconds. You don't need tools, and you can't install the battery wrong in a way that breaks anything — if it doesn't work, you just flipped it over and need to try again.

Key Takeaways

  • Press and twist the stainless steel back counterclockwise to open the AirTag; the battery holder is visible when ready inside.
  • The battery is a CR2032 coin cell, which you can buy at pharmacies, grocery stores, electronics retailers, or online for $3 to $8 per pack.
  • Press down on the old battery to eject it, then drop in the new one with the positive side facing up.
  • Twist the back clockwise until it clicks to seal the AirTag; no tools or special technique is required.
  • A fresh battery lasts about one year under normal use, depending on how often your AirTag sends location updates.

Where to buy a CR2032 battery

CR2032 batteries are standard coin cells sold everywhere. Walgreens, CVS, Target, and Walmart all stock them in the pharmacy or electronics section. Amazon, Best Buy, and other online retailers sell them in multipacks. You'll also find them at grocery stores, dollar stores, and some gas stations.

Buy a pack of four or more if you have multiple AirTags or other devices that use CR2032 batteries — watches, calculators, and some car key fobs all use the same cell. The batteries last about one year in an AirTag under normal use, so having spares on hand means you won't be caught without a working tracker.

How to know when the battery is dying

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is low. Open the Find My app, tap the Items tab, select the AirTag, and scroll down — you'll see the battery level displayed as a percentage. When it drops below 10 percent, Apple sends a notification to your phone.

If you ignore the notification and the battery dies completely, the AirTag stops working until you replace it. It won't send location updates, and you won't be able to play a sound on it to find it. Replace the battery as soon as you see the low-battery warning.

What to do with the old battery

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the trash. Most retailers that sell batteries — including Best Buy, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Best Buy — have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. Some Whole Foods locations and municipal hazardous waste facilities also accept them.

If you can't find a drop-off location nearby, check Earth911.com or call your local waste management office to find the nearest battery recycling program. The process is free.

Troubleshooting if the AirTag won't turn back on

If you've replaced the battery and the AirTag still doesn't work, the battery may be installed upside down. Open the AirTag again, press down on the battery to eject it, and flip it over so the positive side (marked with a +) faces up. Close it and try again.

If it still doesn't work after you've flipped the battery, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem. Try a different CR2032 battery to rule out a defective cell. If a known-good battery doesn't work, the AirTag may need to be replaced — contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.

How long a battery lasts in an AirTag

Apple rates the CR2032 battery to last about one year in an AirTag under normal use. "Normal use" means the AirTag is in your bag or on your keys and sending location updates to your iPhone periodically throughout the day. If you use the Find My app constantly or play the sound on the AirTag frequently, the battery will drain faster.

If the AirTag is in a drawer and you never use it, the battery will last longer because it's not sending updates. The actual lifespan depends on how often your iPhone requests a location update from the AirTag, which varies based on how far away it is and whether you're actively looking for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin cell sizes like CR2025 or CR2016 won't fit in the battery holder. Stick with CR2032 — it's the standard size and widely available.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

The AirTag straightforward won't turn on. The battery holder is designed so that only the correct orientation works. If you install it upside down, open the AirTag again and flip the battery so the positive side faces up.

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

No. The AirTag remembers your iPhone and all its settings. As soon as you close the back and the battery makes contact, it will reconnect to your phone automatically within a few seconds.

Is it safe to open an AirTag myself?

Yes. The back is designed to come off by hand — you just press and twist. There are no glued seams, no screws, and no risk of damaging the device if you follow the press-and-twist motion. Apple expects owners to change the battery themselves.