The battery in an AirTag comes out from the back and takes a standard CR2032 coin cell

Changing an AirTag battery takes about 30 seconds. The back of the AirTag is a removable stainless steel cover that twists off by hand — no tools needed. Inside sits a CR2032 coin-cell battery, the same type used in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. You buy a replacement CR2032 at any pharmacy, supermarket, or electronics store for between $3 and $8, then drop it in and twist the cover back on.

Apple says an AirTag battery lasts about one year under normal use. You will get a notification on your iPhone when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. At that point, the AirTag still works — it just stops sending its location to your phone until you replace the battery.

Key Takeaways

  • The back cover twists counterclockwise by hand; you do not need tools or special equipment.
  • A CR2032 battery costs $3 to $8 and is sold at pharmacies, supermarkets, and electronics retailers.
  • Your iPhone sends a low-battery alert weeks before the AirTag stops working, giving you time to buy a replacement.
  • The battery sits in a small metal holder; make sure the positive side (marked with a +) faces up when you insert it.

Step-by-step: removing the cover and swapping the battery

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back facing you. Place your thumb on the edge of the cover and push down while twisting counterclockwise. The cover will loosen after a quarter turn or so. Keep twisting until the cover comes free — it usually takes three or four full rotations. Set the cover aside on a clean surface.

Inside the AirTag you will see a small metal battery holder with the old CR2032 sitting in it. The battery has a + symbol on one side and a − symbol on the other. Lift the old battery straight up and out of the holder. Drop the new CR2032 into the holder with the + side facing up — this is the side that should face toward you when you look at the AirTag from the back. Press down gently until the battery sits flat.

Pick up the stainless steel cover and align it with the opening on the back of the AirTag. Push down and twist clockwise until the cover is snug. You will feel a slight resistance as the threads catch; do not force it. The cover should sit flush with the rest of the AirTag body when it is fully seated.

Where to buy a CR2032 battery

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

You can also order them online from Amazon, Walmart.com, or the manufacturer websites. A single battery usually costs $3 to $5 in a store; multi-packs of four or eight batteries cost $5 to $12 total and work out cheaper per battery if you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use CR2032 cells. Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers — they may not hold a charge as long as name brands like Energizer, Duracell, or Panasonic.

What to do if the cover is stuck

The stainless steel cover sometimes gets stuck if dirt or lint has built up in the threads. If twisting by hand does not loosen it, wrap a rubber band around the cover to improve your grip, then try again. Push down firmly while twisting counterclockwise — the extra grip usually breaks the seal.

If the rubber band does not work, try wrapping the AirTag in a soft cloth and holding it steady while you twist the cover. The cloth protects the device and gives you better leverage. Do not use pliers or other tools, as they can scratch or crack the stainless steel. If the cover remains stuck after several attempts, contact Apple Support; a stuck cover is rare and usually means the threads are damaged.

Signs your AirTag battery is running low

Your iPhone will show a low-battery notification in the Find My app when the CR2032 has about two to four weeks of charge left. The notification appears as a yellow or red battery icon next to the AirTag's name in your list of devices. You can also check the battery status manually by opening Find My, tapping the Items tab, selecting the AirTag, and looking at the battery percentage shown at the top of the screen.

After the battery fully dies, the AirTag stops sending location updates to your phone. If you try to play a sound on it, nothing happens. The AirTag itself is not broken — it will work again as soon as you install a fresh battery. Until then, you cannot track its location or use it to find your keys or bag.

How long a CR2032 lasts in an AirTag

Apple rates the battery life at approximately one year under normal use. What "normal use" means depends on how often the AirTag sends location data. If you carry the AirTag in a bag or on your keys and check its location once or twice a week, you will get close to a full year. If you check its location multiple times a day or use it to play sounds frequently, the battery may drain faster — sometimes in eight or nine months.

The battery also drains faster in cold weather, since chemical reactions inside the cell slow down at low temperatures. If you leave an AirTag in a car during winter, expect the battery to last a few months less than it would in a warm environment. Once you bring the AirTag back indoors, the battery performance usually returns to normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of battery instead of a CR2032?

No. The AirTag is designed specifically for a CR2032 coin cell. Other battery types like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically smaller and will not sit properly in the holder. Using the wrong battery can damage the contacts or cause the cover to not close fully. Stick with CR2032 — it is inexpensive and widely available.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

If you insert the battery with the − side facing up instead of the +, the AirTag will not work. Your iPhone will not detect it, and you will not be able to track it or play a sound. straightforward open the cover again, flip the battery over so the + side faces up, and close the cover. The AirTag will start working when ready.

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

No. The AirTag does not need to be reset or re-paired with your iPhone after a battery change. As soon as you install the new battery and close the cover, the AirTag will reconnect to your phone automatically within a few minutes. Your location history and all settings stay the same.

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

Yes. CR2032 batteries are safe to handle with bare hands. They do not carry enough current to cause a shock, and the metal casing is not toxic. Wash your hands afterward if you prefer, but there is no health risk from touching the battery itself. Do not swallow it — like all batteries, CR2032 cells are dangerous if ingested.

Can I recycle the old battery?

Yes. Most pharmacies and electronics stores have battery recycling programs. Best Buy, Lowe's, and Home Depot accept used batteries at their customer service desks at no charge. You can also check Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a recycling location near you. Do not throw batteries in the trash — they contain materials that can harm the environment.