The battery in your AirTag slides out from the side, and you swap in a fresh CR2032 coin cell battery — the same kind used in watches and calculators.

The whole job takes about 30 seconds. You do not need tools, and the battery costs between $3 and $8 at any drugstore or supermarket. AirTag batteries last roughly one year with normal use, though heavy use or cold weather can drain them faster.

Your AirTag will send you a notification on your iPhone when the battery is low — usually when it has a few weeks of charge left. You can also check the battery level anytime by opening the Find My app, tapping Items, selecting your AirTag, and looking at the battery percentage at the top of the screen.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, sold at pharmacies and supermarkets for $3 to $8 each.
  • Press the polished stainless steel back of the AirTag until you hear a click, then rotate the battery compartment counterclockwise to remove it.
  • Drop the new CR2032 battery in with the positive side facing up, then rotate the compartment clockwise until it clicks back into place.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, but you can also check the percentage anytime in the Find My app under Items.

Step-by-Step: Removing the Old Battery

Hold your AirTag with the polished stainless steel back facing up. Press down firmly on the center of the back until you feel resistance and hear a soft click. Do not press so hard that you bend the device — a firm, steady pressure is enough.

Once you hear the click, the battery compartment has unlocked. Rotate the white plastic ring counterclockwise (the same direction as opening a jar) until it stops. The compartment will come free in your hand. The old CR2032 battery will either stay in the compartment or fall out — both are normal.

If the battery is stuck, do not force it. Gently wiggle the compartment side to side while rotating, or let it sit for a minute. The battery may be slightly corroded or stuck by static. A gentle touch works better than force.

Installing 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. The other side is slightly raised and unmarked — this is the negative side. The positive side must face upward when you insert it.

Drop the battery into the white plastic compartment with the positive side facing up. It should sit flat and level. Do not force it or try to twist it into place — it will rest naturally once it is oriented correctly.

Slide the compartment back into the AirTag and rotate the white ring clockwise until you hear a click. The click means the battery compartment is locked and seated properly. Your AirTag is now ready to use.

Checking Battery Level and Getting Alerts

Your iPhone automatically monitors your AirTag battery and sends a notification to your lock screen when the charge drops to about 10 percent. This usually gives you two to four weeks to replace the battery before it dies completely.

If you want to check the battery level before you get a notification, open the Find My app on your iPhone. Tap the Items tab at the bottom, then select your AirTag from the list. The battery percentage appears at the top of the details screen, next to a battery icon.

If you have multiple AirTags, you can see all their battery levels at once by looking at the Items list. Any AirTag with low battery will show a yellow or red battery icon next to its name.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common error is inserting the battery upside down. If your AirTag does not respond after you replace the battery, remove the compartment and flip the battery so the positive (+) side faces up. This fixes the problem almost every time.

Another mistake is not pressing hard enough on the back before rotating. If the compartment will not turn, press down again until you hear the click. The click is your signal that the lock has released.

Do not use old or damaged batteries. A battery that is dented, leaking, or has been sitting in a drawer for years may not work or may damage the AirTag. Buy a fresh CR2032 from a pharmacy or electronics store.

Where to Buy Replacement Batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold at nearly every pharmacy, supermarket, and drugstore in the United States. Look in the watch and battery aisle, usually near the front of the store or in the health and beauty section. Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Target, and Amazon all carry them.

Prices range from $3 to $8 per battery, depending on the brand and how many you buy. Name brands like Energizer and Duracell cost slightly more than store brands, but they all work the same way in an AirTag. Buying a pack of four or five batteries at once is cheaper per battery than buying one at a time.

Do not buy batteries from unknown sellers online or from gas stations, where they may have been sitting for years. Fresh batteries from a major retailer will last the full year.

What to Do With the Old Battery

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the trash. Most pharmacies and electronics stores have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. Drop your old battery in one of these bins — it is free and takes five seconds.

If your local store does not have a recycling bin, check Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a drop-off location near you. Some municipalities also accept batteries at hazardous waste collection events.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to replace the AirTag battery?

Most AirTags need a new battery once per year with normal use. Heavy use — like attaching it to a dog that moves around constantly — can drain the battery faster, sometimes in six to nine months. Cold weather also drains batteries quicker than warm weather.

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

No. AirTag is designed for CR2032 coin cell batteries only. Other battery types will not fit, and using the wrong battery can damage the device or create a safety hazard. Always use a CR2032.

What if my AirTag does not work after I put in a new battery?

First, remove the battery compartment and flip the battery so the positive (+) side faces up. If that does not work, take the battery out, wait 10 seconds, and reinsert it. If your AirTag still does not respond, try a different new battery — the first one may be defective.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes. There are no tools needed, no electrical current to worry about, and no parts that can break if you follow the steps. Millions of people replace AirTag batteries at home every year without any problems.

Can I buy a rechargeable battery for my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them for AirTag. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with standard disposable CR2032 batteries for best results.