The battery comes out from the back, and you swap it for a new CR2032 coin cell
Open the AirTag by pressing down on the stainless steel back and twisting it counterclockwise until it stops. The back will come loose in your hand. Lift out the old battery, drop in a fresh CR2032 (the kind used in watches and calculators), and twist the back clockwise until you hear a click. That click means the battery is seated and the AirTag is sealed again. The whole job takes about 30 seconds.
The CR2032 is a standard battery you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for between $3 and $8 for a pack of several. Apple does not sell them separately, and you do not need to go to an Apple Store to replace it — this is a user-replaceable part by design.
When you twist the back on, you will feel resistance. Keep twisting gently until you hear or feel the click. If the back is hard to turn, you are twisting the wrong direction or the battery is not seated flat. Remove the back again, check that the battery is lying flat with the positive side (the shiny side) facing up, and try again.
Key Takeaways
- Press down on the stainless steel back and twist counterclockwise to open the AirTag.
- Replace the old battery with a new CR2032 coin cell, making sure the shiny positive side faces up.
- Twist the back clockwise until you hear a click, which confirms the battery is seated and the AirTag is sealed.
- CR2032 batteries cost $3 to $8 per pack and are sold at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
- You do not need to visit an Apple Store or use any tools — the battery is designed to be replaced at home.
How to know when the battery is running low
Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. You will also see a battery icon in the Find My app that shows the current level. If you ignore the notification, the AirTag will stop working once the battery is fully drained, but it will start working again as soon as you put in a new one.
A fresh CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. The exact lifespan depends on how often the AirTag is finding your item — if you search for it constantly, the battery will drain faster.
What to do if the back is stuck
If the back will not budge, you are likely twisting in the wrong direction. Make sure you are pressing down firmly while twisting counterclockwise (to the left). The back should move smoothly once you have the direction right.
If it still will not turn after you have tried both directions, try wrapping a thin cloth or rubber band around the back to improve your grip. Do not use pliers or other tools, as they can scratch or crack the stainless steel. If the back remains stuck after these steps, the AirTag may have a manufacturing defect, and you can contact Apple for a replacement.
Checking that the battery is installed correctly
The most common mistake is installing the battery upside down. The CR2032 has a shiny positive side and a flat negative side. The shiny side must face up toward the back of the AirTag. If the battery is installed backward, the AirTag will not work, but no damage will occur — straightforward remove the back and flip the battery over.
After you twist the back on, your iPhone should recognize the AirTag within a few seconds if the battery is installed correctly. If the AirTag does not appear in the Find My app or your phone does not recognize it, remove the back, check the battery orientation, and try again.
Where to buy CR2032 batteries
CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere: CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon all stock them. You can also find them at gas stations and convenience stores, though the price may be higher. A single battery costs $1 to $3, but buying a pack of four or eight is usually cheaper per battery.
Generic and store-brand CR2032 batteries work just as well as name brands like Duracell or Energizer. The AirTag does not care which brand you use — it only cares that the battery is a CR2032 and is installed with the positive side facing up.
What happens to the old battery
CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not be thrown in the trash. Most drugstores and electronics retailers have a battery recycling bin near the checkout or customer service desk. You can also take old batteries to a local hazardous waste collection event, which most towns hold once or twice a year. Check your city or county website for the nearest drop-off location.
If you have only one old battery and no recycling option nearby, storing it safely until you can recycle it is fine. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from metal objects that could cause a short circuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of battery in my AirTag?
No. The AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin cell batteries may fit physically but will not work or could damage the AirTag. Always use a CR2032.
Do I need to reset my AirTag after changing the battery?
No. The AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically once the new battery is installed and the back is sealed. You do not need to do anything else.
How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?
A fresh CR2032 typically lasts about one year under normal use. If you search for your AirTag frequently, the battery may drain faster. Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, giving you time to replace it before it dies.
What if my AirTag still does not work after I replace the battery?
First, remove the back and check that the battery is installed with the shiny positive side facing up. If the battery is oriented correctly and the AirTag still does not work, try removing and reinstalling the battery one more time. If it still fails, contact Apple — the AirTag may have a hardware defect.
Is it safe to replace the battery myself?
Yes. The AirTag battery is designed to be replaced by the user without tools or special knowledge. There are no sharp edges, no electrical hazard, and no way to damage the AirTag during a normal battery swap.