The battery in your AirTag comes out from the back and takes a standard CR2032 coin cell that you can buy at any drugstore

Apple AirTags use a CR2032 battery, which is a flat, round coin-cell battery about the size of a dime. When your AirTag stops working or the Find My app tells you the battery is low, you straightforward pop off the back cover and swap in a new one. The whole job takes less than a minute and costs between $3 and $8 for a replacement battery.

You do not need any tools, and you do not need to pair the AirTag again after you change the battery. The new battery picks up right where the old one left off.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 coin-cell batteries, which you can buy at pharmacies, grocery stores, hardware stores, or online.
  • The back cover twists off counterclockwise by hand—no tools needed—and the battery sits in a shallow cup underneath.
  • When you install a new battery, the AirTag automatically reconnects to your account without any setup steps.
  • A fresh CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in normal use before the Find My app alerts you again.

Where to buy a CR2032 battery

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Check the pharmacy or health and beauty section of any drugstore (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid), the battery aisle at hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe's), or the electronics section of grocery stores. You can also order them online from Amazon, Best Buy, or the manufacturer's website.

Buy a name-brand battery if you can—Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, or Sony. Generic versions work, but they sometimes have shorter lifespans. A single battery costs $3 to $5; multipacks of 4 or 5 are usually cheaper per unit if you have other devices that use them (calculators, watches, car key fobs often do).

How to remove the back cover

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic back facing you. Use your other hand to grip the stainless steel ring around the edge. Twist the ring counterclockwise (the same direction you would turn to open a jar) until you feel it loosen. It usually takes a quarter turn or less.

Once it is loose, lift the white plastic back straight up and away from the metal ring. The back cover will come free in your hand. Do not force it—if it is stuck, you may be turning the wrong direction. The battery sits in a shallow metal cup in the center of the white plastic piece you just removed.

How to swap out the old battery for the new one

Look at the white plastic back you removed. The battery sits in a small metal cup in the middle. The side facing you (the flat side with the + symbol) is the positive terminal. Gently pry the old battery out with your fingernail or the edge of a coin. It should come free with light pressure.

Drop the new CR2032 battery into the cup with the + side facing up (toward you). It will sit flat and snug. You do not need to press hard or snap it in place—it should rest naturally in the cup. If it feels loose or tilted, remove it and try again to make sure it is centered.

How to put the cover back on

Hold the white plastic back with the battery inside and align it with the metal ring on the main body of the AirTag. The cover should fit over the ring smoothly. Press down gently and twist the ring clockwise (the direction you would turn to close a jar) until you feel it catch and tighten. A quarter turn is usually enough.

You will hear or feel a small click when it is seated correctly. The cover should be flush with the metal ring and not wobble. If it feels loose, twist it a bit more clockwise. Do not over-tighten—you only need it snug enough that it will not fall off.

What happens after you install the new battery

Open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and look at your AirTag. Within a few seconds, the battery status should update to show "Good" or a full battery icon. You do not need to re-pair the AirTag, enter a code, or do any setup. It reconnects to your account automatically because the AirTag remembers your device.

If the battery status does not update right away, close the Find My app and open it again. If the AirTag still shows as offline or unreachable, make sure the battery is seated correctly by removing the cover and checking that the + side is facing up.

How long a new battery lasts

A fresh CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year under normal use. If you use the AirTag heavily—checking its location multiple times a day, or using it on a pet that moves around constantly—the battery may drain faster. Light use (checking once a week or less) may stretch it closer to 18 months.

The Find My app will alert you when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. You do not have to replace it the moment you see the alert, but it is a good reminder to pick up a new battery on your next store visit so you are not caught with a dead AirTag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

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

What if the battery cover is stuck and will not twist off?

Try wrapping a rubber band around the metal ring to improve your grip, then twist counterclockwise again. If it is still stuck, soak the edge where the cover meets the ring in warm water for a minute to loosen any corrosion or debris. Dry it and try again. Do not use pliers or force—you risk damaging the ring.

Do I lose my AirTag data or location history when I change the battery?

No. Changing the battery does not erase any data. Your AirTag will still be linked to your account and will show up in the Find My app exactly as it did before. Location history is stored on Apple's servers, not on the AirTag itself.

How do I know which side of the battery goes in first?

The + symbol should face up toward you when you look at the white plastic back. The flat side with the + goes in first. If you install it upside down, the AirTag will not work, but you can straightforward remove the cover and flip it over—there is no risk of damage.

Can I buy a battery at Apple Store instead of a drugstore?

Apple Stores do not typically sell CR2032 batteries separately. You will have better luck at a pharmacy, grocery store, or hardware store. If you are already at an Apple Store for another reason, ask if they can change the battery for you—some locations offer this service, though it may take a few minutes.