The battery in an AirTag lasts about a year and costs less than $5 to replace

Apple AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin-cell battery that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer. The battery typically lasts around one year of normal use, and when it runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. Replacing it takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools.

You do not need to visit an Apple Store or send the AirTag anywhere. The battery compartment is designed to open by hand, and the battery itself costs between $3 and $8 depending on where you buy it. Once you install a fresh battery, the AirTag will work exactly as before.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online for $3 to $8.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, giving you time to buy a replacement before the AirTag stops working.
  • The battery compartment opens by twisting the stainless steel back counterclockwise by hand — no tools needed.
  • After you insert the new battery with the positive side facing up, twist the back clockwise until it clicks to seal it.

What battery type your AirTag needs

The battery is a CR2032, a round coin-shaped cell 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick. This is one of the most common battery types in the world, used in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and hearing aids. You will find them in the battery aisle of any drugstore, supermarket, or big-box retailer, and online at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and others.

Buy a name-brand battery — Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, or Sony — rather than an off-brand. The cost difference is small, and a reliable battery will last the full year. Some packs contain two or four batteries, which is useful if you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use CR2032 cells.

How to open the battery compartment

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back facing you. The back is the smooth, shiny side — not the white plastic side. Place your thumb on the steel back and your fingers on the white plastic front, then twist the steel back counterclockwise (the same direction you would turn to open a jar lid). You do not need to twist hard; a gentle quarter-turn is usually enough.

The back will separate from the plastic body. Set the plastic part aside in a safe place so you do not lose it. The battery will be visible inside, sitting in a small metal cup. If the battery does not fall out on its own, gently tip it into your palm.

Installing the new battery

Before you touch the new battery, note which side is which. The CR2032 has a flat positive side (marked with a + symbol) and a flat negative side (marked with a − symbol). The positive side should face upward when you insert it into the AirTag.

Drop the new battery into the metal cup with the positive side up. It will sit flat against the bottom. Do not force it or bend it. Once the battery is in place, pick up the white plastic body and align it with the steel back. Twist the steel back clockwise (the direction you would turn to close a jar) until you hear or feel a click. The back is now sealed, and the AirTag is ready to use.

Signs your battery is running low

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is low. The notification appears in the Find My app and also as a system alert. You typically have several weeks of warning before the battery is completely dead, so you do not need to rush to replace it when ready.

If you ignore the notification and the battery dies completely, the AirTag will stop sending location data and will not respond to the Find My network. You can still replace the battery and use the AirTag again — a dead battery does not damage the device.

What to do if the battery compartment is stuck

If the steel back will not twist, try wrapping a rubber band around it to improve your grip, or wear a rubber glove on the hand holding the AirTag. The rubber increases friction and makes it easier to turn. Twist gently — the compartment is not designed to require force.

If the back still will not budge after several gentle attempts, stop and let it sit for a few hours. Sometimes the seal tightens over time, and waiting can help. If it remains stuck, contact Apple Support, though this is rare with normal use.

Disposing of the old battery safely

Do not throw a used CR2032 battery in the trash. Most pharmacies and retailers that sell batteries will take old batteries for recycling at no charge — ask at the customer service desk. Some grocery stores and big-box retailers have battery recycling bins near the checkout or in the parking lot.

If you cannot find a local recycling option, you can mail batteries to a recycling service, though this is usually unnecessary. The easiest route is to ask the store where you buy the new battery whether they accept old ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage than single-use batteries and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with a standard disposable CR2032 for consistent performance.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

If you insert the battery with the negative side facing up, the AirTag will not work. You will not damage the device, but it will not power on. straightforward open the compartment again, flip the battery over so the positive side faces up, and close it.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

Apple states the battery lasts about one year with normal use. The exact length depends on how often the AirTag is tracked and how far it travels. An AirTag in a frequently-used bag will drain the battery faster than one in a rarely-moved item.

Can I buy a CR2032 battery anywhere, or only from Apple?

You can buy CR2032 batteries anywhere — drugstores, supermarkets, online retailers, and electronics stores all carry them. Apple does not sell proprietary batteries for the AirTag. Buying from a general retailer is usually cheaper and more convenient than ordering from Apple.

Will replacing the battery erase my AirTag's data or settings?

No. Replacing the battery does not affect any data, settings, or the connection to your Apple ID. The AirTag will continue to work exactly as before, paired to the same account and showing the same name and location history.