AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you replace rather than charge

AirTags do not charge with a cable or wireless charger. Instead, they use a replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery — the same flat, round battery found in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. When the battery runs low, you open the AirTag, remove the old battery, and insert a new one. The whole process takes about 30 seconds.

A fresh CR2032 battery lasts roughly one year in an AirTag under normal use. Apple will send you a notification on your iPhone when the battery is running low, giving you time to pick up a replacement before it dies completely.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that you buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for $3 to $8.
  • To replace the battery, press down on the stainless steel back of the AirTag and twist counterclockwise until the white plastic ring comes free.
  • Remove the old battery, insert the new CR2032 with the positive side facing up, and twist the back on again until it clicks.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, so you do not have to guess when replacement time is coming.

Step-by-step battery replacement

Start with a new CR2032 battery in hand. You can buy these at any pharmacy, grocery store, Target, Walmart, or online. Make sure the package says CR2032 — other coin cell sizes will not fit.

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back facing up. With your other hand, press down firmly on the steel back and twist it counterclockwise (the same direction you would turn to open a jar). You will feel resistance — keep twisting until the white plastic ring separates from the main body. This usually takes a quarter turn or less.

Lift away the steel back and the white ring together. You will see the old battery sitting in a small metal cup. Pop it out with your fingernail or a plastic tool — do not use a metal screwdriver, as it can scratch the inside. Discard the old battery.

Take your new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side is marked with a plus sign (+) — this is the positive side. Insert the battery into the cup with the positive side facing up toward you. The battery should sit flat and snug in the metal cup.

Place the white plastic ring back on top, then press down on the stainless steel back and twist clockwise until you hear or feel a click. The back should be tight and flush with the white ring — there should be no gap. Your AirTag is now ready to use.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common battery types in the world, so you have many options. Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, and most local pharmacies stock them in the battery aisle. Supermarkets like Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods carry them near the checkout or in the health and beauty section.

Big-box retailers including Target, Walmart, and Best Buy sell CR2032 batteries in their battery sections. Online, you can order them from Amazon, eBay, or directly from battery retailers. Prices range from $3 to $8 per battery depending on the brand and whether you buy a single battery or a multi-pack. Name brands like Energizer and Duracell cost more than generic store brands, but they all perform the same way in an AirTag.

If you want to keep a spare on hand, buy a multi-pack of four or eight batteries. They have a long shelf life — typically five to ten years — so storing extras in a drawer is practical and means you will never be caught without a replacement.

How to know when the battery is low

Your iPhone will send you a notification when your AirTag battery is running low. Open the Find My app, tap the Items tab, select your AirTag, and scroll down — you will see a battery status indicator that shows whether the battery is full, low, or needs replacement.

If you do not see a notification but want to check the battery status anyway, open Find My, tap Items, select the AirTag, and look at the battery percentage or status. Some AirTags show a percentage; others show "Low Battery" or a similar message. If the status says the battery is low, you should replace it within the next week or two.

Do not wait until the AirTag stops working entirely. Once the battery is completely dead, the AirTag will not send location data to your iPhone, and you will lose the ability to track it until you replace the battery.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is inserting the battery upside down. The positive side (marked with a +) must face up toward you when you look into the battery cup. If you insert it with the negative side up, the AirTag will not work, and you will need to open it again and flip the battery.

Another mistake is not twisting the back on tightly enough. If the steel back is loose, water can seep inside and damage the battery or the electronics. After you twist the back on, tug on it gently to make sure it does not come off. It should be snug and require real effort to remove.

Do not force the back on if it does not want to turn. If you feel strong resistance before you hear a click, stop and check that the battery is sitting flat in the cup and that the white ring is positioned correctly. Forcing it can crack the plastic ring or strip the threading.

What to do with the old battery

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the regular trash. Most pharmacies and retailers that sell batteries will take old batteries for recycling at no charge. Walgreens, CVS, Best Buy, and Home Depot all have battery recycling programs — ask at the customer service desk.

You can also check Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a recycling location near you that accepts batteries. Some municipalities have hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off batteries for free. Storing old batteries in a safe place until you have a few to recycle is fine — just keep them in a cool, dry spot away from metal objects that could cause a short circuit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery size in my AirTag?

No. AirTags are designed only for CR2032 batteries. Other coin cell sizes like CR2025 or CR2016 will not fit properly, and using them could damage the AirTag or cause it to malfunction. Always use CR2032.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A new CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. Heavy use — such as tracking an item you move frequently or checking its location many times per day — may drain the battery faster. Light use may extend it slightly beyond one year.

What happens if I lose my AirTag while the battery is dead?

A dead AirTag cannot send location data to your iPhone, so you will not be able to track it. If you replace the battery later and the AirTag is still in range of other Apple devices, it may start reporting its location again. If it is lost far away, you will need to find it by other means.

Is it safe to open an AirTag myself?

Yes. Opening an AirTag to replace the battery is safe and does not void any warranty. Apple designs AirTags to be user-replaceable. Just avoid dropping it or getting water inside while the back is off, and make sure the back is twisted on tightly when you are done.

Can I buy rechargeable CR2032 batteries for my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage than standard CR2032 batteries, which can cause the AirTag to behave unpredictably or not work at all. Stick with standard, non-rechargeable CR2032 batteries.