Opening an AirTag is a two-step twist, not a pry
An AirTag opens by twisting the stainless steel back cover counterclockwise — not by prying or pulling. Hold the white plastic front in one hand and rotate the metal back about a quarter turn until it stops. The cover will come free, and you'll see the battery sitting in a shallow cup. The whole process takes about 10 seconds and requires no tools.
The battery is a standard CR2032 coin cell, the same type used in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. You can buy a replacement at any pharmacy, supermarket, or hardware store for $3 to $8. Apple sells them too, but there's no reason to pay more — any CR2032 works the same way.
Key Takeaways
- Twist the metal back cover counterclockwise with your fingers until it stops — do not pry or force it.
- The battery is a CR2032 coin cell, which you can buy at any pharmacy or supermarket for a few dollars.
- When you put the new battery in, make sure the flat side faces up toward you, not down into the cup.
- Twist the cover clockwise until it stops; you'll feel a slight click when it seats properly.
Step-by-step: removing the old battery
Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing you. Use your other hand to grip the metal back cover and twist it counterclockwise — the direction that unscrews a jar lid. You don't need much force; if you're straining, you're twisting the wrong way. After a quarter turn, the cover will loosen and you can lift it off.
The CR2032 battery will be sitting flat in the center of the plastic cup. It's not glued or held by anything, so you can lift it straight out with your fingernail or a plastic spoon. If it's stuck, a tiny dab of water on the rim can help it slide out, but usually it comes free when ready.
Installing the new battery correctly
Before you put the new battery in, look at it. One side is flat and shiny; the other side has a raised edge and is usually marked with text or a plus sign. The flat side must face up — toward you, not down into the cup. This is the positive terminal, and it's the side that makes contact with the spring inside the cover.
Drop the battery into the cup with the flat side up. It should sit flat and level. If it's tilted or standing on edge, take it out and flip it. Once it's seated, pick up the metal cover and align it with the plastic body. Twist it clockwise — the direction that tightens a jar lid — until it stops. You'll feel a slight resistance and sometimes a small click when it seats fully.
What to do if the cover won't open
If the cover is stuck, the most common reason is that you're twisting the wrong direction. Try counterclockwise again, slowly, with steady pressure. Don't jerk or twist hard — a stuck cover usually means you're going the wrong way, not that you need more force.
If you're certain you're twisting counterclockwise and it still won't budge, wrap the metal back in a thin cloth or rubber band to improve your grip, then try again. The cloth gives your fingers more traction without damaging the cover. If it remains stuck after that, the AirTag may have a manufacturing defect; contact Apple Support, as forcing it could crack the plastic body.
How long a new battery lasts
A fresh CR2032 battery typically powers an AirTag for about one year of normal use. "Normal use" means the AirTag is in a wallet, bag, or attached to keys and is being located a few times a week. If you use the Find My app constantly or enable Precision Finding every day, the battery will drain faster — possibly in 8 to 10 months. If the AirTag sits mostly unused, it may last 14 to 16 months.
The AirTag will send you a notification through the Find My app when the battery is low, usually when a few weeks of charge remain. That gives you time to buy a replacement before it dies completely. Once the battery is fully dead, the AirTag stops broadcasting its location and becomes useless until you replace it.
Choosing the right replacement battery
Any CR2032 battery works in an AirTag. The model number is printed on the battery itself, so you can show it to a store clerk if you're unsure what to buy. Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, and store-brand versions all perform identically. The only difference is price — store brands are usually cheapest and work just as well.
Avoid buying batteries in bulk unless you use them regularly in other devices. Coin cell batteries have a shelf life of several years, but they do slowly lose charge over time. A battery sitting in a drawer for three years will have less capacity than a fresh one, so buy only what you'll use within a year or so.
Disposing of the old battery safely
CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the regular trash. Most pharmacies and supermarkets have a battery recycling bin near the checkout or customer service desk — ask an employee where it is. Some hardware stores and Best Buy locations also accept batteries for recycling. If you can't find a drop-off location nearby, search "battery recycling near me" online to find the closest option.
If you have only one old battery, you can also hold onto it until you have a few batteries to recycle together, then take them all at once. Storing a dead battery in a drawer for a few weeks is safe; just keep it away from metal objects that could short the terminals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?
Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they're not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage than standard alkaline CR2032 cells, which can cause the AirTag to behave unpredictably or drain faster. Stick with a standard alkaline CR2032 from any pharmacy or supermarket.
What happens if I put the battery in upside down?
If the battery is installed with the flat side facing down, the AirTag won't turn on and won't respond to the Find My app. You'll know when ready because the AirTag will be silent and won't show a location. straightforward open the cover again, flip the battery, and close it. No damage occurs from installing it backward.
Is it safe to open an AirTag myself, or should I take it to Apple?
Opening an AirTag yourself is completely safe and is the normal way to replace the battery. Apple doesn't offer a battery replacement service — they expect owners to do it. The process takes less than a minute and requires no tools or special knowledge. There's no warranty risk from opening it yourself.
Why does my new battery seem to drain faster than the old one?
A new battery may seem to drain faster if you're using the AirTag more frequently or if you've enabled Precision Finding, which uses Bluetooth more intensively. It's also possible the old battery was already partially drained when you replaced it, so the new one straightforward feels fresher. If a new battery drains in less than two months of normal use, the AirTag itself may have a hardware issue.