Open the stainless steel back and swap in a fresh CR2032 battery

To replace your AirTag battery, hold the tag flat in one hand and press down firmly on the stainless steel back cover with your thumb. You will feel it click and twist slightly—rotate it counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it stops. The back will pop off, revealing the CR2032 coin cell battery inside.

Lift out the old battery and drop in a new CR2032 battery with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up toward you. Press the stainless steel back down onto the tag and twist it clockwise until it clicks into place. The battery is now installed and your AirTag will resume working when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Press down and twist the stainless steel back counterclockwise to open your AirTag—do not pull or pry, as twisting is the correct motion.
  • The battery you need is a CR2032 coin cell, available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers for a few dollars.
  • Insert the new battery with the positive side facing up, then twist the back cover clockwise until it clicks to seal it.
  • Your AirTag will work when ready after you close it—no pairing or setup is needed after a battery swap.

What happens if you press instead of twist

The most common mistake is trying to pry or pull the back cover off. The AirTag back is not designed to come off by force—it will only open when you twist it. If you press down and pull straight up, you risk cracking the plastic ring underneath the stainless steel, which can make the cover loose or unable to seal properly.

Always press down first to engage the mechanism, then rotate. You should feel a small amount of resistance as you twist, and then a distinct click when it releases. If it does not click after a quarter turn, stop and try again rather than forcing it further.

Choosing the right replacement battery

The CR2032 is a standard coin cell battery 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick. It is one of the most common battery sizes in the world, so you can find it almost anywhere—CVS, Walgreens, Target, grocery stores, and online. A single battery costs between $2 and $5 depending on the brand and where you buy it.

Any CR2032 will work in your AirTag. Brand does not matter for basic function, though some people prefer name brands like Duracell or Energizer for longer battery life. Avoid buying in bulk unless you have multiple AirTags, because CR2032 batteries lose charge slowly over time even when not in use.

How long a new battery lasts

A fresh CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year under normal use. The actual lifespan depends on how often your AirTag is pinged—if you check its location multiple times a day, the battery will drain faster than if you check it once a week.

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to pick up a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working. Once the battery is fully dead, the AirTag will not respond to pings or show up on your Find My map.

Troubleshooting a battery that will not stay in

If the battery falls out when you close the cover, the plastic ring underneath the stainless steel may be damaged or the cover may not be twisting all the way. Remove the battery and inspect the plastic ring—if it looks cracked or warped, the AirTag may need to be replaced.

If the ring looks intact, try inserting the battery again and make sure it sits flat in the battery compartment. The positive side should face straight up. Close the cover slowly and twist all the way until you hear a clear click. If it still will not hold, contact Apple Support, as the tag itself may be defective.

What to do with the old battery

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the regular trash. Most drugstores and supermarkets have a battery recycling bin near the checkout or customer service desk—drop your old battery there for free. Some electronics retailers like Best Buy also accept batteries for recycling.

If you cannot find a recycling bin nearby, you can also save old batteries in a sealed container until you have several, then take them to a local hazardous waste collection event. Your city or county waste management website will list collection dates and locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different size battery in my AirTag?

No. The AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries, and other sizes will not fit in the compartment. Do not attempt to use CR2025, CR2016, or any other coin cell size, as they may damage the battery contacts or not make proper electrical contact.

What if my AirTag still does not work after I put in a new battery?

First, make sure the battery is inserted with the positive side facing up and the back cover is twisted all the way until it clicks. If it still does not work, try removing the battery, waiting 10 seconds, and reinserting it. If your AirTag still does not respond after that, the tag itself may be defective and you should contact Apple Support.

Do I need to unpair my AirTag before changing the battery?

No. straightforward remove the old battery, insert the new one, and close the cover. Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically within a few seconds. There is no need to open the Find My app or change any settings.

How do I know when the battery is running low?

Your iPhone will send you a notification that says "AirTag Battery Low" when the battery has only a few weeks of charge left. You will also see a low battery indicator in the Find My app next to that AirTag's name. This gives you time to buy a replacement battery before the tag stops working.

Is it safe to touch the battery with my bare hands?

Yes. CR2032 batteries are safe to handle with bare hands. You do not need gloves or special precautions. Just avoid dropping the battery or exposing it to extreme heat, and wash your hands after handling if you prefer.