Open the AirTag by pressing and twisting the battery cover
The AirTag battery cover is the stainless steel disc on the back of the device. Hold the AirTag in one hand with the cover facing up. Using your other hand, press down firmly on the cover with your thumb or finger, then twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. You will feel it loosen.
The cover does not need to come off completely — it will pop up slightly once you have twisted it far enough. Lift it away from the AirTag body. The old CR2032 battery will either stay in the cover or remain in the AirTag itself, depending on how tightly it was seated.
If the battery does not come out easily, do not force it. Set the AirTag on a flat surface, cover-side up, and try again with a steady, even pressure. Forcing the battery can damage the contact points inside.
Key Takeaways
- Press down on the battery cover and twist counterclockwise — you only need to turn it about a quarter turn before it pops up.
- The battery is a CR2032 coin cell, which you can find at most pharmacies, grocery stores, and hardware retailers for a few dollars.
- Insert the new battery with the flat side facing up toward you, then twist the cover clockwise until it clicks into place.
- If the cover is stuck, try warming it slightly with your hands or using a soft cloth for grip — never use tools that could scratch or dent it.
Remove the old battery and inspect the contacts
Once the cover is off, take out the old battery. Look inside the AirTag at the metal contact points — there should be two small circles of shiny metal on the inside of the cover and one or two on the AirTag body itself. These contacts should be clean and free of corrosion.
If the contacts look dark, discolored, or crusty, gently wipe them with a dry cloth or a cotton swab. Do not use water or cleaning solutions. Corroded contacts are the most common reason an AirTag stops working after a battery change, so taking 10 seconds to clean them can save you trouble later.
Insert the new CR2032 battery correctly
The new battery must go in with the flat side facing up — the side you can see when you look down at it. This is the positive terminal. If you insert it upside down, the AirTag will not work, but it will not be damaged; you can straightforward flip it and try again.
Place the battery gently into the AirTag so it sits flat in the bottom. You should not have to press hard. If it feels like it is not sitting right, remove it and check that the contacts are clean and that you are not forcing it at an angle.
Twist the cover back on until it clicks
Align the cover with the opening on the AirTag. The cover has a small notch or flat edge that lines up with a matching mark on the AirTag body — this keeps you from putting it on backward. Once it is positioned correctly, press down and twist clockwise. You will feel it tighten, and you should hear or feel a small click when it is fully seated.
The cover should be snug but not so tight that you need to strain. If it feels loose after a quarter turn, twist it another small amount, but stop as soon as you feel resistance. Over-tightening can crack the cover or damage the threads.
Test the AirTag to confirm the battery is working
Open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and look for your AirTag in the Items list. If the battery was installed correctly, the AirTag should appear and show a green dot next to its name, meaning it is connected. Tap on it to see the battery level — a newly installed battery should show as full.
If the AirTag does not appear in Find My or shows as offline, remove the cover and check that the battery is inserted flat-side up and that the contacts are clean. Reinsert the battery and wait 10 to 15 seconds before checking the app again.
Where to buy a replacement CR2032 battery
A CR2032 is a standard coin-cell battery sold almost everywhere. You can find them at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, grocery stores, hardware stores like Home Depot, and online retailers. A single battery usually costs between $2 and $5, though buying a pack of four or eight is often cheaper per battery.
Check the package to make sure it says CR2032 — there are other coin-cell sizes like CR2025 and CR2016 that look similar but will not work in an AirTag. If you are unsure, ask a store employee or check the product listing before you buy.
Common mistakes to avoid when changing the battery
The most frequent error is inserting the battery upside down — with the domed side facing up instead of the flat side. This is straightforward to fix: just open the cover again and flip the battery. Another common mistake is over-tightening the cover, which can strip the threads or crack the plastic. Twist until you feel resistance, then stop.
Do not use tools like pliers or screwdrivers to open the cover unless you are very careful — they can scratch the stainless steel or slip and damage the plastic body. Your fingers have enough grip to open it. If the cover is truly stuck, warm it in your hands for a minute or try wrapping a thin cloth around it for better grip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to replace the AirTag battery?
A CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. If you use Find My frequently or have the AirTag in a location with poor signal, the battery may drain faster. The Find My app will notify you when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely.
Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?
Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage output than standard alkaline CR2032 batteries, which can cause the AirTag to behave unpredictably or not work at all. Stick with a standard alkaline CR2032.
What should I do with the old battery?
Do not throw a used battery in the trash. Most pharmacies, grocery stores, and electronics retailers have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. You can also search for a local battery recycling program on Earth911.com or your city's waste management website.
Why is my AirTag not working after I put in a new battery?
Check that the battery is inserted flat-side up and that the cover is twisted on tightly enough to make contact. If the AirTag still does not appear in Find My, remove the cover and clean the metal contact points with a dry cloth. If it still does not work after that, the AirTag itself may have a hardware issue.
Is it safe to open an AirTag myself?
Yes, opening an AirTag to change the battery is safe and does not void any protection. Apple designed the battery cover to be user-replaceable. You do not need any special tools or technical knowledge — just your fingers and a new CR2032 battery.