The battery comes out from the back, and you do not need tools

An AirTag battery is held in a stainless steel case that snaps into the plastic body. To remove it, flip the AirTag over so the metal side faces you, then press down on the metal case and twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. The case will pop out, and the battery sits inside. You can then lift the battery out with your fingernail or a plastic tool—a coin works too, though it can scratch the case.

The whole process takes about 30 seconds. You do not need to press hard or use force. If the case is stuck, try warming it slightly under warm water for a few seconds, which can help the plastic expand just enough to release it.

Key Takeaways

  • Press down on the metal battery case on the back of the AirTag and twist counterclockwise to release it.
  • The battery is a CR2032 coin cell, which you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer.
  • Once you remove the old battery, drop the new one in with the positive side facing up and snap the case back in place.
  • If the case is difficult to turn, warm the AirTag under running water for a few seconds to loosen the plastic.

What type of battery an AirTag uses

An AirTag runs on a CR2032 battery, a standard coin-cell battery about the size of a dime. This is one of the most common battery types in the world—you will find it in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and hearing aids. A new CR2032 costs between $3 and $8 for a single battery, or $10 to $15 for a pack of four or five.

You can buy CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, or big-box retailer in the battery aisle. They are also available online from Amazon, eBay, and battery specialty sites. There is no need to buy Apple-branded batteries; any CR2032 will work in an AirTag. The battery typically lasts about one year of normal use before the AirTag will alert you that it is running low.

Step-by-step removal and replacement

Step 1: Flip the AirTag over. Hold it so the white plastic side is down and the stainless steel back is facing up toward you.

Step 2: Locate the metal battery case. You will see a circular metal disc on the back. This is the battery case.

Step 3: Press and twist. Place your thumb or finger on the metal case and press down gently. While pressing, turn it counterclockwise (to the left) about a quarter turn—roughly the distance from 12 o'clock to 9 o'clock on a clock face. You will feel it click or pop as it releases.

Step 4: Remove the case. Lift the metal case away from the AirTag body. The battery will either come out with it or stay in the plastic housing.

Step 5: Take out the old battery. If it is still in the case, use your fingernail, a plastic spoon, or the edge of a coin to gently pry it out. If it is in the plastic housing, lift it out the same way.

Step 6: Insert the new battery. Drop the new CR2032 into the housing with the positive side facing up (the side with the + symbol or the shiny side). This matters—if you put it in upside down, the AirTag will not work.

Step 7: Snap the case back in. Place the metal case back into the plastic body, press down, and turn clockwise (to the right) until it clicks into place. You should hear or feel a distinct click.

When the case is stuck or hard to turn

If the metal case will not budge, do not force it—you can crack the plastic housing. Instead, run the AirTag under warm (not hot) tap water for 5 to 10 seconds. The plastic will expand slightly, and the case will usually turn more easily. Dry it completely before putting in the new battery.

If it is still stuck after warming, try wrapping a small rubber band around the metal case to give your thumb more grip, then twist gently. Another option is to use a coin with a thin edge—a dime works better than a quarter—and place it on the case to explore steady, even pressure while you turn.

Signs your AirTag battery is running low

Your iPhone or iPad will send you a notification when the battery is low. The message typically says "AirTag Battery Low" and appears in the Find My app. You do not have to replace it when ready—the AirTag will continue to work for a while after this alert, but you should plan to change it within the next week or two.

If you ignore the alert long enough, the battery will eventually die completely and the AirTag will stop sending location data. At that point, you will not be able to find it until you replace the battery.

Troubleshooting if the AirTag does not work after battery replacement

If you have replaced the battery but the AirTag still does not show up in the Find My app, the most common cause is that the battery is installed upside down. Remove the case again and check that the positive side (marked with a + or the shiny side) is facing up. Flip it if needed and snap the case back in.

The second most common issue is that the metal case is not fully seated. Press down firmly and twist clockwise until you hear a definite click. If the case is loose, the battery will not make proper contact with the AirTag's internal contacts.

If both of those are correct and the AirTag still does not work, try a different new battery—it is possible the one you installed is defective, though this is rare. If a second battery also does not work, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem, and you may need to contact Apple or replace the AirTag.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 than standard alkaline CR2032 batteries, and the AirTag may not recognize them or may drain them very quickly. Stick with standard alkaline CR2032 batteries for the most reliable performance.

What should I do with the old battery?

Do not throw it in the trash. CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should be recycled. Most pharmacies, electronics stores, and municipal hazardous waste facilities accept used batteries for free. Some retailers like Best Buy also have battery recycling bins near the entrance.

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. If you use the AirTag very frequently or in a location with many Bluetooth devices, the battery may drain faster. If you rarely use it, it may last slightly longer.

Is there a way to check the battery percentage before it dies?

Not directly. The Find My app will only tell you when the battery is low, not the exact percentage remaining. Once you see the low-battery alert, you have a window of a few days to a week to replace it before it dies completely.

Can I damage the AirTag by opening it too many times?

The case is designed to be opened and closed many times. However, if you twist too hard or use excessive force, you can crack the plastic housing or strip the threads inside. Open it gently, and you can replace the battery dozens of times without damage.