AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin battery that you can swap yourself in under a minute

An AirTag battery lasts about one year of normal use. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. You do not need to take it to a store or order a replacement AirTag — you straightforward open the back and swap in a new CR2032 battery, which costs a few dollars at any pharmacy, grocery store, or electronics retailer.

The entire process takes less than a minute and requires no tools. The battery sits in a small compartment on the back of the AirTag, held in place by a plastic cover that twists off by hand.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are standard CR2032 coin cells, sold at drugstores and supermarkets for $3 to $8 for a pack of several.
  • The back cover twists counterclockwise to open; you do not need tools or special knowledge.
  • The old battery comes out easily once the cover is off, and the new one slides in the same way.
  • Your iPhone will stop showing the low battery warning within a few minutes of inserting a fresh battery.

What you need before you start

You need a CR2032 battery. This is a flat, round coin battery about the size of a dime. You can buy them at pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, grocery stores, dollar stores, Amazon, or any electronics shop. A single battery costs $1 to $3; multipacks of four or more cost less per battery. Check the package to confirm it says CR2032 — there are other coin battery sizes, but AirTag uses only this one.

You do not need a screwdriver, tweezers, or any other tool. Your fingers are enough. If you have long fingernails, you may find it easier to use a plastic spoon edge or the back of a credit card to pry out the old battery, but this is optional.

Step-by-step: removing the old battery

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up and the stainless steel back facing down. Look at the back — you will see a thin seam running around the edge where the white plastic meets the metal. The plastic cover twists off from this seam.

Place your thumb on the white plastic and your fingers underneath the metal back. Twist the white plastic cover counterclockwise (to the left) while holding the metal steady. You will feel it loosen after a quarter turn or so. Keep twisting until the white plastic separates from the metal back — usually this takes a full rotation or slightly more. Once the cover comes off, you will see the battery sitting in a shallow metal cup inside.

The battery is held in place by the cup itself, not by any clip or spring. Gently pry the old battery out with your fingernail or the edge of your thumbnail. It should come free with light pressure. Set the old battery aside — you will recycle it later.

Step-by-step: inserting the new battery

Take your new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side is flat and shiny; the other side is flat and usually has text printed on it. The shiny side should face up (toward you) when you insert it.

Place the battery into the metal cup with the shiny side facing up. It will sit flat in the cup. You do not need to press hard — it should rest there on its own. If the battery is the right size, it will fit snugly without wiggling. Now twist the white plastic cover back onto the metal back, aligning the seam and twisting clockwise (to the right) until you feel resistance and the cover sits flush. You should not have to force it — if it is hard to turn, check that the battery is sitting flat in the cup and try again.

Confirming the battery is working

Within a few minutes of inserting a fresh battery, your iPhone will recognize the change. Open the Find My app and tap the Items tab. Select your AirTag from the list. If the battery warning was showing before, it should now be gone. You may also see a green dot or a "Battery Good" status, depending on your iOS version.

If the warning does not clear after five minutes, try removing the battery, waiting ten seconds, and reinserting it. This sometimes helps the AirTag reconnect to your phone. If the warning persists after that, the battery may be defective — try a different CR2032 from a different pack or brand.

What to do with the old battery

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the trash. Most pharmacies and electronics stores have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. You can also check Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a drop-off location near you. Some municipalities include batteries in curbside recycling, but check your local rules first — mixing batteries with regular recycling can damage equipment.

If you have no recycling option nearby, you can store the old battery in a safe, dry place until you accumulate several batteries to drop off together. Keep them away from metal objects that could cause a short circuit.

Troubleshooting: battery still shows as low after replacement

If your iPhone still shows a low battery warning after you have installed a fresh CR2032, the most common cause is that the battery is not making good contact with the metal cup. Remove the battery, wipe both the battery and the inside of the cup with a dry cloth to remove any dust or fingerprints, and reinsert it. Make sure the shiny side faces up.

If the warning clears and then returns within a few days, the new battery may be defective. Try a battery from a different pack or brand. Occasionally a battery from a multipack is dead on arrival, especially if the pack is old or has been stored in extreme heat or cold. If you have tried two or three fresh batteries and the warning persists, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem — contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for testing and possible replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of coin battery instead of CR2032?

No. AirTag is designed for CR2032 only. Other coin batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are slightly thinner and will not make reliable contact. Using the wrong battery may cause the AirTag to lose connection or drain quickly. Always use CR2032.

How often do I need to replace the battery?

Most AirTags last about one year on a single CR2032 battery with normal use. Heavy use — such as checking the location multiple times per day or using it on a pet that moves constantly — may drain the battery faster. Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, so you do not have to guess.

What if I lose the white plastic cover?

The cover is not sold separately by Apple, but third-party replacement covers are available on Amazon and eBay for $5 to $15. Without a cover, the battery will fall out and the AirTag will not work. If you cannot find a replacement cover, you can contact Apple Support to ask about options.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself, or should I go to Apple?

It is completely safe to replace the battery yourself. There are no electrical hazards, no glue, and no risk of damaging the AirTag if you follow the steps. Apple does not offer battery replacement service — they expect users to do this themselves. If you are uncomfortable doing it, you can ask a friend or family member to help, or visit a local electronics store and ask if staff can do it for a small fee.

Can I use rechargeable coin batteries in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTag. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage than disposable ones, which can cause the AirTag to report a low battery warning even when the rechargeable battery still has charge. Stick with standard disposable CR2032 batteries for reliable performance.