AirTag batteries are straightforward to swap yourself—no tools needed
An AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that lasts about one year with normal use. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. Replacing it takes about 30 seconds: you twist the stainless steel back off, drop the old battery out, and snap a new one in. You do not need a screwdriver, a special tool, or a trip to the Apple Store.
The entire process is designed so anyone can do it. Apple sells replacement batteries in their stores and online, but you can also buy CR2032 batteries from pharmacies, supermarkets, electronics retailers, or online. A single battery costs between $3 and $8 depending on where you buy it and whether you buy a pack or a single unit.
Key Takeaways
- AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells that you can buy at most pharmacies, supermarkets, and electronics stores without a special order.
- To replace the battery, hold the AirTag with the stainless steel back facing up, press down firmly, and twist counterclockwise until the back pops off.
- The old battery will fall out once the back is open; drop the new CR2032 in with the positive side facing up and snap the back on.
- Your iPhone will confirm the battery is working within a few seconds of closing the AirTag.
What you need before you start
You need one CR2032 battery. This is a coin-shaped lithium battery about the size of a dime. It is the most common battery type in the world and is stocked at nearly every pharmacy, grocery store, and drugstore. You can also order them online from Amazon, eBay, or any electronics retailer. Buy a single battery or a pack of two or four—they are inexpensive and useful to have on hand for other devices like watches, calculators, and car key fobs.
Check the label when you buy: the battery must say CR2032, not CR2025 or CR2016. The numbers matter because they refer to the battery's size and capacity. A CR2025 is slightly thinner and will not sit flush in the AirTag. A CR2032 is the correct size.
You do not need any tools. The AirTag is designed to open by hand. Do not use a coin, a knife, or any metal object to pry it open—you risk scratching the stainless steel or damaging the battery compartment.
Step-by-step: opening the AirTag and removing the old battery
Hold the AirTag in your hand with the stainless steel back facing up and the white plastic side facing down. The back is the smooth, shiny side. Place your thumb on the center of the stainless steel back and your fingers underneath the white plastic side to brace it.
Press down firmly with your thumb while twisting the stainless steel back counterclockwise. You will feel resistance at first—this is normal. Keep twisting. After a quarter turn or so, the back will loosen and pop off. The battery will usually fall out into your hand or onto a table. If it does not fall out, gently tip the AirTag and let it slide out.
Set the old battery aside. Do not throw it away yet—keep it until you have confirmed the new battery works, in case you need to swap back.
Installing the new battery and closing the AirTag
Pick up the new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side is flat and shiny (the positive side); the other side is slightly raised (the negative side). The positive side must face up when you drop it into the AirTag. This matters—if you put it in upside down, the AirTag will not work.
Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side up and the open battery compartment facing you. Drop the new battery into the compartment with the positive (shiny, flat) side facing up. The battery should sit flat and snug in the compartment.
Now align the stainless steel back with the white plastic body. The back has a small notch or alignment mark; line it up with the corresponding mark on the plastic. Press down gently and twist the back clockwise until it stops. You will hear a soft click when it seats fully. Do not force it—if it does not turn smoothly, lift it off and realign it.
Confirming the battery is working
Open the Find My app on your iPhone within a few seconds of closing the AirTag. Tap the Items tab at the bottom, then tap the AirTag you just replaced the battery in. If the battery is installed correctly, you will see a green dot next to the AirTag's name and the battery percentage will show as full or nearly full. If you see a red dot or a low battery warning, the battery may be installed upside down.
If the battery is upside down, open the AirTag again, flip the battery, and close it. Check the Find My app again. The green dot should appear within a few seconds.
Once you see the green dot and a full battery reading, the replacement is complete. You can throw away the old battery or recycle it at a pharmacy or electronics store that accepts batteries.
Where to buy CR2032 batteries
CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the health and beauty section or near the checkout. Supermarkets carry them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Walmart, Target, and other big-box retailers have them in the electronics section. You can also buy them online from Amazon, eBay, Best Buy, or directly from Apple.
Prices vary slightly by retailer and by whether you buy a single battery or a pack. A single battery usually costs $4 to $8. A pack of two to four batteries costs $5 to $10 total, which is a better value if you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use CR2032 batteries. Some retailers offer store-brand batteries at a lower price than name brands like Duracell or Energizer; they work just as well.
What to do if the AirTag still does not work after replacing the battery
If you have installed a new CR2032 battery, confirmed it is facing the right direction, and the Find My app still shows a red dot or no connection, the problem is likely not the battery. The AirTag itself may have a hardware issue.
First, try restarting your iPhone. Hold down the power button, slide to power off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then open Find My again and check the AirTag. Sometimes a temporary software glitch prevents the app from recognizing a working battery.
If the AirTag still does not show a green dot, contact Apple Support. You can reach them through the Apple Support app, by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE, or by visiting an Apple Store. Bring the AirTag and the receipt or proof of purchase if you have it. Apple will troubleshoot the device and replace it if it is defective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?
Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them. Rechargeable batteries have a lower voltage than standard alkaline CR2032 batteries, and the AirTag may not recognize them as working. Stick with standard alkaline CR2032 batteries for reliable performance.
How often do I need to replace the AirTag battery?
Apple estimates the battery lasts about one year with normal use. The actual lifespan depends on how often the AirTag is tracked and how far away it is from your iPhone. If you use Find My frequently or the AirTag is far from your devices most of the time, the battery may drain faster. Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low.
What happens if I put the battery in upside down?
The AirTag will not work. The Find My app will show a red dot or no connection. Open the AirTag, flip the battery so the positive (shiny) side faces up, close it, and check the app again. It should work within a few seconds.
Is it safe to replace the AirTag battery myself?
Yes. The AirTag is designed to be opened and closed by hand without tools. There are no sharp edges, no small parts to lose, and no risk of damaging the device if you follow the steps. The only thing to avoid is using a tool to pry it open, which can scratch the stainless steel or damage the battery compartment.
Can I buy AirTag batteries from Apple?
Yes. Apple sells CR2032 batteries in their retail stores and on apple.com. They are the same batteries you can buy anywhere else, but they may cost slightly more. If you need a battery right away, a local pharmacy or supermarket is usually faster and cheaper.