The AirTag battery is a standard CR2032 coin cell that you swap out yourself—no tools needed

Your AirTag uses a single CR2032 battery, a flat coin-shaped cell about the size of a dime. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. You do not need to take it anywhere or buy a special kit—you straightforward open the back of the AirTag and slide the old battery out. The whole job takes under a minute.

Apple rates the CR2032 battery to last about one year under normal use, though the actual lifespan depends on how often your AirTag is tracking and sending location data. If you use it heavily—tracking a frequently-moved item—the battery may drain faster. If it sits in a drawer most of the time, it may last longer.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for two to five dollars.
  • You open the AirTag by pressing down on the stainless steel back and twisting it counterclockwise until it stops—do not force it.
  • Slide the old battery out, drop the new one in with the positive side facing up, and twist the back on until it clicks.
  • Your iPhone will confirm the new battery is working within a few seconds of closing the AirTag.

What You Need Before You Start

You need only one thing: a CR2032 battery. You can find these at any pharmacy, grocery store, or big-box retailer in the battery aisle. Online retailers like Amazon also stock them. A single battery costs between two and five dollars, and they often come in multipacks if you want spares on hand.

Make sure you are buying CR2032 specifically—not CR2025 or CR2016, which are thinner and will not fit properly. The packaging will clearly label it as CR2032. If you are unsure, show a store employee the AirTag or take a photo of the battery compartment to confirm the size.

How to Open the AirTag

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back facing up. Use your other hand to press down firmly on the center of the steel back while twisting it counterclockwise. You will feel it rotate—keep twisting until it stops. Do not force it or twist too hard; it should turn smoothly.

Once you have twisted it as far as it will go, lift the steel back away from the white plastic body. The back will come off in your hand, and you will see the battery sitting in a small metal holder inside. The battery may still be loose in the holder or may stick slightly to the magnet—either is normal.

Removing the Old Battery and Installing the New One

Slide the old battery out of the metal holder with your finger or fingernail. It should come out easily. If it sticks, gently pry it out with your fingernail or the edge of a plastic card—do not use a sharp metal tool, as you can damage the holder.

Take your new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side is marked with a plus sign (+) and is the positive side; the other side is blank and is the negative side. Place the battery into the holder with the positive side facing up toward you. The battery should sit flat and level in the holder. You will hear or feel a small click as it settles into place.

Closing the AirTag and Confirming It Works

Align the steel back with the white plastic body so the notch on the back lines up with the raised edge on the body. Press down gently and twist the back clockwise until it stops. You will feel it tighten and hear a click when it is fully seated. Do not over-tighten—stop when you feel the resistance and hear the click.

Within a few seconds, open the Find My app on your iPhone and tap the AirTag. If the battery replacement was successful, the app will show the AirTag as connected and will no longer display a low-battery warning. If you do not see a change right away, wait ten seconds and refresh the app. If the AirTag still shows as disconnected or low battery, open the AirTag again and check that the battery is sitting flat in the holder with the positive side up.

Where to Buy CR2032 Batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin cell sizes and are stocked almost everywhere. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens carry them in the battery aisle. Supermarkets like Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods stock them. Big-box retailers like Target and Walmart have them. You can also order them online from Amazon, Best Buy, or directly from battery specialists.

Prices vary slightly by retailer and whether you buy a single battery or a multipack. A single battery usually costs between two and five dollars. A pack of two to four batteries costs between four and eight dollars. If you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use CR2032 batteries, buying a multipack is more economical and means you will have a spare on hand when the next one runs low.

Troubleshooting if the Battery Does Not Work

If you close the AirTag and it still shows as disconnected or low battery, the most common cause is that the battery is not sitting flat in the holder or is upside down. Open the AirTag again and check that the positive side (marked with a +) is facing up toward you. Press down gently on the battery to make sure it is seated all the way in the holder.

If the battery is positioned correctly and the AirTag still does not work, the battery itself may be defective—this is rare but can happen. Try a different CR2032 battery from a different package or retailer. If a second battery also does not work, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem, and you should contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage output than standard alkaline CR2032 batteries, which can cause the AirTag to behave unpredictably or drain faster. Stick with standard alkaline CR2032 batteries for best results.

How do I know when my AirTag battery is running low?

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is low. You will also see a low-battery warning in the Find My app when you tap the AirTag. The notification usually appears a few weeks before the battery is completely dead, giving you time to buy a replacement.

What should I do with the old battery?

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not be thrown in the trash. Most retailers that sell batteries also accept old batteries for recycling. Take the old battery back to a drugstore, supermarket, or electronics retailer and ask where their battery recycling bin is located. Many communities also have hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off batteries for free.

Will replacing the battery erase my AirTag data or reset it?

No. Replacing the battery does not erase any data or reset the AirTag. It will remain connected to your Apple ID and will continue tracking the same item. Your location history and any custom name you gave the AirTag will stay the same.

Can I replace the battery while the AirTag is attached to my keys or item?

Yes. You do not need to remove the AirTag from your keys, bag, or whatever it is attached to. You can open and replace the battery while it is still connected to the item. Just make sure you have good lighting and a steady surface so you do not drop the small battery or the back cover.