AirTag batteries last about one year, then you swap in a fresh CR2032 coin cell

An AirTag uses a single CR2032 coin-cell battery that typically lasts around one year with normal use. When the battery runs low, your iPhone sends you a notification. Replacing it takes about three minutes and costs between $3 and $8 for a new battery — far cheaper than buying a new AirTag.

The battery compartment is on the back of the AirTag. You do not need tools or special knowledge. The process is straightforward enough that you can do it while standing in a store aisle if you buy a replacement battery there.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, available at pharmacies, grocery stores, electronics retailers, and online for $3 to $8 each.
  • The battery compartment is accessed by pressing the stainless steel back cover and twisting it counterclockwise until it stops.
  • The old battery comes out with your finger; the new one goes in with the positive side facing up.
  • Your iPhone automatically detects the new battery and confirms the AirTag is working again.

What you need before you start

You need one CR2032 battery. This is a standard coin-cell battery sold everywhere: drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, grocery stores, Best Buy, Amazon, and dollar stores all stock them. Buy a single battery or a pack of two or four — they are inexpensive and useful to have on hand for other devices like car key fobs, calculators, and watches.

You do not need a screwdriver, coin, or any tool. Your fingers are enough. If you have trouble gripping the back cover, a coin can help, but it is not required.

How to open the battery compartment

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic side facing you. The stainless steel back is in your other hand. Press down on the steel back cover with your thumb while twisting it counterclockwise. You will feel it rotate about a quarter turn before it stops — that is the correct position.

Once it stops, lift the steel cover away from the plastic body. The battery compartment is now exposed. You will see the old CR2032 battery sitting in a small circular slot, with the positive side (marked with a + symbol) facing up.

Remove the old battery and insert the new one

Press your finger on the edge of the old battery and tip it out. It will pop out easily. Discard it or recycle it at a retailer that accepts batteries — Best Buy and some pharmacies have battery recycling programs.

Take your new CR2032 battery and place it into the slot with the positive side (the + symbol) facing up, toward you. Press it down gently until it sits flat in the compartment. You should hear or feel a small click as it settles into place.

Reassemble the AirTag

Align the steel back cover with the plastic body so the notch on the cover lines up with the notch on the body. Press down and twist clockwise until you feel it stop. The cover should be snug and flush with the plastic — if it is loose or sits higher than before, remove it and try again.

Your iPhone will send you a notification within a few seconds confirming that the AirTag battery is good and the device is working. If you do not see a notification within a minute, open the Find My app, tap Items, select your AirTag, and check the battery status there.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold in multiple places, often at different prices. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS typically charge $4 to $6 per battery. Grocery stores and Target usually stock them for $3 to $5. Amazon and other online retailers sell multipacks of four or eight batteries for $0.50 to $1.50 per battery if you buy in bulk. Dollar stores sometimes carry them for $1 to $2, though selection varies by location.

If you are replacing the battery right now and do not have one at home, the fastest option is usually a nearby pharmacy or grocery store — you can walk in, buy one, and be done in under ten minutes. If you replace AirTags regularly or own multiple ones, buying a multipack online saves money over time.

Signs your AirTag battery is running low

Your iPhone sends a notification when the battery is low, usually when it has a few weeks of life left. The notification appears in the Find My app and as a system alert. You do not have to replace it when ready — the AirTag will continue to work for a while after the warning, but the battery will eventually drain completely and the device will stop sending location updates.

If you ignore the notification and the battery dies, the AirTag stops working until you replace the battery. There is no way to charge an AirTag; replacement is the only option. Replacing the battery before it dies completely is the best practice, but even if it dies, the fix is the same three-minute process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of battery in my AirTag?

No. AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin-cell batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically different sizes and will not fit properly or work correctly. Always use CR2032.

What do I do with the old battery?

Batteries contain materials that should not go in the trash. Most Best Buy locations have a battery recycling program at the customer service desk. Many pharmacies and grocery stores also accept batteries for recycling. Some municipalities have hazardous waste collection days. If none of those options are available near you, storing the old battery in a safe place until you can recycle it is acceptable.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A CR2032 typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. The exact length depends on how often the AirTag sends location updates, which depends on how much you move around with it. An AirTag in a purse you carry daily will drain the battery faster than one in a car you use once a week.

Will my AirTag work right after I put in the new battery?

Yes. Your iPhone detects the new battery within seconds and confirms the AirTag is working. You do not need to restart anything or do any setup. Once the cover is back on and twisted tight, the AirTag is ready to use.

Is it cheaper to replace the battery or buy a new AirTag?

Replacing the battery is much cheaper. A CR2032 costs $3 to $8, while a new AirTag costs $29. Even if you replace the battery every year, you will spend less than $100 over ten years, compared to $290 for buying a new AirTag every year.