The AirTag battery comes out with a twist and a gentle push

The battery in an Apple AirTag is a standard CR2032 coin cell, and you can swap it yourself in about 30 seconds without tools. The back of the AirTag is held on by a straightforward friction fit—you twist the stainless steel back counterclockwise (the side with the Apple logo) until it loosens, then push up gently from the bottom to pop the battery out. The dead battery will come with it.

Once the back is off, you'll see the battery sitting in a small metal cup. Drop a fresh CR2032 in with the positive side (the shiny side marked with a +) facing up, then twist the back on clockwise until it's snug. You'll hear a small click when it seats properly. That's it—your AirTag is ready to use again.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that you can replace yourself without opening any sealed compartments.
  • Twist the stainless steel back counterclockwise, push the battery out from the bottom, and insert a new CR2032 with the positive side facing up.
  • CR2032 batteries cost between $3 and $8 for a single cell and are sold at most drugstores, supermarkets, and hardware stores.
  • The battery typically lasts about one year of normal use before the AirTag alerts you that it needs replacing.

Where to buy a replacement CR2032 battery

CR2032 batteries are common and inexpensive. You can find them at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and most hardware stores in the battery aisle. Amazon and other online retailers also stock them, usually in multipacks of 4 or 5 cells. A single battery costs $3 to $5; a pack of five runs $8 to $12.

Some pharmacies and grocery stores sell them near the checkout counter. If you're in a hurry, a pharmacy is often faster than hunting through a big-box store. Check the package to make sure it says CR2032 specifically—other coin cells like CR2025 or CR2016 look similar but won't fit properly.

How to know when the battery is dying

Your iPhone or iPad will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is low. The message appears in the Find My app and says something like "AirTag battery is low." At that point, you have a few weeks of use left before the battery dies completely, so there's no rush.

If you ignore the notification and the battery dies, the AirTag will stop working until you replace it. It won't damage the device—it just sits inert. Once you install a fresh battery, it reconnects to your network and works normally again.

What to do with the old battery

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the trash. Most retailers that sell batteries will take old ones back for recycling at no charge. Best Buy has a battery recycling program at the customer service desk. Whole Foods, Lowe's, and Home Depot also accept batteries.

If you don't have a store nearby, Earth911.com has a searchable database of recycling centers in your area. Type in your zip code and "battery" to find the closest drop-off point. Some municipalities also have hazardous waste collection days where you can leave batteries.

Troubleshooting if the AirTag still doesn't work

If you've installed a fresh battery and the AirTag still doesn't respond, the battery may not be making contact. Remove the back again and check that the battery is sitting flat in the metal cup with the positive side up. Sometimes a battery can sit slightly crooked and not touch the contacts properly.

If the battery is seated correctly and the AirTag still doesn't work, try a different new battery—occasionally a battery from the package is defective. If a second battery doesn't fix it, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem. Apple will replace a defective AirTag if it's still under the one-year warranty, or you can contact Apple Support to discuss repair options.

How long a CR2032 battery lasts in an AirTag

A fresh CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. The actual lifespan depends on how often the AirTag is pinged by your devices and how far away it is from your network. An AirTag in your everyday bag or on your keys will drain the battery faster than one sitting on a shelf at home.

Apple's official estimate is one year, and most users find that matches real-world experience. If you use the AirTag heavily—pinging it multiple times a day or keeping it in a location with weak network coverage—you may need to replace the battery every 8 to 10 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them. They have a lower voltage than standard alkaline CR2032 cells and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with standard single-use CR2032 batteries for consistent performance.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

If you insert the battery with the negative side facing up, the AirTag straightforward won't work. The device won't be damaged—just remove the back, flip the battery over so the positive side faces up, and close it again. There's no risk of breaking anything.

Do I need to reset my AirTag after changing the battery?

No. Once you install a fresh battery and close the back, the AirTag reconnects to your network automatically within a few seconds. You don't need to unpair it, reset it, or do anything else in the Find My app.

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

It's completely safe to replace the battery yourself. The AirTag is designed for user battery replacement—there are no sealed compartments, no glue, and no tools required. Apple Stores will replace the battery for you if you prefer, but you'll pay a service fee when you could do it in 30 seconds at home.