AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin battery that you can swap out yourself in about 30 seconds
Your AirTag will alert you when the battery is running low—you'll see a notification on your iPhone or iPad, and the AirTag's status will show "Replace Battery" in the Find My app. When that happens, you don't need to buy a new AirTag or take it anywhere. You straightforward open the back and swap in a fresh CR2032 battery, which costs a few dollars and is sold at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
The whole process takes less than a minute and requires no tools. The battery compartment is designed to open by hand, and the battery itself sits in a small metal holder that you can lift straight out.
Key Takeaways
- AirTags use a CR2032 coin battery that you replace yourself—no professional service needed.
- You'll get a low-battery notification in the Find My app before the battery dies completely.
- To open the AirTag, press down on the stainless steel back and twist counterclockwise until it stops, then lift the back off.
- Lift the battery holder out of the plastic case, remove the old battery, and drop a new CR2032 in with the positive side facing up.
- A CR2032 battery costs between $2 and $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it.
How to open the AirTag
Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel side facing up. With your other hand, press down firmly on the steel back cover and turn it counterclockwise. You'll feel it rotate—keep turning until it stops, which usually takes a quarter turn or less.
Once it stops rotating, lift the steel back straight up and off. The plastic case underneath will be exposed, and you'll see the battery holder sitting inside. Don't force anything; if the back doesn't come off easily, you're likely turning it the wrong direction (it should be counterclockwise when looking down at the steel side).
Remove the old battery and install the new one
Inside the plastic case, you'll see a small metal battery holder—it looks like a shallow cup with a tab on one side. Lift this holder straight up and out of the case. The old CR2032 battery will either stay in the holder or fall out into your hand.
If the battery is still in the holder, pop it out. Take your new CR2032 battery and place it into the holder with the positive side facing up (the side with the "+" symbol or the larger flat surface should face toward you). Drop the battery holder back into the plastic case, making sure it sits flat and level.
Seal the AirTag back up
Place the stainless steel back cover on top of the plastic case, aligning it so the edges meet evenly. Press down and turn the steel back clockwise (the opposite direction from when you opened it) until you feel it click or stop. You don't need to force it—just turn until it seats firmly.
Your AirTag is now sealed and ready to use. The low-battery notification should disappear from the Find My app within a few minutes as the AirTag recognizes the fresh battery.
Where to buy a CR2032 battery
CR2032 batteries are common and widely available. You can find them at pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), grocery stores, Target, Walmart, and online through Amazon or the manufacturer's website. Prices vary from about $2 for a single battery to $8 or more depending on the brand—name brands like Duracell and Energizer cost more than store brands, but they all work the same way in an AirTag.
If you want to keep a spare on hand, buying a pack of two or four is often cheaper per battery than buying singles. Some packs come with a plastic case for storage, which is handy if you have multiple devices that use coin batteries.
Signs your AirTag battery is failing
The Find My app will send you a notification when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. You'll also see "Replace Battery" listed under the AirTag's name in the Find My app. At that point, the AirTag will still work, but you should replace the battery soon to avoid it dying unexpectedly.
If your AirTag stops responding in the Find My app and you haven't received a low-battery warning, the battery may have failed suddenly, or the AirTag itself may have a problem. Try replacing the battery first—if the AirTag still doesn't show up after a fresh battery and a few minutes of waiting, contact Apple Support.
How long a CR2032 battery lasts
A CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year under normal use. The exact lifespan depends on how often the AirTag is detected and tracked—an AirTag you check frequently will drain the battery faster than one you rarely look at. Temperature also matters; very cold environments can reduce battery life.
Once you replace the battery, you won't need to think about it again for another year. Apple doesn't make the battery user-replaceable in a way that requires special knowledge, so this is a routine maintenance task you can handle whenever the notification appears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of battery in my AirTag?
No, use only a CR2032 battery. Other coin batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically similar but have different voltages and capacities, and they won't work properly in an AirTag. Stick with CR2032 specifically.
What do I do with the old battery?
Don't throw it in the trash. Take it to a battery recycling program—most retailers that sell batteries (Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's) have drop-off boxes near the entrance. Some pharmacies and municipal hazardous waste facilities also accept them.
Will my AirTag stop working if I don't replace the battery right away?
Not when ready. After you get the low-battery notification, the AirTag will continue to work for a few more weeks. But replace it soon—once the battery fully dies, the AirTag won't transmit its location until you put a fresh battery in.
Is there a rechargeable battery option for AirTag?
Apple does not make a rechargeable version of the AirTag, and rechargeable CR2032 batteries are not recommended because they have different voltage characteristics that may cause the AirTag to malfunction. Stick with standard disposable CR2032 batteries.
What if I can't get the back off?
Make sure you're turning counterclockwise when looking down at the steel side. explore steady pressure while turning—don't jab or twist hard. If it still won't budge, try wrapping a thin cloth around the steel back for better grip, or wait a few minutes and try again. If it remains stuck, contact Apple Support rather than forcing it.