You can replace an AirTag battery yourself in under a minute

Apple AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can swap out at home without tools or a trip to a store. The battery lasts about a year under normal use, and when it dies, your AirTag will send you a notification. Replacing it means pressing the stainless steel back cover until it clicks, twisting it counterclockwise, and dropping in a fresh CR2032 battery — the same type used in watches, calculators, and car key fobs.

You do not need to unpair the AirTag from your iPhone or set it up again. Once you close the cover, it works exactly as before. The whole process takes less than 60 seconds.

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.
  • Press the stainless steel back cover until you hear or feel a click, then twist it counterclockwise to open the battery compartment.
  • Drop the new CR2032 battery in with the positive side facing up, then press the cover back on until it clicks.
  • You do not need to unpair or re-pair the AirTag — it continues working with your iPhone when ready after you close the cover.

Where to buy a CR2032 battery

CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere. You can find them at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, and most grocery stores in the pharmacy or electronics section. A single battery costs between two and five dollars, depending on the brand and how many are in the pack. Duracell, Energizer, and Amazon Basics all make CR2032 batteries that work with AirTags.

If you want to avoid a trip, you can order CR2032 batteries online from Amazon, Best Buy, or the manufacturer websites. They arrive within two days on most orders. Some people buy a pack of two or four batteries at once so they have a spare on hand when the first one dies.

Step-by-step battery replacement

Step 1: Locate the stainless steel back cover. Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing you. The shiny metal back is what you need to open.

Step 2: Press and twist the cover. Place your thumb on the center of the metal back and press down firmly until you feel or hear a click. While pressing, twist the cover counterclockwise (the same direction you would turn a jar lid to open it). The cover will rotate about a quarter turn and then stop.

Step 3: Remove the old battery. Lift the metal cover away from the plastic body. The old CR2032 battery will be sitting inside. Tip it out into your hand or a small dish.

Step 4: Insert the new battery. Take your new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side has a plus sign (+) stamped or printed on it — this is the positive side. Place the battery into the compartment with the positive side facing up, toward the metal cover. It should sit flat and snug.

Step 5: Close the cover. Press the metal cover back onto the plastic body and twist it clockwise (the opposite direction from when you opened it) until you hear or feel a click. The cover should be tight and flush with the plastic.

Step 6: Test it. Open the Find My app on your iPhone and look for your AirTag. It should appear in your list with a green dot or a "Connected" label. If it does not show up within 10 seconds, try opening and closing the cover again to make sure it is seated properly.

What to do if the cover is stuck

If the metal cover will not twist after you press it, you may not be pressing hard enough. Use the heel of your thumb and press straight down on the center of the cover with steady pressure. You should feel a distinct click before the cover will turn. Do not use a tool or try to pry the cover — pressing and twisting is the only method Apple designed.

If the cover still will not budge after several attempts, the AirTag itself may be damaged. In that case, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to discuss a replacement. Forcing the cover can crack the plastic body underneath.

How often you need to replace the battery

A CR2032 battery in an AirTag lasts about one year under normal use. "Normal use" means the AirTag is in your bag, on your keys, or attached to an item you carry with you most days. If you use the Find My app to locate your AirTag several times a week, the battery will drain faster and may last eight to ten months instead.

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is running low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. 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 be too weak to transmit a signal reliably. Replace it as soon as you can after you see the notification.

Recycling the old battery

Do not throw a used CR2032 battery in the trash. Coin cell batteries contain lithium and other materials that can leak into soil and water. Most drugstores and supermarkets have a battery recycling bin near the pharmacy or customer service desk. You can also take old batteries to an electronics recycling center or a Best Buy, which accepts batteries for free.

If you do not have a recycling option nearby, you can mail batteries to a recycling program. Call2Recycle and Earth911 both have online tools that show you drop-off locations in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTags are designed to work only with CR2032 coin cell batteries. Using a different battery type can damage the AirTag or cause it to malfunction. Stick with CR2032 batteries from any reputable brand.

Do I lose my AirTag data when I replace the battery?

No. Replacing the battery does not erase any data or settings. Your AirTag remains paired to your iPhone and continues to work exactly as it did before. You do not need to unpair it or set it up again.

What if my AirTag battery dies completely and I cannot find it?

If the battery is completely dead, the AirTag cannot transmit a signal, so Find My will not show its location. Replace the battery first, and then use Find My to locate it. Once the new battery is in and the cover is closed, the AirTag will reconnect within a few seconds.

Is it cheaper to replace the battery myself or take it to Apple?

Replacing the battery yourself costs two to five dollars for a CR2032 battery. Apple does not offer a battery replacement service — they will only replace the entire AirTag, which costs twenty-nine dollars. Doing it yourself saves money and takes less time.

Can I buy batteries in bulk and store them?

Yes. CR2032 batteries have a shelf life of several years if stored in a cool, dry place. Buying a pack of four or eight batteries and keeping them in a drawer means you always have a fresh battery on hand when an AirTag needs one.