AirTag batteries last about one year and swap out in seconds

Your AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for $3 to $8. The battery typically lasts around one year of normal use. When it dies, your AirTag will send you a notification on your iPhone, and the battery icon in the Find My app will show empty. Replacing it takes less than a minute and requires no tools.

The process is straightforward: you press down on the stainless steel back of the AirTag, twist it counterclockwise, lift off the cover, remove the old battery, and drop in a new one with the positive side facing up. Then you twist the cover back on until it clicks. That's it.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, sold at pharmacies and grocery stores for a few dollars.
  • You will get a low battery notification on your iPhone before the battery dies completely.
  • The entire replacement takes under one minute and needs no tools or technical knowledge.
  • The positive side of the new battery must face upward when you insert it.
  • After you replace the battery, your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically.

Step-by-step battery replacement

Start with the AirTag in your hand, stainless steel back facing up. Press down firmly on the steel back with your thumb or finger. You will feel resistance — keep pressing until you hear or feel a click. The back will not come off yet; pressing down is just the first step.

Once you have pressed down, twist the steel back counterclockwise (the same direction you would turn a jar lid to open it). Twist until the back comes free — usually a quarter turn is enough. Lift the back off and set it aside. Inside you will see the CR2032 battery sitting in a small circular slot, with a plastic tab attached to it.

Grab the plastic tab and pull the old battery straight out. Drop the new CR2032 battery into the slot with the positive side (marked with a +) facing upward. The negative side will be against the AirTag itself. Align the steel back with the slot and twist it clockwise until it clicks into place. You should hear or feel a distinct click when it is seated properly.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin cell batteries made, so you have many options. Drugstore chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid stock them in the battery aisle, usually near the checkout. Grocery stores including Walmart, Target, and most supermarkets carry them as well. Prices range from $3 to $8 per battery depending on the brand and how many come in a pack.

Online, you can order CR2032 batteries from Amazon, Best Buy, or the manufacturer's website. A multipack of 5 or 10 batteries costs less per unit than buying a single battery in a store. If you use multiple AirTags or other devices that take CR2032 batteries, buying in bulk makes sense. Any brand will work — Panasonic, Energizer, Duracell, and store brands all perform the same way in an AirTag.

What to do if the battery is stuck

Occasionally the plastic tab on the old battery is difficult to grab or the battery sits tight in its slot. If you cannot pull it out by the tab, try using a plastic spoon or the edge of a credit card to gently pry it up from the side. Do not use a metal tool or anything sharp, as you could damage the battery compartment or the AirTag itself.

If the steel back is hard to twist, make sure you have pressed down firmly first — many people skip this step and then cannot turn the back. If it still will not budge, try wrapping a thin cloth around the back for better grip, then twist again. Do not force it so hard that you risk stripping the threads. If the AirTag is damaged or the back will not come off after reasonable effort, contact Apple Support.

How long the new battery will last

A fresh CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts 12 months under normal use. "Normal use" means the AirTag is in a wallet, bag, or on a keychain and you check its location occasionally through the Find My app. If you use the AirTag very frequently — checking its location multiple times per day or using the Find My network constantly — the battery may drain faster and last 9 to 11 months.

Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to buy a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working. Once you replace the battery, your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically within a few seconds. You do not need to re-pair it or change any settings.

Recycling the old battery

Do not throw a used CR2032 battery in the trash. Most communities have battery recycling programs at drugstores, electronics retailers, or municipal hazardous waste facilities. Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe's accept batteries for recycling at their customer service desks. Call your local waste management office or search online for "battery recycling near me" to find the closest drop-off location.

Some retailers that sell batteries also take old ones back for recycling at no charge. If you bought your replacement battery at CVS or Walgreens, ask the cashier whether they accept used batteries. Recycling keeps the battery materials out of landfills and allows them to be reused in new products.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 coin cell batteries. Using a different size or type of battery will not fit in the compartment or will damage the AirTag. Always use a CR2032.

What if my AirTag still does not work after I replace the battery?

First, make sure the positive side of the battery is facing upward and the steel back is twisted on tightly until it clicks. If it still does not work, try removing the battery, waiting 10 seconds, and reinserting it. If the AirTag remains unresponsive, contact Apple Support — the device itself may be faulty.

Do I need to unpair my AirTag before replacing the battery?

No. You can replace the battery while the AirTag is still paired to your iPhone. It will reconnect automatically once the new battery is in place. You do not need to change any settings or re-pair it.

How do I know which side of the battery is positive?

The positive side is marked with a + symbol and is the flat side that faces upward when you insert it. The negative side is blank and sits against the AirTag itself. If you insert it upside down, the AirTag will not work, but you can straightforward flip it over and try again.