The battery in an AirTag lasts about one year and is straightforward to swap out yourself

Apple AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can replace in under a minute without tools or a trip to a store. The back of the AirTag twists off by hand, the old battery slides out, and a new one slides in. You do not need to pair the AirTag again or do anything else after you swap the battery — it will work exactly as before.

The only thing to watch is the battery orientation: the side marked with a plus sign faces up toward you when you look into the open AirTag. If you install it upside down, the AirTag will not work until you flip it.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries last roughly one year before the device tells you it is time to replace them.
  • You need a CR2032 coin cell battery, which costs a few dollars and is sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers.
  • The white plastic back of the AirTag twists counterclockwise by hand until it comes free.
  • The plus sign on the new battery must face upward when you insert it into the slot.
  • No pairing, setup, or other steps are needed after you install the new battery.

What you need before you start

You need one CR2032 battery. This is a common coin cell battery about the size of a dime, and you can find it at any pharmacy, most grocery stores, dollar stores, and online. A single battery costs between one and three dollars. Buy a pack of two or four if you have multiple AirTags, since they all use the same battery type.

You do not need any tools. The AirTag is designed to open by hand, and forcing it with a tool can crack the plastic. If the back is stuck, try wrapping a rubber band around it for grip, or wash your hands and dry them completely so your fingers do not slip.

How to open the AirTag and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic back facing up. Place your thumb on the metal side and your fingers on the white back. Twist the white back counterclockwise — the direction opposite a clock's hands — with steady pressure. You will feel it loosen after a half turn or so.

Keep twisting until the back comes free. It will separate from the metal ring underneath. Set the metal ring aside on a clean surface. Inside the white back, you will see a silver coin-shaped battery sitting in a shallow slot. Slide the battery out toward the edge of the slot until it comes free. If it is stuck, gently pry one edge with your fingernail.

Installing the new battery the right way

Before you touch the new battery, look at both sides. One side has a plus sign (+) printed on it, and the other side is blank. The plus sign side must face upward — toward you — when you look down into the open AirTag.

Hold the new battery with the plus sign facing up. Slide it into the slot in the white back, positioning it so it sits flat and centered. You should hear or feel a small click as it settles into place. The battery should not move if you gently shake the back.

Closing the AirTag and testing it

Line up the white back with the metal ring so the two pieces fit together. The back should slide on smoothly without forcing. Once the back is in place, twist it clockwise — the direction a clock's hands move — until it stops. You will feel resistance when it is fully seated. Do not over-tighten; stop as soon as you feel it is snug.

Your AirTag is now ready to use. Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad and look for your AirTag in the list. If it shows a green dot or says "Connected," the battery is working. If the battery was installed upside down, the AirTag will not appear or will show as offline. In that case, open the back again, flip the battery so the plus sign faces up, and close it again.

What to do with the old battery

Do not throw a used CR2032 battery in the trash. Most pharmacies and retailers that sell batteries — including Best Buy, Walgreens, and CVS — have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. You can also search for a recycling location near you on the Call2Recycle website.

If you have no recycling option nearby, you can store the old battery in a safe place until you have a chance to recycle it. Keep it away from metal objects and moisture.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common error is installing the battery upside down. The plus sign must face up. If you are unsure which side is which, look at the battery under a light — the plus sign is usually stamped or printed on one side and is easier to see in good lighting.

Another mistake is over-tightening the back. The AirTag back should twist on smoothly and stop when it is snug. If you force it, you can crack the plastic. If the back feels stuck or very hard to turn, stop and check that the battery is sitting flat and centered in the slot.

Some people also buy the wrong battery size. Make sure you are buying a CR2032, not a CR2025 or CR2016. The package will clearly say CR2032. If you are unsure, show the old battery to the store employee and ask for the same size.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my AirTag battery is running low?

Your iPhone will send you a notification that says "AirTag battery is low" when the battery has about 10 percent charge left. You can also open the Find My app, tap the AirTag, and look at the battery percentage shown at the top of the screen. You do not have to replace it when ready, but you should plan to do so within a few days.

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage than standard batteries and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with a standard single-use CR2032 for the best results.

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

First, check that the battery is installed with the plus sign facing up. Open the back and flip it if needed. If it still does not work, try a different new battery to rule out a defective one. If a second battery does not work, the AirTag itself may be damaged and you may need to contact Apple Support.

Do I need to re-pair my AirTag after changing the battery?

No. The AirTag remembers your iPhone and will reconnect automatically once the new battery is installed. You do not need to open the Find My app or do any setup steps.

Where is the cheapest place to buy CR2032 batteries?

Prices vary, but dollar stores, Walmart, and Amazon often have the lowest per-battery cost when you buy a multi-pack. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS are usually more expensive for single batteries but convenient if you need one right away. Compare the price per battery, not the total pack price, since packs come in different quantities.