The battery in an AirTag comes out from the back and takes a standard CR2032 coin cell, which you can buy at any drugstore for a few dollars
Replacing an AirTag battery takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools. The back of the AirTag is a removable stainless steel disc that twists off by hand. Once it comes free, you lift out the old CR2032 battery, drop in a new one with the positive side facing up, and twist the disc back on until it clicks. That's the entire process.
A new CR2032 costs between $2 and $5 depending on the brand and where you buy it. You'll find them at pharmacies, supermarkets, hardware stores, and online retailers. Apple does not sell them directly, and you do not need to visit an Apple Store to replace the battery yourself — the AirTag is designed for owner replacement from the start.
Key Takeaways
- The back disc of an AirTag twists off by hand with no tools needed, and the battery slides out once the disc is removed.
- AirTag uses a CR2032 coin cell battery, which lasts about one year under normal use and costs $2 to $5 when you replace it.
- The positive side of the new battery must face upward when you insert it, and the disc must click when you twist it back on to seal properly.
- You can buy CR2032 batteries at pharmacies, supermarkets, and online without a prescription or special order.
How to remove the back disc
Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic side facing you. The stainless steel disc is on the back. Place your thumb on the edge of the disc and push down while twisting counterclockwise. The disc will loosen after a quarter turn or so.
Once it starts to move, continue twisting counterclockwise until the disc comes free in your hand. If it feels stuck, you are likely twisting the wrong direction — try clockwise instead. The disc should come off with light pressure; do not force it or you risk stripping the threads.
Removing the old battery and inserting the new one
Once the disc is off, you will see the CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal cup. Tip the AirTag slightly and the battery will slide out into your palm. Set it aside — you do not need to keep it.
Take the new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side is marked with a plus sign (+) and is the positive terminal; the other side is blank and is the negative terminal. Hold the battery so the positive side faces upward, then drop it into the metal cup. It will sit flat and snug. If it feels loose or tilted, remove it and try again — the battery must sit flat for the AirTag to work.
Sealing the disc back on
Once the battery is in place, pick up the stainless steel disc. Line up the edge with the grooves on the AirTag body and press down gently. Twist clockwise — the opposite direction from when you removed it — until you feel the disc click into place. A full click means the seal is tight and the battery will not fall out.
If the disc does not click, untwist it slightly and try again. The threads should align smoothly without grinding or resistance. Once you hear the click, the replacement is complete and your AirTag is ready to use.
Where to buy CR2032 batteries
CR2032 batteries are among the most common coin cell batteries made, so you have many options for where to buy them. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the battery aisle. Supermarkets including Walmart and Target carry them. Hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's have them. Amazon and other online retailers sell them in bulk or single packs.
Prices vary slightly by retailer and brand. A single battery at a pharmacy typically costs $3 to $5. Buying a pack of four or eight online often brings the per-battery cost down to $1 to $2. Generic and name-brand batteries (Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic) all work equally well in an AirTag.
How long a CR2032 battery lasts
Apple states that an AirTag battery lasts about one year under normal use. The actual lifespan depends on how often the AirTag sends location updates and how frequently your iPhone checks it. An AirTag in a wallet or on a keychain that you carry daily will drain the battery faster than one attached to a stationary item like a pet collar or luggage tag that moves less often.
Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to buy a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working. You do not have to replace it when ready when the warning appears — the AirTag will continue to function for a while longer.
What to do if the disc is stuck
If the disc will not twist off, try wrapping a rubber band around it to improve your grip, then twist again. The rubber adds friction and makes it easier to turn without slipping. Twist slowly and steadily rather than jerking — a stuck disc usually comes free with patient, even pressure.
If the disc still will not budge after several attempts, stop and let it sit for a few hours. Sometimes the metal and plastic can swell slightly in humidity or temperature changes, and waiting allows them to settle. Try again later. Do not use pliers or other tools, as they will damage the finish and may crack the plastic body underneath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of battery in my AirTag?
No. AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 coin cell batteries. Using a different battery type or size will not fit in the compartment and may damage the AirTag. Stick to CR2032 only.
What happens if I put the battery in upside down?
The AirTag will not work if the battery is inserted with the negative side facing up. The metal cup inside the AirTag makes contact with the positive terminal, so the battery must sit with the plus sign facing upward. If your AirTag stops working after replacement, remove the disc and check that the battery is oriented correctly.
Do I need to reset my AirTag after changing the battery?
No. Once you seal the disc back on and the battery makes contact, the AirTag will resume working when ready. You do not need to re-pair it with your iPhone or perform any setup steps. It will appear in the Find My app as it did before.
Is it safe to replace the battery myself?
Yes. The AirTag battery compartment is designed for owner replacement and contains no hazardous materials beyond the battery itself. Handle the old battery normally and dispose of it according to your local battery recycling rules, or straightforward throw it in the trash — CR2032 batteries are not classified as hazardous waste in most places.
Can I buy batteries in bulk and store them?
Yes. CR2032 batteries have a shelf life of several years when stored in a cool, dry place. Buying a pack of eight or ten and keeping them on hand means you will always have a replacement ready when your AirTag battery dies.