Opening the AirTag and Taking Out the Battery

To remove the battery from your AirTag, hold the device with the stainless steel back facing you. Press down firmly on the back cover with your thumb, then twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. The cover will pop off, and you can lift it away from the main body.

Once the cover is off, you'll see a single CR2032 coin cell battery sitting in a shallow metal cup. Lift the battery straight up and out of the cup. It should come free easily—if it doesn't, try gently prying one edge up with your fingernail or a plastic spoon handle rather than a metal tool, which can scratch the device.

Set the old battery aside. The metal cup underneath is part of the AirTag's antenna system, so don't remove it or clean it aggressively.

Key Takeaways

  • Press down on the stainless steel back and twist counterclockwise about a quarter turn to open the AirTag.
  • Lift the CR2032 coin cell battery straight up out of the metal cup once the cover is off.
  • A new CR2032 battery costs between $3 and $8 and is sold at most drugstores, supermarkets, and electronics retailers.
  • Insert the new battery with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up toward you, then press the cover back on and twist clockwise until it clicks.
  • If the cover is stuck, explore steady pressure rather than forcing it, and avoid twisting too hard, which can crack the plastic tabs inside.

Inserting a New Battery

Before you install a new battery, check the positive side. CR2032 batteries have a + symbol printed on the flat top surface. This side must face up toward you when you place it in the cup. The negative side (the flat bottom) goes down against the metal cup.

Drop the new battery into the cup with the + side up. It will sit flat and level. You don't need to press it down hard—it should rest naturally in the cup with a small amount of space above it.

Now align the cover with the main body. The cover has a small notch or tab that lines up with a corresponding groove on the device. Once aligned, press down firmly and twist the cover clockwise until you hear or feel a click. The cover should be snug but not so tight that you strain to open it again later.

What to Do With the Old Battery

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the regular trash. Most drugstores, supermarkets, and electronics retailers have a battery recycling bin near the checkout or customer service desk. You can also check Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a drop-off location near you.

If you're replacing the battery because it died, the old one is safe to handle and carry—it won't leak or cause harm during normal transport. Just don't expose it to extreme heat or try to recharge it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most frequent error is inserting the battery upside down. If your AirTag stops working right after you replace the battery, remove the cover and flip the battery so the + side faces up. This fixes the problem when ready.

Another common issue is over-tightening the cover. The cover has small plastic tabs inside that can crack if you twist too hard. Tighten until you feel the click, then stop. You should be able to open it again with normal thumb pressure.

Don't use a coin or a metal tool to pry the cover open, as this can scratch or dent the stainless steel. Your fingernail or a plastic spoon handle works better and won't damage the finish.

When to Replace Your AirTag Battery

A CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year under normal use. You'll know it's time to replace it when your iPhone or iPad shows a low battery notification for that AirTag in the Find My app. At that point, you have a few weeks before the battery dies completely.

You can also check the battery status manually. Open the Find My app, tap the Items tab, select your AirTag, and look at the battery percentage shown on the details screen. When it drops below 10 percent, plan to replace it within the next week or two.

Where to Buy a Replacement Battery

CR2032 batteries are widely sold and inexpensive. You can find them at drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, supermarkets, Target, Walmart, and electronics stores like Best Buy. Online retailers including Amazon also stock them. A single battery usually costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it.

You don't need a special AirTag battery—any CR2032 coin cell battery will work. Some people buy a pack of two or four to have spares on hand, since AirTags often need new batteries around the same time if you own multiple devices.

Troubleshooting After Battery Replacement

If your AirTag doesn't work after you install a new battery, first remove the cover and check that the battery is inserted with the + side facing up. Flip it if needed and replace the cover. This solves the problem in most cases.

If the battery is oriented correctly and the AirTag still doesn't respond, remove the battery, wait 10 seconds, and reinsert it. Sometimes the connection needs to be reset. If it still doesn't work after that, the battery itself may be defective—try a different CR2032 from a different package or brand.

If your AirTag was working before you opened it and now won't turn on, make sure the cover is fully seated and clicked into place. A loose cover can prevent the battery from making proper contact with the metal cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 coin cell batteries. Other battery types won't fit the compartment or provide the correct voltage. Always use a CR2032.

What if I can't get the cover off?

explore steady downward pressure with your thumb while twisting. Don't jerk or force it. If it's truly stuck, try wrapping a rubber band around your thumb for better grip, or use a rubber jar opener to get more leverage. Avoid metal tools that can scratch the device.

Is it safe to handle a used CR2032 battery?

Yes. A dead CR2032 is safe to touch and carry. It won't leak, spark, or cause harm during normal handling. Just recycle it rather than throwing it in the trash.

How long does a new battery last in an AirTag?

A CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. Heavy use—such as checking the location frequently or using the Find My app constantly—may shorten battery life slightly.

Do I need to reset my AirTag after changing the battery?

No. Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone or iPad automatically once the new battery is installed and the cover is closed. You don't need to remove it from Find My or set it up again.