AirTags use one CR2032 coin cell battery

An Apple AirTag runs on a single CR2032 coin cell battery. This is a small, flat, round battery about the size of a dime—3.2 millimeters thick and 20 millimeters across. You can buy CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, electronics retailer, or online. They cost between $3 and $8 for a pack of four or five.

The battery sits in a slot on the back of the AirTag. You do not need tools to replace it—the back cover twists off by hand. A fresh CR2032 battery lasts about one year of normal use before the AirTag will alert you that the battery is low.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags take one CR2032 coin cell battery, which you can find at any drugstore or supermarket for a few dollars.
  • The battery lasts roughly one year, and your iPhone will notify you when it is running low.
  • You replace the battery by twisting the back cover counterclockwise until it stops, then lifting it off—no tools needed.
  • Do not use rechargeable CR2032 batteries; they have a different voltage and may damage the AirTag.

How to replace the battery yourself

Hold the AirTag with the back facing you. The back is the side with the stainless steel ring. Place your thumb on the metal ring and twist it counterclockwise (toward the left) until you feel it stop. The cover will not twist far—usually just a quarter turn. Lift the cover straight up and set it aside.

The old battery will be sitting in a shallow cup in the plastic base. Pick it out with your fingernail or a plastic spoon. Do not use a metal tool, as it can scratch the inside. Drop the new CR2032 battery into the cup with the flat side facing up (the positive side). The battery should sit flat and level.

Place the metal ring back on top and twist it clockwise (toward the right) until it stops. You will hear a small click when it seats. Your AirTag will chime and vibrate to confirm the battery is installed. If it does not chime, remove the cover and check that the battery is sitting flat in the cup.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin cell types, so you have many options. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the health and beauty section or near the checkout. Grocery stores carry them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and other big-box retailers have them in the electronics or battery section.

Online, you can order CR2032 batteries from Amazon, eBay, or the manufacturer websites. Buying a pack of four or five is usually cheaper per battery than buying a single one. Prices vary, but expect to pay $0.50 to $2 per battery when you buy in bulk.

What to avoid when buying batteries

Buy standard alkaline CR2032 batteries, not rechargeable ones. Rechargeable CR2032 batteries have a lower voltage (3.0 volts instead of 3.0 volts nominal, but they discharge differently) and may not work reliably in an AirTag. Stick with single-use alkaline CR2032 batteries from brands like Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, or store brands—they all work the same way.

Do not confuse CR2032 with other coin cell sizes like CR2025 or CR2016. The numbers matter: the first two digits (20) are the diameter in millimeters, and the last two (32) are the thickness in tenths of a millimeter. A CR2025 is thinner and will not fit properly. Check the package before you buy.

How long a battery lasts and when to replace it

A new 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 in your wallet and you are checking its location a few times a week. If you check the AirTag constantly or use it in a very cold environment, the battery may drain faster.

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is low—usually when it has a few weeks of life left. You do not have to replace it when ready, but you should plan to do so within a week or two. Once the battery is completely dead, the AirTag will stop working until you replace it.

Troubleshooting a battery that does not work

If you installed a new battery and the AirTag does not chime or show up in the Find My app, remove the cover and check that the battery is sitting flat in the cup. A battery that is tilted or not fully seated will not make contact. Also check that you installed it with the flat side (positive terminal) facing up.

If the battery is seated correctly and the AirTag still does not work, try a different battery. It is rare, but a new battery can be defective. If a second battery does not work, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem, and you should contact Apple Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTags are designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin cell sizes like CR2025, CR2016, or button cells will not fit or work. Always use CR2032.

How do I know which side of the battery goes in first?

The flat side (positive terminal) faces up toward the metal ring. The domed side faces down into the plastic cup. If you install it upside down, the AirTag will not work, but the battery will not be damaged—just flip it over and try again.

Is it safe to touch the battery with my bare hands?

Yes. CR2032 batteries are safe to handle with bare hands. You do not need gloves. Just avoid touching the terminals with wet hands or storing the battery in a damp place.

What should I do with the old battery?

Take used CR2032 batteries to a battery recycling program. Many retailers like Best Buy and Home Depot have battery drop-off bins. You can also check Earth911.com or your local waste management website to find a recycling center near you.

Will the AirTag work if the battery is low but not dead?

Yes. A low battery does not stop the AirTag from working—it just means you should replace it soon. The AirTag will continue to send location updates to Find My until the battery is completely drained.