AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries

An AirTag runs on a single CR2032 battery, a coin-shaped lithium cell about the size of a dime. This is the same battery type found in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. You can buy CR2032 batteries at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for roughly $3 to $8 for a pack of four.

The battery lasts about one year under normal use, though the exact lifespan depends on how often your AirTag sends location updates. An AirTag that travels with you daily will drain the battery faster than one sitting on a shelf at home. Apple's AirTag will alert you on your iPhone when the battery is running low, giving you time to replace it before it dies.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries, which cost a few dollars and are sold everywhere batteries are sold.
  • A single battery lasts roughly one year, but this varies based on how much your AirTag moves and sends updates.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, so you will have warning before it stops working.
  • Replacing the battery takes less than a minute and requires no tools—just twist the metal back off and pop the old battery out.

How to replace an AirTag battery

Replacing the battery is straightforward and takes about 30 seconds. Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up. Press down on the stainless steel back cover and twist it counterclockwise until it comes loose. The cover will pop off, and the old battery will usually come out with it or sit loose inside the case.

Drop the new CR2032 battery into the empty slot with the positive side (the flat side with the + mark) facing up. Press the metal cover back on and twist it clockwise until it clicks and sits flush. Your iPhone will recognize the new battery within a few seconds, and you will see the battery status update in the Find My app.

Do not force the cover—if it is not turning smoothly, you may be twisting the wrong direction. The cover should come off with gentle pressure and a quarter-turn twist. If you have trouble, try wrapping a thin cloth around the metal back for better grip.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common battery types sold in the United States, so you have many options. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the battery aisle. Supermarkets including Walmart and Target carry them. Online retailers like Amazon sell them in bulk packs, which is cheaper per battery if you have multiple devices that use them.

When shopping, look for the label "CR2032" on the package. Some brands are more expensive than others, but the battery chemistry is the same—a cheaper generic CR2032 will work just as well as a name-brand one. Avoid buying single batteries unless you need only one; a four-pack or eight-pack usually costs less per unit.

Battery life and usage patterns

Apple states that an AirTag battery lasts about one year, but this is an average. An AirTag in your car that you drive daily will use the battery faster than one attached to a spare key that sits at home. The battery drains when the AirTag sends Bluetooth signals to nearby Apple devices and when it communicates with Apple's servers to update its location.

If you have multiple AirTags, they do not interfere with each other's battery life. Each one operates independently. Turning off Bluetooth on your iPhone does not extend AirTag battery life—the AirTag itself has its own Bluetooth radio and will continue broadcasting whether your phone's Bluetooth is on or off.

Signs your AirTag battery is dying

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is low, usually a few weeks before it completely dies. Open the Find My app, tap the Items tab, select the AirTag, and look at the battery percentage shown at the top of the screen. If it reads below 10 percent, replacement is coming soon.

If the battery dies completely, the AirTag will stop sending location updates and will not respond to the Find My network. You will not be able to locate it until you replace the battery. This is why paying attention to the low-battery notification is useful—you can replace it on your schedule rather than discovering a dead AirTag when you need to find something.

What to do with old batteries

Do not throw used CR2032 batteries in the trash. Lithium batteries contain materials that can harm the environment if they end up in landfills. Most drugstores and supermarkets that sell batteries also have a battery recycling bin near the checkout or customer service desk. Some electronics retailers like Best Buy accept batteries for recycling as well.

If you cannot find a recycling location nearby, search "battery recycling near me" online or visit your local waste management website for drop-off locations. Many communities have hazardous waste collection days where you can bring batteries for free. Recycling is usually free and takes just a moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery type in my AirTag?

No. AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Other coin cell batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 may fit physically but will not work properly and could damage the device. Always use a CR2032.

How do I know if my battery is installed correctly?

If the battery is installed correctly, your iPhone will show the battery percentage in the Find My app within a few seconds. If the percentage does not appear or shows 0 percent, remove the cover, check that the battery is sitting flat with the positive side up, and reinstall it.

Will my AirTag stop working if I do not replace the battery right away?

Yes. Once the battery is completely dead, the AirTag will not send location updates or respond to the Find My network. You will need to replace the battery to use it again. The low-battery notification gives you time to replace it before this happens.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes. Replacing an AirTag battery is safe and requires no special tools or training. The process takes less than a minute and involves no risk of electrical shock or damage to the device. Just make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling the battery.

Can I buy rechargeable batteries for my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage than standard CR2032 batteries and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with standard disposable CR2032 batteries for consistent performance.