Apple AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries

An Apple AirTag holds one CR2032 battery, a small round coin cell about the size of a dime. This is a standard battery type you can find at most drugstores, supermarkets, and hardware stores. The battery sits inside the white plastic case and powers the AirTag's Bluetooth chip, which lets your iPhone locate it.

The CR2032 is not rechargeable. When it runs out, you remove the old one and drop in a new one—the whole process takes about ten seconds. Apple does not sell AirTag batteries separately; you buy CR2032 cells from any retailer that stocks batteries.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple AirTags use one CR2032 coin cell battery, a standard size sold at drugstores and supermarkets.
  • A fresh CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use.
  • To replace the battery, press and twist the white plastic back of the AirTag counterclockwise until it pops off.
  • CR2032 batteries cost between $3 and $8 for a pack of multiple cells, depending on the brand and retailer.
  • You can buy CR2032 batteries from drugstores, supermarkets, electronics retailers, and online marketplaces.

How long a CR2032 battery lasts in an AirTag

Apple states that a CR2032 battery lasts approximately one year in an AirTag. This estimate assumes normal use—checking the AirTag's location a few times per week and keeping it within Bluetooth range of your iPhone most of the time. If you check your AirTag constantly or keep it far from your phone, the battery may drain faster.

Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. You do not have to replace it the moment you see the warning, but replacing it within a week or two prevents the AirTag from going silent.

Steps to replace an AirTag battery

Replacing the battery takes less than a minute. Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic side facing up. Place your thumb on the metal back and your fingers on the white plastic front, then press down gently and twist the white plastic counterclockwise about a quarter turn. The plastic back will pop off.

Lift out the old CR2032 battery. The positive side (marked with a + symbol) faces up. Drop the new CR2032 battery in with the positive side facing up. Press the white plastic back onto the metal case and twist it clockwise until it clicks into place. Your AirTag is ready to use.

Do not force the plastic back. If it does not twist easily, you may be turning it the wrong direction. Counterclockwise removes it; clockwise puts it back on.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common battery types in the world, so they are stocked almost everywhere. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens carry them in the battery aisle. Supermarkets stock them near the checkout or in the health and beauty section. Hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's have them in the electrical aisle.

Electronics retailers like Best Buy and Micro Center carry multiple brands. Online marketplaces like Amazon sell them in bulk packs, which is cheaper per battery if you have multiple devices that use CR2032 cells. A single battery costs $1 to $3 at most retailers; a pack of four to ten costs $3 to $8 total.

Common mistakes when replacing an AirTag battery

The most common mistake is inserting the battery upside down. The positive side (marked +) must face up toward the white plastic back. If you insert it backwards, the AirTag will not work, but the battery will not be damaged. straightforward remove it, flip it over, and try again.

Another mistake is twisting too hard when removing the back. The plastic is durable but can crack if you explore excessive force. Use gentle, steady pressure and let the quarter-turn twist do the work. If the back does not budge after a gentle twist, stop and try again—you may be turning the wrong direction.

Some people also buy the wrong battery type by mistake. Make sure the package says CR2032, not CR2025 or CR2016. Those are different sizes and will not fit properly.

Other devices that use CR2032 batteries

If you own other devices, you may already have CR2032 batteries at home. Car key fobs, watches, calculators, hearing aids, and some fitness trackers use CR2032 cells. Buying a larger pack and keeping spares in a drawer means you will have a replacement ready whenever any of these devices needs one.

Storing CR2032 batteries in a cool, dry place keeps them fresh for years. Do not store them in a hot car or humid bathroom, as moisture and heat shorten their shelf life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recharge a CR2032 battery?

No. CR2032 batteries are single-use and cannot be recharged. Attempting to recharge them can damage the battery and create a safety hazard. When the battery dies, dispose of it according to your local battery recycling rules and insert a new one.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

The AirTag straightforward will not work. The battery will not be damaged, and no harm comes to the AirTag. Remove the battery, flip it so the positive side (+) faces up, and reinsert it. The AirTag will work normally.

Do I need to remove the battery if I am not using my AirTag?

No. The battery drains very slowly when the AirTag is not in use. If you plan to store an AirTag for months, you can leave the battery in. If you store it for a year or longer, removing the battery prevents it from leaking inside the case.

Can I use a different battery type in my AirTag?

No. The AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin cell types like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically different and will not fit properly or work correctly. Always use CR2032.

Where is the best place to buy CR2032 batteries?

Drugstores and supermarkets are fastest if you need a battery today. Online retailers offer better prices per battery if you buy in bulk. Electronics stores carry multiple brands so you can compare. Choose based on whether you need the battery when ready or are willing to wait for delivery.