Apple AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries

An Apple AirTag runs on a single CR2032 coin cell battery, a small round battery about the size of a dime. This is a standard battery type you can find at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers for between $3 and $8 per battery, depending on the brand and how many you buy at once.

The CR2032 is a lithium battery, which means it holds a charge longer than alkaline alternatives and works reliably in small devices. Apple rates the battery life at roughly one year of typical use, though the actual time depends on how often your AirTag sends location signals and how frequently you use the Find My app to locate it.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple AirTags use one CR2032 coin cell battery, a standard size sold at most retailers for a few dollars.
  • Battery life is roughly one year under typical use, but varies based on how often you locate the tag and how many times it sends signals per day.
  • You can replace the battery yourself by twisting the back cover counterclockwise until it comes free, then swapping in a fresh CR2032.
  • The AirTag will alert you through the Find My app when the battery is running low, giving you time to buy a replacement before it dies.

How to replace the battery in your AirTag

Replacing an AirTag battery takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools. Hold the AirTag with the white side facing up. Place your thumb on the stainless steel back cover and twist it counterclockwise until it stops—it will rotate roughly a quarter turn. The cover will pop off, and the old battery will usually come out with it or stay loose inside the case.

Drop the new CR2032 battery into the empty slot with the positive side (marked with a plus sign) facing up. The battery should sit flat and level. Replace the metal cover by aligning it with the case and twisting clockwise until you hear or feel a click. The cover should be snug but does not require force—if you are straining, you are twisting the wrong direction.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin cell types, so you have many options. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the battery aisle, usually near the checkout. Supermarkets including Target and Walmart carry them in the electronics or household section. Amazon and other online retailers sell them in bulk packs, which is cheaper per battery if you have multiple AirTags or other devices that use the same size.

When shopping, look for the "CR2032" label on the package—do not buy "LR2032" (alkaline) or other similar-looking sizes by mistake. Brand does not matter much; Energizer, Duracell, and store brands all work the same way in an AirTag. If you are buying in person and unsure, show the package to a store employee and confirm it says CR2032.

How to know when your battery is low

Your iPhone or iPad will send you a notification through the Find My app when the AirTag battery is running low. The notification typically arrives when the battery has a few weeks of life left, giving you time to pick up a replacement before the tag stops working. You can also check the battery status manually by opening the Find My app, tapping the Items tab, selecting your AirTag, and looking at the battery percentage shown at the top of the screen.

If your AirTag battery dies completely, the tag will stop sending location signals and will not show up in the Find My app until you replace the battery. There is no harm in leaving a dead AirTag in your bag or on your keys—it will not drain anything or cause damage. straightforward replace the battery whenever you get around to it, and the tag will start working again when ready.

Battery life and what affects it

Apple states that a CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. However, the actual time varies based on your habits. If you check the Find My app frequently or if your AirTag is in a location with poor Bluetooth range (forcing it to search harder for a connection), the battery will drain faster. An AirTag in a backpack you carry every day will last longer than one attached to a set of keys you only use occasionally, because the tag uses less power when it is moving with your phone.

Temperature also plays a small role. Coin cell batteries perform better at room temperature and drain slightly faster in very cold conditions. Storing an AirTag in a freezing car overnight will not damage it, but the battery will show lower capacity until it warms up again.

Why Apple chose the CR2032

The CR2032 is one of the most widely available batteries in the world, which means you are unlikely to be stuck without a replacement. Apple could have used a proprietary battery or a rechargeable design, but that would have made the AirTag more expensive and harder to maintain. A user-replaceable coin cell keeps the device straightforward, affordable, and repairable without a trip to an Apple Store.

The CR2032 also provides enough power for the AirTag's Bluetooth radio and location features while keeping the device small enough to fit on a keychain. Larger batteries would make the tag bulkier; smaller ones would require replacement every few months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery size in my AirTag?

No. The AirTag is designed specifically for the CR2032 size and shape. Using a different battery—even one that looks similar—will not fit properly or may damage the contacts inside the case. Always use a CR2032.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes. The replacement process is straightforward and safe. There are no sharp edges, no risk of electric shock, and no special tools needed. Just make sure the positive side of the battery faces up when you insert it, and twist the cover until it clicks.

What should I do with the old battery?

Coin cell batteries contain lithium and should not go in the regular trash. Most drugstores and electronics retailers have battery recycling bins near the entrance or customer service desk. Some municipalities also have hazardous waste collection days. Check your local waste management website for drop-off locations.

Will my AirTag work if the battery is partially dead?

Yes, an AirTag will continue to work as long as the battery has any charge. The Find My app will alert you when the battery is low, but the tag will keep sending signals until the battery is completely empty. You do not need to replace it the moment you see the low-battery warning.

Can I buy rechargeable CR2032 batteries for my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage than standard lithium CR2032 batteries, which can cause the AirTag to report false low-battery warnings or stop working sooner. Stick with standard single-use CR2032 batteries.