AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries, the same flat round type found in watches and calculators
An AirTag holds one CR2032 battery, which is a 3-volt lithium coin cell measuring about the size of a dime. You can buy CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, hardware store, or online retailer. A single battery typically lasts about one year of normal use before the AirTag will alert you that it needs replacing.
The CR2032 is not proprietary to Apple — it is a standard battery type manufactured by many brands. Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, Sony, and store brands all make CR2032 batteries that work identically in an AirTag. Price varies slightly by brand and quantity, but a single CR2032 usually costs between 50 cents and $2 depending on where you buy it and whether you purchase a pack or individual battery.
Key Takeaways
- AirTags require one CR2032 coin cell battery, a standard 3-volt lithium type sold everywhere batteries are stocked.
- Any brand of CR2032 works in an AirTag — you do not need Apple-branded batteries.
- A CR2032 battery lasts roughly one year, and your AirTag will notify you when the battery is low.
- Replacing the battery takes less than a minute: twist the back cover counterclockwise and swap out the old battery for a new one.
How to replace an AirTag battery in under one minute
Hold the AirTag with the white side facing up. Locate the stainless steel back cover — it is the flat metal disc on the bottom. Press down gently on the cover and twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it stops. The cover will pop off.
Remove the old battery by lifting it straight out. The battery sits in a shallow cup, so it comes out easily. Drop the new CR2032 battery into the cup with the positive side (the side with the printed numbers and symbols) facing up. Press the cover back on and twist it clockwise until it clicks and sits flush. The AirTag will chime to confirm the new battery is working.
If the cover is tight, do not force it — a gentle twist is all that is needed. If you have arthritis or hand strength issues, wrapping a rubber band around the cover gives you better grip. Some people use a coin to help with the twist, which works fine as long as you do not scratch the cover.
Where to buy CR2032 batteries
CR2032 batteries are stocked in the pharmacy or health and beauty section of most grocery stores and drugstores. Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Target, and similar retailers all carry them. You can also find them in the battery aisle of hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe's, and in the watch or jewelry section of some stores.
Online, Amazon, Best Buy, and the websites of pharmacy chains all sell CR2032 batteries in single units or multipacks. Buying a multipack (usually 4 to 10 batteries) costs less per battery than buying one at a time, which makes sense if you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use CR2032 cells. Shipping is often free on larger orders.
What to do when your AirTag shows a low battery warning
Your iPhone will send you a notification when an AirTag battery is running low. You do not have to replace it when ready — the battery will continue to work for a while after the warning appears. However, the AirTag's range and reliability decline as the battery weakens, so replacing it within a few days of the warning is a good idea.
If you ignore the warning and the battery dies completely, the AirTag will stop working until you replace the battery. It will not damage the AirTag itself. straightforward follow the replacement steps above, and the AirTag will resume working as soon as the new battery is installed.
Batteries that do not work in AirTags
Do not use CR2025 or CR2016 batteries — these are thinner than the CR2032 and will not sit properly in the battery cup, leaving gaps that prevent the AirTag from working. The numbers in the battery name indicate the thickness: CR2032 is 3.2 millimeters thick, while CR2025 is 2.5 millimeters thick. A battery that is too thin will rattle inside and lose contact with the terminals.
Alkaline coin cell batteries (sometimes labeled LR44 or AG13) are also not compatible. These are smaller in diameter and voltage than CR2032 lithium cells, and they will not power the AirTag. Always check the battery type printed on the package before you buy — the label should clearly say CR2032.
How long a CR2032 battery lasts in an AirTag
Under normal use, a CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag. This assumes the AirTag is in a typical location like a backpack, keychain, or purse where it communicates with your iPhone and the Find My network regularly. An AirTag that sits unused in a drawer will have a longer battery life because it is not actively transmitting.
If you use your AirTag heavily — checking its location multiple times per day or using it to find a lost item frequently — the battery may drain faster and last eight to ten months instead. Conversely, an AirTag you check once a week may stretch the battery to 14 or 15 months. The AirTag will alert you before the battery is completely dead, so you will have time to replace it.
Storing extra CR2032 batteries safely
Keep spare CR2032 batteries in a cool, dry place away from metal objects. Do not store them loose in a drawer where they might touch coins or keys — this can create a short circuit and drain the battery. A small plastic battery organizer or a zippered bag works well for storage.
Keep batteries away from children and pets. CR2032 batteries are small enough to swallow and can cause serious injury if ingested. Store them in a locked drawer or cabinet if you have young children or curious pets in your home. Check the expiration date on the package before you buy — most CR2032 batteries have a shelf life of five to ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rechargeable CR2032 batteries in my AirTag?
Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage (usually 3.7 volts instead of 3 volts) and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with standard single-use CR2032 lithium batteries for consistent performance.
What happens if I put the battery in upside down?
If you insert the battery with the negative side facing up, the AirTag will not work and will not chime. straightforward remove the cover, flip the battery over so the positive side (the printed side) faces up, and replace the cover. The AirTag will chime when ready once the battery is oriented correctly.
Is it safe to touch a CR2032 battery with my bare hands?
Yes, it is safe to handle a CR2032 battery with your bare hands. The voltage is too low to cause any shock or harm. If you have a cut or wound on your hands, you may want to wash your hands afterward, but there is no danger from the battery itself.
Can I buy CR2032 batteries at the Apple Store?
Apple Stores do not typically stock CR2032 batteries for separate purchase. You will find them more readily at pharmacies, grocery stores, hardware stores, and online retailers. If you are at an Apple Store for another reason, staff can point you to the nearest place to buy them locally.
Do all AirTag models use the same battery?
Yes, all AirTag models — the standard AirTag and the AirTag Keyring — use a single CR2032 battery. The replacement process is identical for both versions.