AirTags use one CR2032 coin cell battery

An AirTag runs on a single CR2032 battery, a flat coin-shaped cell 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick. This is the same battery found in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. You can buy CR2032 batteries at any drugstore, supermarket, or electronics retailer for between $3 and $8 for a pack of four.

Apple does not sell AirTag batteries separately or bundle them with new AirTags. The battery comes pre-installed in every new AirTag and lasts about one year under normal use. When the battery dies, you replace it yourself — the process takes less than a minute and requires no tools.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries, which are sold at drugstores and supermarkets under many brand names.
  • One battery lasts roughly one year, and Apple sends a notification to your phone when the battery is low.
  • You open the AirTag by pressing down on the stainless steel back and twisting counterclockwise until it clicks and pops free.
  • Any CR2032 battery works in an AirTag regardless of brand, as long as it is a fresh cell and not expired.

How to open an AirTag and swap the battery

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up. Locate the stainless steel back panel on the bottom. Press down firmly on the steel back with your thumb, then twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn until you hear or feel a click. The back will pop up slightly — lift it away from the plastic body.

The old battery sits in a small metal cup. Lift it out with your fingernail or a plastic tool. Drop the new CR2032 battery into the cup with the positive side (marked with a + symbol) facing up. Press the steel back down onto the plastic body and twist it clockwise until it clicks into place. The AirTag will beep once to confirm the battery is installed correctly.

If the AirTag does not beep, the battery may be inserted upside down. Open it again, flip the battery, and reseat the back panel. The beep confirms the connection is good and the AirTag is ready to use.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the watch and battery aisle. Supermarkets carry them near the checkout or in the health and beauty section. Electronics retailers like Best Buy and Micro Center have them. Online, Amazon, Walmart, and Target all sell CR2032 packs at similar prices.

Brand does not matter — Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, Sony, and store-brand CR2032 cells all work the same in an AirTag. Buy whatever is cheapest or most convenient. Avoid batteries that are visibly old or expired, as they may not hold a full charge. A fresh battery from any reputable seller will last the full year.

Signs your AirTag battery is running low

When the battery drops below about 10 percent, your iPhone sends a notification that says "AirTag Battery Low" and shows which AirTag needs a new battery. This notification appears in the Find My app and as a system alert on your phone. You do not have to replace the battery when ready — the AirTag will continue to work for a few more days or weeks depending on how much you use it.

If you ignore the notification and the battery fully drains, the AirTag stops sending location data and will not connect to the Find My network. It becomes useless until you install a fresh battery. Replacing the battery as soon as you see the low-battery alert keeps your AirTag working without interruption.

Battery life and what affects how long it lasts

A CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts one year. This estimate assumes normal use — checking the AirTag's location a few times a week and keeping it within Bluetooth range of your iPhone most of the time. Heavy use shortens battery life. If you check your AirTag's location multiple times per day or use it in Lost Mode (which broadcasts more aggressively), the battery may drain in six to nine months.

Temperature also affects battery life. Cold environments drain batteries faster than warm ones. If you keep an AirTag in a car parked outside during winter, expect shorter battery life than if you carry it in a pocket. Storing an AirTag in a drawer unused does not significantly extend battery life — the battery drains at roughly the same rate whether the AirTag is active or idle.

What not to do when replacing the battery

Do not force the steel back panel. If it does not twist easily, you may be turning it the wrong direction. Counterclockwise is the correct direction to open it. Forcing it clockwise or explore excessive pressure can crack the plastic body or strip the threads.

Do not use a metal tool to pry the battery out. Your fingernail works fine, and a plastic spoon or credit card edge can help if needed. Metal tools can scratch the battery cup or damage the internal contacts. Do not install the battery upside down — the positive side must face up. Do not mix old and new batteries or use a battery that is visibly corroded or leaking. Do not submerge the AirTag in water while the back is open, as water can damage the electronics inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTags are designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin cell sizes like CR2025 or CR2016 will not fit properly or make contact with the terminals. Using the wrong battery type can damage the AirTag or cause it to malfunction.

How much does it cost to replace an AirTag battery?

A pack of four CR2032 batteries costs $3 to $8 depending on the brand and where you buy them. That works out to less than $2 per battery. Replacing the battery yourself is far cheaper than buying a new AirTag, which costs $29.

What should I do if my AirTag beeps but does not show up in Find My?

The beep means the battery is installed correctly. If the AirTag does not appear in Find My after a few minutes, restart your iPhone or toggle Bluetooth off and back on. If it still does not show up, the AirTag may have a hardware problem unrelated to the battery. Contact Apple Support for troubleshooting.

Can I recycle old CR2032 batteries?

Yes. Most drugstores and supermarkets have battery recycling bins near the customer service desk or entrance. Some electronics retailers also accept batteries for recycling. Do not throw batteries in the trash — they contain materials that can harm the environment.