AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries

An AirTag uses a single CR2032 battery, a small round coin cell that is 20 millimeters in diameter and 3.2 millimeters thick. This is the same battery found in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and many other small devices. You can buy CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, electronics retailer, or online — they cost between $3 and $8 for a pack of four or five.

The CR2032 is a lithium battery, which means it holds its charge longer than alkaline alternatives and performs better in small, low-power devices. Apple rates the battery life at roughly one year of typical use, though the actual lifespan depends on how often your AirTag is detected and how far away it travels from your iPhone or other Apple devices.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags require a CR2032 coin cell battery, which you can purchase at pharmacies, grocery stores, or online retailers for $3 to $8 per pack.
  • The battery typically lasts about one year before the AirTag will notify you to replace it.
  • Replacing the battery takes less than a minute and requires only your fingers — no tools are needed.
  • You can check your battery status in the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac before the battery dies.

How to replace the battery in your AirTag

Replacing an AirTag battery is straightforward and takes about 30 seconds. Hold the AirTag with the polished stainless steel side facing down. Locate the small notch on the edge of the white plastic back — it is opposite the Apple logo. Press your finger into that notch and push upward to pop the back cover off.

Once the cover is off, you will see the old CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal holder. The positive side (marked with a plus sign) faces upward. Lift the battery out with your fingernail or a coin. Insert the new CR2032 battery with the positive side facing up, then press the white back cover down until it clicks into place. You should hear a small click when it seats properly.

Your AirTag will play a sound through your iPhone to confirm the new battery is working. If you do not hear a sound, remove the cover and check that the battery is inserted correctly with the positive side up.

When to replace your AirTag battery

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is running low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. 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 near the top of the screen.

If you see the battery percentage drop below 10 percent, plan to replace it within the next week or two. A dead AirTag will stop sending location data to your devices, so replacing the battery before it fully drains prevents you from losing track of your item.

Buying the right CR2032 battery

When shopping for a replacement, look for batteries labeled CR2032 — this is the only size that fits. Some retailers sell generic versions and some sell name brands like Duracell, Energizer, or Panasonic. All CR2032 batteries work the same way in an AirTag, so the brand does not matter. What matters is that the battery is fresh — check the expiration date on the package and avoid batteries that expired more than a year ago.

You may see similar-looking batteries labeled CR2025 or CR2016. These are slightly thinner and will not work in an AirTag. Stick with CR2032 specifically. If you are unsure, ask a store employee or check the package label before you buy.

How long CR2032 batteries last in AirTags

Apple states that a CR2032 battery lasts approximately one year in a typical AirTag. The actual lifespan varies based on how much your AirTag is used. If you attach it to something that stays in one place most of the time, the battery may last longer than a year because the AirTag is not constantly communicating with your devices. If you attach it to something you carry everywhere and use Find My frequently to locate it, the battery may drain faster.

Temperature also affects battery life. Batteries perform better in moderate temperatures and drain faster in very cold conditions. If you store an AirTag in a freezing car or garage for weeks at a time, expect the battery to lose charge more quickly than normal.

What to do if your AirTag battery is dead

If your AirTag battery dies before you notice the low-battery notification, the device will stop working until you replace it. A dead AirTag cannot send location data, so you will not be able to see its location in Find My. Once you install a fresh CR2032 battery, the AirTag will reconnect to your devices within a few minutes and resume normal operation.

If you have lost an AirTag and cannot find it to replace the battery, you can remove it from your Apple account through the Find My app. Open Find My, tap Items, select the AirTag, and choose Remove Item. This prevents the AirTag from appearing in your inventory and stops it from draining a battery you cannot access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery size in my AirTag?

No. AirTags are designed only for CR2032 batteries. Other coin cell sizes like CR2025 or CR2016 will not fit properly and may damage the battery compartment or cause the AirTag to malfunction. Always use CR2032 specifically.

How do I know if my battery is installed correctly?

When you insert a fresh battery and close the back cover, your AirTag will emit a sound through your connected iPhone. If you do not hear this sound, open the cover and check that the positive side of the battery (marked with a plus sign) is facing upward. Reinsert it and close the cover again.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes. Replacing an AirTag battery requires no tools and poses no safety risk. The battery compartment is designed for user replacement, and the CR2032 battery is not dangerous to handle. straightforward follow the steps of popping off the back cover, removing the old battery, and inserting the new one.

What happens if I leave a dead AirTag in my account?

A dead AirTag will not send location data, so it becomes useless for tracking. You can leave it in your Find My account indefinitely, but it will not appear on any maps or location screens. If you plan to replace the battery later, you can leave it there. If you do not plan to use it again, remove it from your account to clean up your inventory.

Where is the cheapest place to buy CR2032 batteries?

Prices vary by location and retailer, but grocery stores, pharmacies, and discount retailers like Costco or Walmart typically offer competitive pricing. Online retailers like Amazon also sell multi-packs that may cost less per battery than buying single batteries in a store. Compare prices before you buy, especially if you own multiple AirTags.