Apple AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery

Your 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 hardware stores for between $3 and $8 for a pack of several. The battery lasts roughly one year under normal use before the AirTag will alert you that it needs replacing.

The CR2032 is a lithium battery rated at 3 volts. Apple chose this battery because it's widely available, inexpensive, and reliable for the low power demands of an AirTag's Bluetooth connection. You don't need any special tools or technical knowledge to swap it out—the battery door on the back of the AirTag twists open by hand.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore or supermarket for a few dollars.
  • The battery typically lasts about one year, and your AirTag will send you a notification when the battery is running low.
  • Replacing the battery takes less than a minute—twist the metal back cover counterclockwise and swap in a fresh CR2032.
  • CR2032 batteries are standard lithium cells rated at 3 volts and are not rechargeable.

How to replace the battery in your AirTag

Start by holding the AirTag with the metal side facing up. Place your thumb on the metal back cover and press down firmly while twisting it counterclockwise. The cover will pop off after about a quarter turn. You don't need to force it—if it's stuck, make sure you're pressing down as you twist.

Once the cover is off, you'll see the old CR2032 battery sitting in a small circular slot. Lift it out and set it aside. Drop the new CR2032 battery into the slot with the positive side (marked with a + symbol) facing up toward you. Press the metal cover back on and twist it clockwise until it clicks. The whole process takes about 30 seconds.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common battery types in the world, so you have many options. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the battery aisle. Supermarkets including Walmart and Target carry them. Hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's have them. You can also order them online from Amazon or directly from battery retailers.

Prices vary slightly by retailer and whether you buy a single battery or a multi-pack. A single battery usually costs $4 to $8, while a pack of four or five batteries costs $6 to $12 total. Buying a multi-pack is more economical if you have other devices that use CR2032 batteries—many watches, car key fobs, and calculators use the same battery type.

How you'll know when the battery is low

Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac will send you a notification when your AirTag's battery is running low. The notification appears in the Find My app and says something like "AirTag battery low." You don't have to replace it when ready—the AirTag will continue working for a short time after this alert, but you should plan to swap the battery within a few days.

If you ignore the notification and the battery dies completely, the AirTag stops transmitting its location. You won't be able to find it using Find My until you replace the battery. The AirTag itself doesn't have a low-battery warning light or sound—the notification on your phone is your only alert.

Why Apple chose the CR2032

The CR2032 is ideal for AirTags because it balances size, power output, and cost. The battery is small enough to fit inside the AirTag's compact plastic case, but it delivers enough power to run the Bluetooth radio for a full year. CR2032 batteries are also one of the cheapest battery types available, which keeps the overall cost of replacing an AirTag battery low.

Apple could have used a rechargeable battery instead, but that would have added weight, bulk, and complexity to the AirTag design. A rechargeable battery would also require you to plug in the AirTag regularly, which defeats the purpose of a small tracking device you want to leave in a bag or on a keychain. The disposable CR2032 is the practical choice for a device designed to work without maintenance for a year at a time.

What to do with the old battery

Don't throw a used CR2032 battery in the trash. Lithium batteries contain materials that can harm the environment if they end up in a landfill. Instead, take the old battery to a retailer that accepts battery recycling. Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe's all have battery recycling programs at their customer service desks, and many accept them for free.

You can also search for a local battery recycling drop-off location using Earth911's recycling search tool or by calling your city's waste management department. Some communities have hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off batteries along with other items. The effort takes just a few minutes and keeps the battery out of the waste stream.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The AirTag is designed specifically for the CR2032 battery. Using a different battery type could damage the AirTag or cause it to malfunction. Stick with CR2032 batteries from any reputable manufacturer—the brand doesn't matter as long as it's a genuine CR2032 lithium cell.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. The exact lifespan depends on how often the AirTag transmits its location and how frequently you check it in the Find My app. AirTags that are checked more often may drain the battery slightly faster.

Is the CR2032 battery rechargeable?

No, the CR2032 is a disposable lithium battery. You cannot recharge it. Once it dies, you remove it and install a fresh one. Attempting to recharge a CR2032 can damage the battery and create a safety hazard.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

If you insert the CR2032 with the negative side facing up instead of the positive side, the AirTag straightforward won't work. It won't damage the battery or the AirTag. Just pop the cover back off, flip the battery over, and try again. The positive side (marked with a +) should face toward you when you're looking down into the slot.

Can I buy CR2032 batteries at a grocery store?

Yes. Most supermarkets stock CR2032 batteries in the pharmacy or electronics section near the checkout area. If you can't find them, ask a store employee—they're a common item and most stores carry them, even if they're not prominently displayed.