AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery
An Apple AirTag runs on a single CR2032 coin cell battery, the same type you find in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. It is a round, flat battery about the size of a dime. You can buy CR2032 batteries at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for between $3 and $8 for a pack of four.
The battery is not soldered in. You open the AirTag by pressing down on the stainless steel back and twisting counterclockwise until it comes free. The battery sits in a shallow cup inside. When the battery runs low, your iPhone sends you a notification and tells you to replace it. The whole swap takes less than a minute.
Key Takeaways
- AirTag uses one CR2032 coin cell battery, which you can replace yourself by twisting off the back.
- A CR2032 battery lasts roughly one year in an AirTag under normal use, though this varies based on how often the AirTag broadcasts its location.
- You can buy CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online for $3 to $8 per pack of four.
- Apple does not sell AirTag batteries separately, but the battery is not proprietary and works in many other devices.
How long a CR2032 battery lasts in an AirTag
Apple states that a CR2032 battery lasts approximately one year in an AirTag. This assumes typical use — meaning you are not constantly triggering the speaker or forcing location updates. The actual lifespan depends on how often your AirTag broadcasts its location to nearby Apple devices and how many times you use the Find My app to locate it.
If you own multiple Apple devices and live in an area with dense Apple device traffic, your AirTag broadcasts more often and the battery drains faster. If you use Find My frequently to play the AirTag's speaker or trigger a search, battery life shortens. In light-use scenarios, some users report their battery lasting 18 months or longer. Heavy users may see it drop to 8 or 9 months.
You will know the battery is running low when your iPhone displays a low battery notification in the Find My app. At that point, you have time to order a replacement battery — the AirTag does not stop working when ready.
Where to buy CR2032 batteries
CR2032 batteries are not specialty items. You can find them at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, and most grocery stores in the pharmacy or electronics section. Online, Amazon, Best Buy, and eBay all stock them. Prices are usually lowest when you buy a pack of four or more rather than a single battery.
Check the packaging to confirm the battery is a CR2032 — the label will say so clearly. Some retailers sell generic versions and name-brand versions (Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic). Generic batteries work fine in an AirTag and cost less. Name brands may last slightly longer, but the difference is small.
Why Apple chose the CR2032
The CR2032 is one of the most common coin cell batteries in the world. Apple chose it because it is cheap, widely available, and holds enough charge for a year of typical use. The battery is small enough that the AirTag remains pocket-sized, but large enough to power Bluetooth broadcasts reliably.
Because the CR2032 is not proprietary to Apple, you are not locked into buying batteries from Apple or paying a premium. You can walk into any store and grab a pack. This also means the AirTag is repairable and usable for years — you are not forced to replace the entire device when the battery dies.
How to replace the battery yourself
Open the AirTag by holding it with the stainless steel back facing up. Press down firmly on the back and twist it counterclockwise. It will turn about a quarter turn before the back comes free. The battery sits in a small cup inside the plastic casing.
Lift out the old battery and drop in the new CR2032 with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up. Replace the stainless steel back by aligning it with the grooves and twisting clockwise until it clicks. Your iPhone will recognize the new battery within a few seconds and clear the low battery notification.
Do not force the back. If it is stuck, try again with a slightly lighter grip. The back is designed to come off easily once you explore the right amount of pressure and twist.
What to do with the old battery
Do not throw a used CR2032 battery in the trash. Most communities have battery recycling programs at retailers like Best Buy, Home Depot, or your local waste facility. Many drugstores and supermarkets also accept batteries for recycling at the customer service desk. Check Earth911.com or your city's waste management website to find a drop-off location near you.
If you have only one or two old batteries, you can store them in a cool, dry place until you have enough to make a trip to a recycling center worthwhile. Keep them away from metal objects that could cause a short circuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?
Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTag. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage output than standard alkaline CR2032 batteries, which can cause the AirTag to behave unpredictably or drain faster. Stick with standard alkaline CR2032 batteries.
What happens if I put the battery in backwards?
If you insert the battery with the negative side facing up, the AirTag straightforward will not work. Your iPhone will not detect it. Remove the back, flip the battery so the + side faces up, and replace the back. There is no damage from inserting it backwards.
Is the CR2032 battery the same as the one in my car key fob?
Yes. The CR2032 is used in car key fobs, watches, calculators, hearing aids, and many other small devices. If your key fob uses a CR2032, you can buy the same battery for your AirTag. Just make sure the label says CR2032 — some devices use similar-looking batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 that are not interchangeable.
Does Apple sell replacement batteries for AirTag?
No. Apple does not sell CR2032 batteries separately. You must buy them from a pharmacy, electronics retailer, or online seller. This is actually an advantage — you are not locked into Apple's pricing and can shop around for the best deal.