AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries

An AirTag uses 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 a few dollars. The battery sits inside the AirTag's white plastic case and powers the device's Bluetooth chip, which lets your iPhone or iPad locate it.

The CR2032 is a lithium coin cell, not an alkaline battery. This matters because lithium batteries hold their charge longer and perform better in small devices. A single CR2032 typically lasts about one year in an AirTag, though the exact lifespan depends on how often you use the Find My app to locate the tag and how far away it is from your devices.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use one CR2032 coin cell battery, a standard type sold at most stores for $2 to $5.
  • A CR2032 battery lasts roughly one year before the AirTag will ask you to replace it.
  • You can replace the battery yourself by twisting the white plastic case open—no tools needed.
  • When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification and the AirTag will stop working until you replace it.

How to replace the battery yourself

Replacing an AirTag battery takes less than a minute and requires no tools. Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up. Place your thumb on the stainless steel back and push upward while twisting the white case counterclockwise. The case will pop off, and you'll see the battery sitting in a small metal holder.

Lift the battery out by the metal tab on its edge—do not touch the flat sides of the battery with your bare fingers, as oils from your skin can reduce its lifespan. Drop the new CR2032 battery into the holder with the positive side (marked with a plus sign) facing up. Twist the white case back on clockwise until you hear a click. Your AirTag will chime to confirm the battery is installed correctly.

If the AirTag does not chime after you close it, open it again and check that the battery is sitting flat in the holder and the positive side is facing up. Make sure the case is twisted all the way on—it should feel snug and click into place. This usually takes only a few seconds to fix.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin cell types, so you have many places to buy them. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the battery aisle. Supermarkets including Walmart and Target carry them near the checkout or in the electronics section. Amazon and other online retailers sell them in bulk, which is cheaper per battery if you have multiple AirTags or other devices that use them.

A single CR2032 battery costs between $2 and $5 at most retail stores. Buying a pack of four or eight batteries online usually costs less per battery than buying one at a time. Check the package to make sure it says CR2032—there are other coin cell sizes like CR2025 and CR2016 that look similar but will not work in an AirTag.

Signs your AirTag battery is running low

Your iPhone will notify you when an AirTag's battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. The notification appears in the Find My app and says something like "Replace battery in AirTag." At this point, the battery still has some charge left, so you do not need to replace it when ready—but you should plan to do it within the next week or two.

If you ignore the notification and the battery fully drains, the AirTag will stop working. It will not send out a Bluetooth signal, so your iPhone cannot locate it. The AirTag will not work again until you replace the battery. If you lose track of an AirTag before the battery dies, you will not be able to find it using the Find My app.

Why CR2032 and not a rechargeable battery

Apple chose the CR2032 because it is small, reliable, and widely available. A rechargeable battery would make the AirTag thicker or heavier, and it would need a charging port or wireless charging coil, both of which would add cost and complexity. The CR2032 is also more durable in a small device that gets bumped around in bags and pockets.

The one-year lifespan is a trade-off. You have to remember to replace the battery once a year, but you never have to plug anything in or worry about the AirTag losing charge if you do not use it for a few weeks. For most people, replacing a battery once a year is simpler than managing a rechargeable device.

What to do with old batteries

Do not throw used CR2032 batteries in the trash. Lithium batteries can leak or catch fire in landfills. Most drugstores and supermarkets have battery recycling bins near the customer service desk or in the parking lot. Some electronics stores like Best Buy also take old batteries for free.

Check Earth911.com or call your local waste management office to find a recycling location near you. Many communities also hold hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off batteries at no cost. Taking a few seconds to recycle keeps batteries out of the environment and recovers materials that can be reused.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an alkaline CR2032 instead of a lithium one?

Technically yes, but lithium CR2032 batteries last much longer in an AirTag. Alkaline versions drain faster and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with lithium CR2032 batteries—they cost about the same and will give you the full year of use Apple designed the AirTag for.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

The AirTag will not work and will not chime when you close it. Open it back up and flip the battery so the positive side (marked with a plus sign) faces up. The negative side should face down toward the metal holder.

Do I need to remove the AirTag from Find My before replacing the battery?

No. You can replace the battery without removing the AirTag from your account. Just pop out the old battery, put in the new one, and close the case. Your iPhone will recognize the AirTag again as soon as the new battery is installed.

Can I buy a CR2032 battery at a gas station?

Most gas stations do not stock CR2032 batteries, though some larger ones near highways might. Your best bet is a drugstore, supermarket, or hardware store. If you need a battery right away, call ahead to confirm they have CR2032 in stock before you drive over.