An AirTag uses a CR2032 coin cell battery

Your AirTag runs on a single CR2032 battery, a small round coin-shaped cell that is 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick. This is the same battery used in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and many other small devices. You can find CR2032 batteries at any drugstore, supermarket, electronics retailer, or online — they cost between $3 and $8 for a pack of two or four.

The battery lasts about one year under normal use, though the exact lifespan depends on how often your AirTag sends location updates and how many times you press the button on the back. If you use the Find My feature frequently or play the sound often, the battery will drain faster. Apple does not make the battery replaceable in the sense of opening a sealed case — instead, the back of the AirTag twists off by hand, making the swap straightforward.

Key Takeaways

  • An AirTag takes one CR2032 coin cell battery, which you can buy at any drugstore or supermarket for a few dollars.
  • The battery lasts roughly one year, though frequent use of the Find My feature or sound button will shorten that time.
  • To replace the battery, twist the stainless steel back of the AirTag counterclockwise until it comes free, then swap in a fresh CR2032.
  • Your AirTag will alert you when the battery is low, giving you time to pick up a replacement before it dies completely.
  • CR2032 batteries are widely available and inexpensive, so you should never be without a working AirTag for long.

How to replace the battery yourself

Replacing the battery takes less than a minute and requires no tools. Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up and the stainless steel back facing down. Place your thumb on the steel back and push upward while twisting counterclockwise — you will feel it loosen after a quarter turn or so. Continue twisting until the back comes free in your hand.

Once the back is off, you will see the old CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal holder. Lift it out by the edge — do not touch the flat surfaces, as oils from your skin can reduce contact. Drop the new CR2032 into the holder with the positive side (marked with a plus sign) facing up. The battery should sit flat and snug. Twist the steel back clockwise until it clicks and sits flush with the plastic body. Your AirTag will chime to confirm the battery is installed correctly.

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, usually in packs of two or four. Supermarkets including Walmart and Target carry them as well, often near the checkout or in the electronics section. Best Buy and other electronics retailers have them in stock year-round.

Online, you can order CR2032 batteries from Amazon, eBay, or the manufacturer websites of battery brands like Energizer, Duracell, and Panasonic. Prices vary slightly by brand and pack size, but you should expect to pay $0.75 to $2 per battery. Buying in bulk (packs of 10 or more) lowers the per-battery cost if you use multiple devices that take CR2032s. Some people keep a spare pack at home so they never run out.

How to know when the battery is running low

Your iPhone or iPad will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is low — usually when it has about two weeks of charge left. The notification appears in the Find My app under the AirTag's name, with a message that says "Battery Low." You do not have to replace it when ready, but you should pick up a fresh battery within the next week or two to avoid the AirTag shutting down unexpectedly.

If you ignore the warning and the battery dies completely, the AirTag will stop sending location updates and will not respond to the Find My network. You can still replace the battery and bring it back to life — a dead AirTag is not broken, just dormant. Once you install a fresh battery, it will reconnect to your devices within seconds.

Tips for extending battery life

The CR2032 battery will last longest if you use your AirTag in a normal way — attaching it to a keychain or bag and checking its location occasionally through the Find My app. Avoid pressing the button on the back repeatedly just to hear the sound, as each press drains the battery slightly. If you have an AirTag in a location you rarely check, consider turning off notifications for it in the Find My app to reduce how often it searches for your devices.

Temperature also affects battery life. CR2032 batteries perform best at room temperature and drain faster in very cold conditions. If you leave an AirTag in a freezing car or outside in winter, expect the battery to run down sooner than the typical one-year estimate. Once the battery warms up again, it will work normally, but the overall lifespan will be shorter.

What to do with old batteries

Do not throw used CR2032 batteries in the trash. They contain lithium and other materials that can be recycled. Most drugstores and supermarkets that sell batteries also accept old ones for recycling — ask at the customer service desk. Best Buy has a battery recycling program at all locations. You can also search for a local battery recycling drop-off site using the Call2Recycle website, which lists collection centers by zip code.

Storing old batteries safely until you can recycle them is straightforward: keep them in a cool, dry place away from metal objects that could cause a short circuit. Taping the positive and negative ends can prevent accidental contact. Most people just keep used batteries in a small container in a drawer until they have a few to drop off.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Other coin cell batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically similar but have different voltage and capacity, and they will not work reliably. Always use a CR2032 to may support your AirTag functions properly.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. If you use the Find My feature frequently or press the sound button often, it may last only eight to ten months. Light use can extend it slightly beyond a year.

Will my AirTag stop working if the battery dies?

Yes, your AirTag will stop sending location updates and will not respond to the Find My network once the battery is completely dead. However, it is not broken — straightforward replace the battery and it will work again when ready. You can revive a dead AirTag at any time.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes. Replacing the CR2032 battery is safe and requires no special tools or skills. Just avoid touching the flat surfaces of the battery with bare fingers, as skin oils can reduce electrical contact. Wash your hands first if they are visibly dirty, then proceed with the replacement.

What should I do if the battery is stuck and won't come out?

If the old battery is stuck, try gently prying the edge with a plastic spoon or the edge of a credit card — do not use a sharp metal object, as it can damage the battery holder. If it still will not budge, let the AirTag sit for a few hours and try again. The battery should come free with gentle pressure.