Apple AirTag uses a CR2032 coin cell battery

An 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 buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or electronics retailer 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 replacement.

The CR2032 is a lithium coin cell, not alkaline. This matters because lithium batteries hold their charge longer and perform better in small devices. You cannot substitute an alkaline button battery and expect the same performance. When you need a replacement, look specifically for CR2032 — the letters and numbers are printed on the battery itself.

Key Takeaways

  • An Apple AirTag takes one CR2032 coin cell battery, a standard type sold at most stores for a few dollars.
  • The battery lasts about one year, and your AirTag will notify you when it is running low.
  • Replacing the battery takes less than a minute: twist the back cover counterclockwise and swap out the old battery for a new one.
  • Do not use alkaline button batteries as a substitute — they will not perform as well in the AirTag.

How to replace the battery in your AirTag

Replacing the battery is straightforward and requires no tools. Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing down. Locate the stainless steel back cover — it is the larger circular piece on the bottom. Press down gently on the cover while turning it counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it stops. The cover will come loose in your hand.

Lift out the old CR2032 battery. Note which side was facing up — the positive side (marked with a +) should face toward you when you insert the new battery. Drop the new CR2032 in with the positive side up, then press the cover back on and turn it clockwise until it clicks. The AirTag will play a sound to confirm the battery is installed correctly. If it does not make a sound, remove the cover, flip the battery, and try again.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common button batteries made, so you have many options. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the health and beauty section or near the checkout. Grocery stores usually carry them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart sell them online and in stores. A single battery costs $3 to $5; a pack of four or more usually costs $5 to $8 total, which is better value if you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use the same battery.

Check the packaging to confirm it says CR2032 and that it is lithium, not alkaline. Some retailers also sell generic or store-brand versions that cost slightly less than name brands like Duracell or Energizer. The generic versions work just as well in an AirTag.

How long a CR2032 battery lasts in an AirTag

Apple states that a CR2032 battery lasts approximately one year in an AirTag under normal use. What counts as normal use depends on how often your AirTag is actively searching for location. If you use the Find My app frequently to locate your keys or bag, the battery will drain faster. If your AirTag sits in a drawer most of the time, it may last longer than a year.

Your AirTag will send you a notification when the battery is low, giving you time to buy a replacement before it dies completely. Even after the battery is fully drained, the AirTag itself is not damaged — it will work again as soon as you install a fresh battery.

Why CR2032 and not other batteries

Apple chose the CR2032 because it balances size, power output, and availability. The AirTag is small enough to fit on a keychain, so the battery had to be tiny. A CR2032 provides enough voltage and capacity to power the Bluetooth radio and location features for a full year without being so large that the AirTag becomes bulky. Lithium chemistry was chosen over alkaline because lithium batteries maintain their voltage longer as they drain, meaning the AirTag performs consistently throughout the year rather than gradually weakening.

The CR2032 is also one of the most widely manufactured button batteries in the world, which keeps the cost low and ensures you can find a replacement almost anywhere. This was a practical choice on Apple's part — you do not need to order a special battery online or wait for shipping.

What happens if you use the wrong battery

If you install an alkaline button battery by mistake, the AirTag may work at first but will not perform as well. Alkaline batteries drop in voltage as they discharge, so the AirTag's Bluetooth radio may become unreliable after a few months. You might also see the low battery warning sooner than you would with a lithium CR2032. Some alkaline button batteries are also slightly thicker than CR2032, which could make the back cover difficult to close properly.

The safest approach is to buy CR2032 specifically. It is inexpensive enough that there is no reason to experiment with alternatives. If you have already installed the wrong battery and the AirTag is not working well, remove it and replace it with a CR2032.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage output than disposable lithium CR2032 batteries, which can cause the AirTag to behave unpredictably or drain faster. Stick with a standard disposable CR2032 for reliable performance.

What do I do with the old battery after I remove it?

Do not throw it in the trash. Take it to a battery recycling program. Many retailers that sell batteries, including Best Buy and Home Depot, have battery recycling bins near the entrance or customer service desk. Some pharmacies also accept batteries. Check Earth911.com or call your local waste management to find a drop-off location near you.

Will my AirTag stop working if I do not replace the battery right away?

Your AirTag will stop transmitting its location once the battery is completely dead, but the device itself is not broken. As soon as you install a fresh CR2032, it will work normally again. There is no time limit — you can leave a dead AirTag sitting for weeks or months and it will still function once you replace the battery.

Is there a way to make the battery last longer?

The battery life is determined by how often the AirTag broadcasts its location. If you rarely use the Find My app to search for the AirTag, it will naturally last longer because it is not working as hard. Turning off Bluetooth on your iPhone will also reduce battery drain, though then the AirTag will not be able to report its location at all.