Apple AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery

An Apple AirTag runs on a single CR2032 lithium coin cell battery. This is a flat, round battery about the size of a dime—roughly 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick. You can find CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, supermarket, hardware store, or online retailer for between $3 and $8 for a pack of several.

The battery lasts about one year under normal use, though the actual lifespan depends on how often your AirTag sends location updates. If you use it on a keychain that moves around frequently, the battery drains faster than if it sits in a desk drawer. Apple will notify you through the Find My app when the battery is running low, usually giving you a few weeks' warning before it dies completely.

Replacing the battery is straightforward and requires no tools. You straightforward press and twist the stainless steel back of the AirTag counterclockwise until it comes loose, drop in a fresh CR2032, and twist the back on again. The whole process takes about 30 seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple AirTag uses one CR2032 lithium coin cell battery, a common battery type sold at pharmacies and supermarkets.
  • The battery lasts approximately one year, though frequent use drains it faster than occasional use.
  • Apple sends a notification through the Find My app when the battery is low, giving you time to replace it before it dies.
  • You can replace the battery yourself by twisting off the back of the AirTag and inserting a new CR2032—no tools or technical knowledge required.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common battery types in the world, so you have many options for where to buy them. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them near the checkout or in the health and beauty section. Supermarkets usually carry them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's sell them in the electrical section.

Online retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and Target ship CR2032 batteries quickly, often with free delivery if you have a membership. You can also order them from battery specialty websites. A single battery costs $1 to $3, but buying a pack of 5 or 10 brings the per-battery cost down to 50 cents or less. Since CR2032 batteries are used in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and hearing aids, buying in bulk makes sense if you have other devices that use them.

How to replace the battery yourself

Start by holding the AirTag with the stainless steel back facing up. You will see a small notch or ridge on the edge of the back cover. Place your thumb or fingernail in that notch and push down gently while twisting counterclockwise. The back will come loose after a quarter turn or so—do not force it.

Once the back is off, you will see the old CR2032 battery sitting in a shallow cup. Lift it out and set it aside. Take your new CR2032 battery and place it in the cup with the positive side (the flat side with the + symbol) facing up. Press it down gently until it sits flat. Then align the back cover with the AirTag body and twist it clockwise until it clicks into place. You should hear or feel a small click when it is fully seated.

The Find My app will recognize the new battery when ready. You do not need to re-pair the AirTag or do anything else—it will straightforward resume working as before. If the app still shows a low battery warning after you have replaced it, remove the back again and make sure the battery is making good contact with the metal contacts inside.

Signs your AirTag battery is dying

The most obvious sign is a notification in the Find My app that says "Battery Low" or "Replace Battery Soon." This message appears when the battery voltage drops below a certain threshold, usually giving you one to three weeks before the battery is completely dead.

If you ignore the notification and the battery dies completely, the AirTag will stop sending location updates. Your iPhone will no longer be able to find it using the Find My app, and if someone else's iPhone passes by it, that device will not detect it either. The AirTag itself is not broken—it straightforward cannot communicate without power. As soon as you install a fresh battery, it will resume working normally.

Some users report that an AirTag battery drains unusually fast if the device is in a metal container or wallet with poor radio signal. The AirTag works harder to transmit through the metal, which uses more power. If you notice the battery dying much sooner than a year, try moving the AirTag to a location with better signal and see if the drain slows down.

Disposing of the old battery safely

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not be thrown in the trash. Most pharmacies and supermarkets that sell batteries also accept old batteries for recycling. Call ahead to confirm, but places like Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe's typically have battery recycling programs at the customer service desk.

You can also search for a local battery recycling center using Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org. Enter your zip code and battery type, and both sites will show you nearby drop-off locations. Some locations are free, while others may charge a small fee for large quantities. For a single household battery, most places do not charge.

Why Apple chose the CR2032

The CR2032 is a practical choice for a small tracking device. It is thin enough to fit inside the AirTag's compact case, holds enough charge to last a full year under typical use, and is inexpensive and widely available. Apple could have used a rechargeable battery, but that would have added weight, bulk, and complexity—you would need a charging cable or dock, and the battery would degrade over time like all rechargeable batteries do.

The one-year lifespan is intentional. It forces users to open the AirTag periodically, which gives Apple a natural point to remind people to check that the device is still working and that the location data is current. It also means you are never stuck with a dead AirTag that you cannot revive without special equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Using a different battery type could damage the device or cause it to malfunction. CR2032 batteries are so common and inexpensive that there is no reason to substitute.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

The AirTag will not work if the battery is installed with the negative side facing up. The metal contacts inside the battery cup are designed to connect only with the positive side of the battery. If you install it backward, the AirTag straightforward will not power on. Remove the back, flip the battery over, and try again.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

Apple states that the battery lasts about one year under normal use. The actual lifespan varies based on how often your AirTag sends location updates. A keychain AirTag that moves around daily will drain the battery faster than one that stays in a stationary bag. You will receive a notification when the battery is low, usually one to three weeks before it dies completely.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes, replacing the battery is safe and requires no special tools or training. The process is designed for everyday users and takes less than a minute. The only precaution is to avoid dropping the small battery or getting it wet, and to make sure you do not force the back cover when twisting it off.

Can I buy rechargeable CR2032 batteries for my AirTag?

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