Apple AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery

An Apple AirTag runs on one CR2032 battery, a small round coin cell that measures 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick. This is the same battery type found in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and many other small devices. You can buy CR2032 batteries at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for between $3 and $8 for a pack of several.

The battery lasts about one year under normal use, though the exact lifespan depends on how often your AirTag sends location updates. Apple does not make the battery replaceable by design—you open the AirTag yourself, swap out the old battery for a new one, and close it back up. The whole process takes less than a minute and requires no tools.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple AirTag uses one CR2032 coin cell battery, the same type sold in drugstores and online for a few dollars.
  • The battery typically lasts about one year, though heavy use or cold temperatures can shorten that time.
  • You replace the battery yourself by pressing down on the stainless steel back cover and twisting it counterclockwise until it pops off.
  • When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification, giving you time to buy a replacement before the AirTag stops working.
  • CR2032 batteries are widely available and inexpensive, so replacement costs far less than buying a new AirTag.

How to replace the battery in your AirTag

Start by holding the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back facing up. Use your other hand to press down firmly on the steel cover while twisting it counterclockwise. You will feel it loosen after a quarter turn. Keep twisting until the cover comes free—usually another half turn does it.

Once the cover is off, the old CR2032 battery will be sitting in a plastic holder. Lift it out and set it aside. Drop the new CR2032 battery into the holder with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up. Press the steel cover back onto the AirTag and twist it clockwise until it clicks and sits flush. You will hear a small beep from the AirTag, which means the new battery is recognized and the device is ready to use.

The entire swap takes about 30 seconds. No screwdrivers, adhesives, or special tools are needed. If you have trouble twisting the cover, try wrapping a rubber band around it for better grip, or use a coin to help explore pressure while you turn.

When to expect the battery to run out

Apple estimates the CR2032 battery will last about one year in a typical AirTag. What "typical" means depends on how often the AirTag is moving and sending location updates. An AirTag on your keys that you carry with you most days will drain the battery faster than one attached to a rarely-moved item like a suitcase stored in a closet.

Cold temperatures also drain CR2032 batteries more quickly than warm ones. If you use your AirTag outdoors in winter, you may see the battery run down in 10 or 11 months instead of 12. Conversely, an AirTag in a warm indoor environment may last slightly longer.

Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low, usually when it has a few weeks of charge left. This gives you time to pick up a new CR2032 before the AirTag stops reporting its location. Once the battery is completely dead, the AirTag will not work at all until you replace it.

Where to buy CR2032 replacement batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common battery types in the world, so you have many options for where to buy them. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the battery aisle. Supermarkets, hardware stores, and big-box retailers like Target and Walmart carry them as well. Online, you can order them from Amazon, eBay, or the websites of most drugstore chains.

Prices vary slightly by brand and quantity. A single CR2032 typically costs $1 to $3, while a pack of four or five costs $4 to $8. Name brands like Energizer and Duracell are widely available, but store-brand and off-brand CR2032 batteries work just as well in an AirTag and cost less. Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers, as they may not hold a full charge or may leak inside your AirTag.

If you want to keep a spare on hand, buying a small pack is practical. CR2032 batteries have a shelf life of several years when stored in a cool, dry place, so there is no rush to use them.

Why Apple chose the CR2032 battery

The CR2032 is a practical choice for a small tracking device. It is thin enough to fit inside the AirTag's compact plastic case, holds enough charge to last a year, and is cheap and straightforward to find. The battery also performs well in the temperature range most people encounter in daily life, from a cold car in winter to a warm pocket in summer.

The downside is that the AirTag cannot be sealed completely against water or dust once you open it to change the battery. Apple rates the AirTag as water-resistant to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes, which is enough for accidental splashes and brief submersion, but not for swimming or diving. After you replace the battery, the water resistance remains the same as long as you twist the cover back on firmly.

Common mistakes when replacing the battery

The most common error is inserting the new battery upside down. The positive side (marked with a +) must face up toward the stainless steel cover. If you put it in backwards, the AirTag will not work and you will not hear the confirmation beep. straightforward pop the cover off again, flip the battery, and close it back up.

Another mistake is not twisting the cover back on far enough. If it is loose, the AirTag may lose power intermittently or fail to connect to your iPhone. Twist it clockwise until you feel it click and see it sit flush with the plastic case. A firm twist is fine—you cannot overtighten it.

Some people accidentally drop the old battery or the plastic holder when opening the AirTag. Work over a table or sink so you do not lose small parts. If you do drop the battery, it will roll away quickly, so keep your eyes on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin cell batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are slightly different sizes and will not fit properly or may not power the device. Stick with CR2032 to may support your AirTag works as intended.

Does the AirTag battery need to be a specific brand?

No. Any CR2032 battery from any brand will work in your AirTag. Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, and store brands all perform the same way. The only thing that matters is that it is a genuine CR2032, not a counterfeit or damaged battery.

What happens if I leave the AirTag open without the battery?

The AirTag will not work and will not connect to your iPhone. It is safe to leave it open for a short time while you swap batteries, but do not leave it open for extended periods. Dust or moisture could get inside and damage the electronics.

Can I recycle the old CR2032 battery?

Yes. Most drugstores and retailers that sell batteries also have battery recycling programs. You can drop off old batteries at no cost. Some communities also have hazardous waste collection days where batteries are accepted. Do not throw batteries in the trash.

Will my AirTag still work if the battery is slightly low?

Yes, until the battery is completely dead. Your iPhone will warn you when the battery is low, but the AirTag will continue to send location updates for a few more weeks. You do not need to replace it the moment you get the notification, but do not wait too long or it will stop working.