AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery

An Apple AirTag runs on a single CR2032 coin cell battery, the same type found in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. This is a 3-volt lithium battery about the size of a dime. You can buy CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, supermarket, or electronics store for between $3 and $8 for a pack of several.

The battery lasts roughly one year under normal use, though this varies depending on how often your AirTag connects to nearby Apple devices. If you use your AirTag daily to track a frequently-moved item like a backpack or keys, the battery may drain faster than if you use it to track something stationary like a bike stored in a garage.

When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification telling you to replace it. At that point, you have a few weeks before the AirTag stops working entirely, so you do not need to rush to the store the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, available at pharmacies and supermarkets for a few dollars.
  • A single battery lasts about one year, though daily use may shorten this to nine months.
  • Your iPhone alerts you when the battery is low, giving you time to purchase a replacement before the AirTag stops working.
  • Replacing the battery takes less than a minute and requires no tools.
  • Do not throw old CR2032 batteries in the trash; take them to a pharmacy or electronics retailer for recycling.

How to replace the battery in your AirTag

Replacing an AirTag battery is straightforward and takes about 30 seconds. Hold the AirTag with the polished stainless steel side facing down. Locate the circular battery cover on the back—it is the slightly raised ring around the center of the white plastic side.

Press down firmly on the battery cover with your thumb and rotate it counterclockwise (toward the left) until it stops. The cover will pop off, and the old battery will be loose inside. Remove the old battery and set it aside for recycling.

Insert the new CR2032 battery with the positive side (marked with a + symbol) facing up toward you. Press the battery cover back on and rotate it clockwise (toward the right) until you hear or feel a click. Your AirTag will emit a sound to confirm the battery is installed correctly.

If your AirTag does not make a sound after you close the cover, open it again and check that the battery is sitting flat with the positive side up. Reposition it and try closing the cover once more.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common battery types, so you have many options for where to buy them. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them near the checkout counter or in the health and beauty section. Supermarkets carry them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all sell CR2032 batteries in multipacks.

Online retailers like Amazon sell CR2032 batteries in bulk, which is cheaper per battery if you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use this size. A pack of 10 batteries typically costs $8 to $12, bringing the per-battery cost down to under $1.

Avoid buying the cheapest no-name brands if you can. Name brands like Energizer, Duracell, and Panasonic tend to last longer and are only slightly more expensive. The difference in price between a budget battery and a quality one is usually 50 cents or less.

Signs your AirTag battery is dying

Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, but there are also physical signs you can watch for. If your AirTag stops playing a sound when you press the button on the back, the battery is likely dead or nearly dead. If you have not received a low battery notification but the AirTag is not responding to your iPhone, try replacing the battery before assuming the device is broken.

A dead AirTag battery does not damage the device. Once you install a fresh battery, the AirTag will work exactly as it did before. There is no permanent harm from letting the battery run completely flat.

How long CR2032 batteries last in different situations

Battery life depends on how often your AirTag is actively searching for nearby Apple devices. An AirTag in a desk drawer at home, checked once a week, may last 18 months or longer because it is not constantly broadcasting. An AirTag on a commuter's keys or bag, used every day and moving through different locations, may last 9 to 12 months because it is constantly connecting to nearby iPhones and iPads.

Temperature also affects battery life. CR2032 batteries perform better in moderate temperatures. If your AirTag spends time in a very hot car or a freezing garage, the battery may drain faster than normal. This is temporary—the battery will regain its normal performance once the temperature returns to normal.

Apple does not publish exact battery life figures because it varies so much from person to person. The "one year" estimate is a rough average. Your actual battery life could be anywhere from 8 months to 18 months depending on your use pattern.

Recycling old AirTag batteries

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and other materials that should not go into regular trash. Most pharmacies and electronics retailers have battery recycling programs. Take your old battery to CVS, Walgreens, Best Buy, or your local Batteries Plus store and ask where to drop it off. The service is free.

Some municipalities also run hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off batteries along with other items. Check your city or county website for the schedule and location nearest you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery size in my AirTag?

No. AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Using a different size or type will not fit, and forcing a different battery into the device may damage it. Stick with CR2032 only.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes, completely safe. CR2032 batteries are not dangerous to handle. They are the same batteries used in hearing aids and children's toys. Just wash your hands after handling if you prefer, and do not let small children swallow them.

What happens if I install the battery upside down?

The AirTag will not work, but it will not be damaged. You will straightforward not hear the confirmation sound when you close the cover. Open it back up, flip the battery so the positive side faces up, and close it again.

Do I need to reset my AirTag after replacing the battery?

No. Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically once the new battery is installed. You do not need to do anything else.

How much does a CR2032 battery cost?

Individual CR2032 batteries cost $3 to $8 depending on the brand and where you buy them. Multipacks of 10 or more cost $8 to $15 total, bringing the per-battery price down to under $1.50 each if you buy in bulk.