AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery, the same size you find in watches and calculators
Your 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 buy CR2032 batteries at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for between $3 and $8 for a pack of four or five.
Apple does not sell AirTag batteries separately, and the AirTag itself is not rechargeable. When the battery dies, you replace it and keep using the same AirTag. The battery typically lasts about one year under normal use, though this varies depending on how often your AirTag sends location signals.
Key Takeaways
- AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries, which are widely available at drugstores and online for a few dollars.
- A single battery lasts roughly one year, and you replace it by popping off the back of the AirTag with your fingernail or a coin.
- The battery is not rechargeable, and Apple does not sell replacement batteries—you source them yourself from any retailer that stocks watch or calculator batteries.
- Pressing down and twisting the battery compartment counterclockwise removes the old battery; inserting the new one with the positive side facing up takes seconds.
How to replace the battery in your AirTag
Replacing an AirTag battery takes less than a minute and requires no tools. Hold the AirTag with the white side facing up. Press down on the stainless steel back with your thumb or a coin, then twist counterclockwise about a quarter turn. The back will pop off, and the old battery will usually come out with it or fall into your hand.
Insert the new CR2032 battery with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up toward you. Drop it into the compartment, then press the steel back down and twist clockwise until it clicks. You will hear a small beep and see a light flash—this confirms the battery is seated correctly and the AirTag is working.
If the AirTag does not beep or flash after you install the battery, remove it and check that the positive side is facing up. Reinsert it and twist the back on again. If it still does not respond, the battery itself may be dead on arrival, so try a different one from the pack.
Where to buy CR2032 batteries
CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the watch and battery section, usually near the checkout or in the health and beauty aisle. Supermarkets carry them in the same area. Target, Walmart, and other big-box retailers have them in the electronics or pharmacy section.
Online, Amazon, eBay, and Walmart.com all sell CR2032 batteries in bulk packs. Buying a four-pack or five-pack costs less per battery than buying singles. Prices range from about $3 to $8 depending on the brand and pack size. Name brands like Energizer and Duracell are more expensive than store brands, but all CR2032 batteries work the same way in an AirTag.
What to avoid when buying a replacement battery
Do not buy a battery labeled CR2025 or CR2016—these are thinner and will not fit properly in the AirTag. The "2032" in the model number refers to the exact thickness, and using the wrong size can damage the battery compartment or cause poor contact.
Avoid buying very old stock from discount bins or clearance sections. Coin cell batteries lose charge slowly over time even when not in use, so a battery that has been sitting on a shelf for years may not last as long as a fresh one. Check the manufacturing date on the package if you can, and buy from retailers with regular inventory turnover.
Do not attempt to recharge a CR2032 battery. These are single-use lithium cells and are not designed for recharging. Attempting to charge one can damage the battery or create a safety hazard.
How often you will need to replace the battery
Most AirTag users replace the battery once a year. The exact timing depends on how much your AirTag is moving around and sending location updates. An AirTag in a backpack that travels daily will drain the battery faster than one attached to a set of keys that stays mostly in one place. An AirTag on a pet that roams a large area will use more power than one on a stationary object.
Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is running low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to buy a replacement battery without the AirTag going offline. If you ignore the notification and the battery dies, the AirTag stops working until you replace it, but it will resume working as soon as you install a fresh battery.
Storing extra batteries safely
Keep spare CR2032 batteries in a cool, dry place away from metal objects. Metal can create a short circuit if it touches both the positive and negative terminals of the battery at the same time. Store them in their original packaging or in a plastic battery case, not loose in a drawer with coins or keys.
Keep batteries out of reach of small children and pets. CR2032 batteries are small enough to swallow, and swallowing a battery can cause serious internal burns. If a child or pet swallows a battery, call Poison Control or seek emergency medical attention when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?
Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage output than standard lithium CR2032 batteries, which can cause the AirTag to behave unpredictably or drain faster than expected. Stick with standard single-use CR2032 batteries for reliable performance.
What happens if I put the battery in backwards?
If you insert the battery with the negative side facing up, the AirTag will not beep or light up when you close the compartment. Remove the back, flip the battery so the positive side faces up, and reinstall it. The AirTag will then respond normally.
How do I know when the battery is actually dead?
Your iPhone sends a low battery notification when the AirTag has about two to three weeks of charge left. After that notification, the AirTag will continue working for a few more weeks before the battery is completely depleted. Once it stops responding in the Find My app, the battery is dead and needs replacement.
Is there any way to make the battery last longer?
Battery life is determined by the AirTag's hardware and Apple's software, so you cannot extend it through settings or usage changes. The only way to keep an AirTag working longer is to replace the battery when it runs low. Buying a fresh battery and installing it promptly is the only solution.
Can I buy AirTag batteries directly from Apple?
Apple does not sell CR2032 batteries separately. You must purchase them from retailers that stock watch and calculator batteries. This is by design—Apple keeps the AirTag affordable by not including a battery and letting you source replacements from any store rather than locking you into buying from Apple.