Apple AirTag uses a CR2032 coin cell battery

Your AirTag runs on a single CR2032 battery, a small round coin cell about the size of a dime. This is a standard battery type you can find at any drugstore, supermarket, or hardware store 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 replacing.

The CR2032 is not proprietary to Apple — it is the same battery used in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and hearing aids. Any CR2032 from any brand will work in your AirTag. You do not need an Apple-branded battery or anything special; a generic CR2032 is fine.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple AirTag uses one CR2032 coin cell battery, available at any pharmacy or grocery store for a few dollars.
  • The battery lasts about one year, and your AirTag will notify you when it is running low.
  • Any brand of CR2032 battery works — you do not need an Apple-branded one.
  • Replacing the battery takes less than a minute and requires no tools.
  • If your AirTag does not respond after a battery change, remove it from your account and re-add it to your phone.

How to replace the battery in your AirTag

Start by holding your AirTag with the stainless steel side facing down. Locate the small notch or seam on the edge of the white plastic back. Press your fingernail or a coin into that seam and twist counterclockwise — the back will pop off in your hand.

Inside you will see the battery sitting in a small metal holder. Lift the battery straight up and out. Drop the new CR2032 in with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up. Press the back cover on and twist clockwise until it clicks. Your AirTag will chime to confirm the battery is installed correctly.

If your AirTag does not chime or does not appear in the Find My app after you replace the battery, the battery may be installed upside down. Pop the back off again and flip it so the + side faces up.

Where to buy a CR2032 battery

CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere. Check the pharmacy section of any grocery store, any drugstore chain like CVS or Walgreens, any hardware store, and most big-box retailers. You can also order them online from Amazon, eBay, or the battery sections of retailer websites. A pack of two to four batteries costs $3 to $8 depending on the brand and where you buy.

Buy a name-brand battery (Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, Sony) or a store brand — both work equally well in an AirTag. Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers, as they may not last as long or hold a charge as reliably.

When your AirTag will tell you the battery is low

Your AirTag will send a notification to your iPhone when the battery drops below a certain level, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. Open the Find My app, tap Items, select your AirTag, and scroll down — you will see a battery status indicator that shows Low Battery or a percentage.

You do not have to replace it the moment you see the warning, but you should have a CR2032 on hand within the next week or two. Once the battery is completely dead, the AirTag will not work until you replace it.

What to do if your AirTag stops working after a battery change

If you replaced the battery but your AirTag does not show up in Find My or does not chime, try these steps in order. First, check that the battery is installed with the + side facing up — this is the most common mistake. Second, make sure the back cover is screwed on tight enough that it clicks.

If those do not work, remove the AirTag from your account entirely and add it again. Open Find My, tap Items, select the AirTag, tap the three dots, and choose Remove Item. Then tap the + button to add a new item and hold your iPhone near the AirTag. Your phone will detect it and walk you through setup. This usually fixes any connection issues.

How long a CR2032 battery lasts

Apple states that a CR2032 battery lasts approximately one year in an AirTag under normal use. How long yours actually lasts depends on how often you use Find My to locate it and how far away it travels from your devices. An AirTag that sits in a desk drawer will use less battery than one you carry in a backpack across town every day.

If your battery dies much faster than a year, the AirTag itself may have a problem. Contact Apple Support if you notice the battery draining in a few weeks or less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery size in my AirTag?

No. The AirTag is designed only for CR2032 batteries. Other coin cell sizes like CR2025 or CR2016 will not fit properly or work. Always use CR2032.

Is there a rechargeable version of the CR2032?

Yes, rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have different voltage and may not work reliably. Stick with standard disposable CR2032 batteries.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

If you install the battery with the negative side facing up, the AirTag will not chime and will not connect to Find My. straightforward pop the back off and flip the battery so the + side faces up. No damage occurs from installing it backwards.

Do I need to reset my AirTag when I change the battery?

No. In most cases, your AirTag will work when ready after you install a new battery and the back clicks into place. You only need to remove and re-add it if it does not appear in Find My after a few minutes.