AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries

An AirTag takes one CR2032 battery, a small silver coin-shaped cell that is 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick. This is a standard battery type you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or electronics retailer 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 specific to Apple — it is the same battery used in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and hearing aids. Because it is so common, you will not need to hunt for a specialty part or wait for shipping. Most stores stock them in the checkout aisle or in the battery section.

Apple sells CR2032 batteries under its own brand, but there is no performance difference between Apple batteries and any other reputable manufacturer. The battery chemistry is identical across brands. What matters is that you buy from a source you trust — counterfeit batteries exist, but they are rare in major retailers.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use one CR2032 coin cell battery, available at any pharmacy or supermarket for a few dollars.
  • The battery lasts about one year, and your AirTag will notify you when it is running low.
  • You do not need an Apple-branded battery — any CR2032 from a reputable retailer works the same way.
  • Replacing the battery takes less than a minute and requires no tools.
  • The AirTag will not work without a battery, but it will not be damaged if you leave it empty for a short time.

How to open an AirTag and insert the battery

The AirTag has a white plastic back that twists off. Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white side facing up, then grip the metal ring on the opposite side and twist the white back counterclockwise. It will come loose after a quarter turn — you do not need to force it. The back will separate from the metal casing.

Inside the white back you will see a small circular battery holder with the old battery sitting in it. The battery sits flat with the positive side (marked with a plus sign) facing up. Lift out the old battery by pressing down on the edge nearest you and letting it pop up. Drop in the new CR2032 with the positive side facing up, then twist the white back clockwise until it clicks. The AirTag is now ready to use.

If you have never opened an AirTag before, the plastic back can feel stuck even though it is not. Grip firmly and twist with steady pressure rather than jerking. If you are uncomfortable twisting, you can also pry the edge gently with a plastic spoon or the edge of a credit card to start the separation, then twist by hand.

When to replace the battery

Your AirTag will send a notification to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac when the battery is low. This alert usually comes when the battery has roughly two weeks of charge left, giving you time to buy a replacement without the AirTag going dead. The notification appears in the Find My app under the AirTag's name.

If you ignore the low battery alert, the AirTag will eventually stop working. At that point it will not transmit its location or respond to the Find My network. You can still open it and replace the battery — the device itself is not damaged by a dead battery.

Some people replace the battery on a schedule rather than waiting for the alert. If you use your AirTag heavily — attaching it to a bag you carry every day, for instance — you might replace it every nine months. If you use it lightly, you might go 18 months. The notification is more reliable than guessing, so most people wait for the alert.

Storing spare batteries safely

CR2032 batteries are safe to store at room temperature in a dry place. Keep them in their original packaging or in a small container where they will not roll around. Do not store them loose in a drawer where they might touch metal objects, because a metal object bridging the positive and negative terminals can cause the battery to discharge or overheat.

Keep batteries away from children and pets. CR2032 batteries are small enough to swallow, and swallowing a battery can cause internal burns. If a child or pet swallows a battery, call Poison Control or emergency services when ready.

What to do with the old battery

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the trash. Most communities have a battery recycling program. Check your city or county website for a drop-off location, or ask at your local electronics retailer — many accept used batteries for free. Some pharmacies and supermarkets that sell batteries also accept them back.

If you cannot find a recycling program nearby, you can store the old battery safely until you locate one. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from metal objects and children.

Troubleshooting a new battery that does not work

If you have replaced the battery but the AirTag still does not work, first check that the battery is sitting flat in the holder with the positive side facing up. Open the AirTag again and reseat the battery — sometimes it sits at a slight angle and does not make full contact. Close the back and try again.

If the AirTag still does not respond, the battery you installed may be dead on arrival, which is rare but possible. Try a different CR2032 from a different pack or brand. If a second battery also does not work, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem, and you should contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.

Before you assume the AirTag is broken, also check that it is paired with your Apple account. Open the Find My app and look for the AirTag in your list of items. If it does not appear, you may need to set it up again by holding it near your iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they have a lower voltage than standard alkaline CR2032 cells. Most AirTags will not work reliably with rechargeable versions. Stick with standard alkaline CR2032 batteries from a major brand.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A CR2032 typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. If you use the AirTag heavily — playing sounds on it frequently or checking its location constantly — the battery may drain faster. Light use can extend it to 18 months or longer.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

If you insert the battery with the negative side facing up, the AirTag will not work. It will not be damaged, but it will not power on. straightforward open the back, flip the battery over so the positive side faces up, and close it again.

Is it safe to leave an AirTag without a battery?

Yes, an AirTag is not damaged by being empty. You can store it without a battery for weeks or months. When you are ready to use it again, insert a fresh CR2032 and it will work normally.

Where is the cheapest place to buy CR2032 batteries?

Prices vary, but drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers like Amazon typically offer CR2032 batteries in multi-packs for $3 to $8. Buying a pack of four or eight is cheaper per battery than buying a single cell. Avoid very cheap listings from unknown sellers, as counterfeit batteries do exist online.