AirTag uses a CR2032 coin cell battery

An AirTag runs on one CR2032 battery, a flat, round coin cell 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick. This is the same battery found in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and hearing aids. You can buy CR2032 batteries at any drugstore, supermarket, electronics retailer, or online — they cost between $3 and $8 for a pack of four or five.

The battery lasts about one year under normal use. Apple does not sell AirTag batteries separately; you source them yourself. Any CR2032 will work, whether it carries Apple's brand, Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, or a store brand. The battery type matters; the brand does not.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag requires a CR2032 coin cell battery, which you can buy at any pharmacy or electronics store for a few dollars.
  • The battery lasts roughly one year, and your iPhone will notify you when it is running low.
  • Replacing the battery takes 30 seconds: twist the stainless steel back counterclockwise until it stops, remove the old battery, and insert the new one with the positive side facing up.
  • Any brand of CR2032 works equally well — you do not need to buy Apple-branded batteries.

How to replace the battery in your AirTag

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing you. Locate the stainless steel back — the shiny metal disc on the opposite side. Place your thumb on the steel back and twist it counterclockwise (the direction opposite a clock's hands) until it stops. It will not turn far, usually a quarter turn or less. The back will loosen but remain attached.

Lift the steel back away from the plastic body. The old CR2032 battery will be sitting inside, held in place by a small metal clip. Slide the battery out from under the clip. Insert the new CR2032 with the positive side facing up — the side marked with a plus sign or the shiny flat side should face toward you. Slide it under the metal clip until it sits flat. Twist the steel back clockwise until it clicks and stops. The AirTag is now ready to use.

When your AirTag will tell you the battery is low

Your iPhone sends you a notification when the AirTag battery drops to about 10 percent. This gives you a window of several weeks to replace it before the battery dies completely. You can also check the battery level manually by opening the Find My app, tapping the Items tab, selecting your AirTag, and looking at the battery percentage shown at the top of the screen.

If the battery dies before you replace it, the AirTag stops working entirely — it will not broadcast its location or respond to Find My requests. Replacing the battery restores full function when ready.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere consumer batteries are stocked. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens carry them in the pharmacy or electronics section. Supermarkets stock them near the checkout or in the health and beauty aisle. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all carry multiple brands. Online, Amazon, eBay, and the websites of battery manufacturers like Energizer and Duracell sell them in bulk packs.

Buying a pack of four or five is more economical than buying a single battery, and CR2032s last for years in storage if kept in a cool, dry place. Many people buy a pack and keep extras on hand for AirTags, watches, and other devices.

Differences between CR2032 battery brands

All CR2032 batteries meet the same electrical specifications and will power your AirTag for the same length of time. The differences between brands are minor and relate to manufacturing quality and shelf life, not performance in your AirTag. Energizer and Duracell are well-known names and tend to cost slightly more. Store brands from Target, Walmart, or Amazon Basics cost less and work identically.

Some CR2032 batteries are labeled "lithium" and others are not, but all CR2032s are lithium batteries — the label is just marketing. You may also see "heavy duty" or "long lasting" on the packaging, but these claims do not translate to longer life in an AirTag. Buy whichever brand is in stock and reasonably priced.

What not to do when replacing the battery

Do not force the steel back. If it does not turn easily, you are likely turning it the wrong direction. Clockwise tightens; counterclockwise loosens. Do not use tools like pliers or screwdrivers — your fingers are enough, and tools can scratch or dent the AirTag.

Do not insert the battery upside down. The positive side (marked with a plus sign) must face up toward you. Inserting it backward will not damage the AirTag, but it will not work, and you will waste time troubleshooting. Do not mix old and new batteries or use a battery that has been sitting in a drawer for years without checking its expiration date — old batteries may be partially discharged and will not last a full year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery size in my AirTag?

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

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

Roughly one year under normal use. Battery life depends on how often the AirTag broadcasts its location and how many times you open the Find My app to check it. Heavy use shortens battery life; light use may extend it slightly.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes. The replacement process is straightforward and safe. You are not opening any sealed compartments or handling any dangerous materials. The battery itself is safe to touch with your bare hands.

What happens if I put the battery in backward?

The AirTag will not work, but it will not be damaged. straightforward remove the battery, flip it so the positive side faces up, and reinsert it. The AirTag will function normally once the battery is oriented correctly.

Can I recharge a CR2032 battery?

No. CR2032 is a single-use disposable battery. It cannot be recharged. Once it is dead, you must replace it with a new one.