AirTag uses a CR2032 coin cell battery

Your AirTag runs on a single CR2032 lithium coin cell battery, the same type found in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. It is a flat, round battery about the size of a dime, and Apple includes one in the box when you buy an AirTag.

The CR2032 is a standard battery you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for between $3 and $8 for a pack of several. When your AirTag's battery runs low, you open the back of the tracker, remove the old battery, and drop in a new one — the whole process takes less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag uses one CR2032 coin cell battery, which Apple includes in the box and you can replace yourself in seconds.
  • A single CR2032 battery lasts roughly one year of normal use before the AirTag alerts you to replace it.
  • CR2032 batteries cost $3 to $8 per pack and are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers everywhere.
  • You do not need to send your AirTag anywhere or contact Apple to change the battery — it is designed for user replacement.

How long a CR2032 battery lasts in an AirTag

Apple states that a CR2032 battery in an AirTag lasts roughly one year under normal use. What counts as normal is regular Bluetooth communication with your iPhone or other Apple devices — the more often your AirTag connects to nearby devices to report its location, the faster the battery drains.

If you use your AirTag constantly, checking its location multiple times a day or leaving it in a place with heavy Bluetooth traffic, the battery may last closer to nine months. If you use it lightly — say, attaching it to a bag you carry occasionally — it may stretch closer to 14 months. Your AirTag will send you a notification when the battery is low, giving you time to pick up a replacement before it dies.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common battery types in the world, so you have many options. Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Target, and most grocery stores stock them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. A pack of two to four batteries typically costs $4 to $8, though prices vary by retailer and brand.

Online, you can order CR2032 batteries from Amazon, Best Buy, or the manufacturer's website. If you want to avoid running out, buying a pack of extras when you first get your AirTag means you will have replacements on hand. Some people keep a spare in a drawer or car so they never have to make a special trip.

How to replace the battery yourself

Replacing an AirTag battery requires no tools and takes about 30 seconds. Hold the AirTag with the white side facing up, then press down on the stainless steel back cover and rotate it counterclockwise until it stops. The cover will pop off, and you can lift out the old battery.

Drop the new CR2032 battery in with the positive side (the + marking) facing up, then replace the cover by aligning it and rotating clockwise until it clicks. Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically, and you will see a notification confirming the battery is good. If the battery does not seat properly, you may hear a clicking sound when you rotate the cover — remove it and try again.

What happens when the battery is low

When your AirTag's battery is running low, your iPhone will send you a notification saying the battery needs to be replaced. At that point, you typically have a few days to a week before the AirTag stops working entirely, depending on how much you use it.

A dead AirTag will not track your location or communicate with your devices, but it is not broken — it straightforward needs a fresh battery. Once you replace it, the AirTag will work exactly as before. There is no reset needed, no pairing process, and no data loss.

Why Apple chose the CR2032

Apple selected the CR2032 because it balances power output, size, and availability. The battery is small enough to fit inside the AirTag's compact design but powerful enough to run Bluetooth communication for a full year. Because CR2032 batteries are manufactured by dozens of companies worldwide, they are cheap and straightforward to find almost anywhere.

This design choice means you are not locked into buying batteries from Apple or waiting for a mail order. You can walk into any store and grab a replacement, which is a practical advantage over trackers that use proprietary batteries or require professional replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery in my AirTag?

No. AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Other coin cell batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically similar but have different voltage and capacity, and using them may damage the AirTag or cause it to malfunction. Stick with CR2032.

Do I need to recycle the old battery?

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the trash. Most retailers that sell batteries — Walgreens, Best Buy, Home Depot — have battery recycling programs at the register or customer service desk. Some municipalities also have hazardous waste collection days. Check your local rules.

What if my AirTag battery dies suddenly without a warning?

This is rare, but it can happen if your iPhone has not synced with the AirTag recently. Once you replace the battery and the AirTag reconnects, your iPhone will catch up and show you its location again. If the AirTag still does not work after a new battery, contact Apple support.

Can I buy a CR2032 battery at the same time I buy an AirTag?

Yes. Most retailers that sell AirTags also stock CR2032 batteries nearby. Buying a spare at the same time is a good idea so you have a backup when the first battery runs low, especially if you use your AirTag frequently.