AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery

An Apple AirTag runs on a single CR2032 coin cell battery, the same type found in watches, calculators, and hearing aids. It is a 3-volt lithium battery about the size of a dime. You can buy CR2032 batteries at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for between $3 and $8 for a pack of four.

The battery is not soldered in. You open the AirTag by pressing down on the stainless steel back and twisting it counterclockwise until it comes free. The battery sits in a shallow cup. You lift it out, drop in a new CR2032, and twist the back on again. The whole job takes less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag uses one CR2032 coin cell battery, which you can replace yourself by twisting off the back.
  • A fresh CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use.
  • CR2032 batteries cost $3 to $8 for a pack of four and are sold everywhere.
  • The AirTag will send you a notification when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely.

How long a CR2032 battery lasts in an AirTag

Apple rates the battery life at approximately one year. This assumes normal use — meaning you are not constantly triggering the speaker or using the Find My app to locate the tag every day. If you check your AirTag frequently or play the sound often, the battery will drain faster.

Real-world reports from users show most batteries last between 10 and 14 months before the low-battery warning appears. Some last longer if the AirTag sits in a bag or on a keychain and is rarely accessed. Others run down in 8 to 10 months if the tag is in a high-traffic area where Bluetooth connections are constant.

The AirTag will notify you through the Find My app when the battery is low. You typically have a few weeks of use left after you see this warning, so you are not caught with a dead tag.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries and what to expect

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common battery types in the world. You can find them at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, and most grocery stores in the pharmacy or electronics section. Online, they are available on Amazon, eBay, and the websites of battery specialists like Batteries Plus Bulbs.

Prices vary by brand and quantity. A single battery costs $1 to $3. A pack of four runs $4 to $8. Name brands like Duracell and Energizer cost more than generic or store-brand versions, but the performance difference is small for a device like AirTag that draws very little power.

Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers, especially on third-party marketplaces. Counterfeit CR2032 batteries exist and may fail quickly or not hold a charge. Stick with established brands or your local pharmacy.

Checking your AirTag battery status in Find My

You can see the current battery level of your AirTag without opening it. Open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Tap the Items tab at the bottom, then select the AirTag you want to check. Scroll down and you will see the battery percentage listed under the tag's name.

This percentage is an estimate based on the battery voltage. It is usually accurate within 10 percent, so do not panic if it shows 20 percent — you likely have a few weeks left. Once it drops below 10 percent, the low-battery notification will appear in the app and as a system alert on your device.

Tips for extending battery life

You cannot change how much power an AirTag uses, but you can avoid draining the battery faster than necessary. Minimize how often you use the Find My app to locate the tag. Each search uses Bluetooth and can drain the battery slightly. Playing the speaker sound also uses power, so avoid testing it repeatedly.

Keep your AirTag in a location where it has a stable Bluetooth connection to your iPhone. If the tag is constantly searching for a connection — such as in a metal box or far from your phone — it will work harder and drain faster. AirTags in bags, on keychains, or in pockets typically last the full year because they maintain steady contact with your device.

What happens when the battery dies

When a CR2032 battery is completely dead, the AirTag stops working. It will not connect to Find My, will not play a sound, and will not send location data. You cannot locate it through the network, though other Apple devices nearby may still detect it if you have lost mode turned on.

The fix is straightforward: replace the battery. Open the back, swap in a fresh CR2032, and the AirTag will start working again within seconds. There is no reset needed and no data loss — your AirTag will reconnect to your account automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage (1.5V instead of 3V) and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with standard 3-volt CR2032 batteries.

Is the battery covered under AirTag warranty?

No. The battery is a consumable item and is not covered by Apple's one-year limited warranty. You pay for replacements yourself, though the cost is minimal.

What should I do with the old battery?

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the trash. Take used batteries to a pharmacy, electronics store, or municipal hazardous waste collection site. Many retailers like Best Buy and Home Depot have battery recycling bins near the entrance.

Will the AirTag still work if the battery is low?

Yes, it will continue to work until the battery is completely dead. Performance may degrade slightly as voltage drops, but you will have several weeks of use after the low-battery warning appears.

Can I use a different type of coin cell battery?

No. The AirTag is designed for CR2032 specifically. Other coin cells like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically similar but have different voltage and capacity, and will not work properly.