AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries

An AirTag holds one CR2032 battery, a coin-shaped lithium cell 20 millimeters wide and 3.2 millimeters thick. This is the same battery used in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and many other small devices. You can find CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, hardware store, or online retailer for between $3 and $8 per battery, or cheaper in multipacks.

The battery sits in a compartment on the back of the AirTag. To access it, you press down on the stainless steel back cover and twist it counterclockwise until it comes free. The battery slides out, and you drop a fresh CR2032 in with the positive side facing up, then twist the cover back on until you hear a click.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use one CR2032 coin cell battery, the same size found in watches and key fobs.
  • A fresh CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use.
  • You can buy CR2032 batteries at pharmacies, grocery stores, and hardware stores for a few dollars.
  • Replacing the battery takes less than one minute and requires no tools.

How long a CR2032 lasts in an AirTag

Apple estimates that a CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag under typical use. The actual lifespan depends on how often your AirTag communicates with your iPhone or other Apple devices. If you use your AirTag daily to track a bag or keys, the battery will drain faster than if you use it to track something you rarely move.

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to pick up a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working. Even after the battery dies, the AirTag itself is not damaged—it will work again as soon as you install a fresh battery.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common battery sizes in the world, so you have many options for where to buy them. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them near the checkout or in the health and beauty section. Grocery stores often carry them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's sell them in the electrical section.

Online retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and Target sell CR2032 batteries and often offer multipacks at a lower per-battery cost. If you buy a four-pack or eight-pack, you will have spares on hand for your AirTag, watch, or other devices. Prices vary, but expect to pay $1 to $2 per battery when you buy in bulk, compared to $3 to $5 for a single battery at a store.

Steps to replace your AirTag battery

Replacing the battery takes less than one minute and requires no tools. Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back facing you. Use your other hand to press down on the back cover and twist it counterclockwise. The cover will loosen after a quarter turn and come free with a gentle pull.

The old battery will either fall out or stay loose in the compartment. Remove it and set it aside. Take your fresh CR2032 battery and check that the positive side (marked with a +) is facing up. Drop the battery into the compartment, then align the back cover with the AirTag body and twist it clockwise until you hear or feel a click. The cover should be snug but not so tight that you strain to remove it later.

Your AirTag will start working again when ready. If your iPhone does not show the AirTag as connected within a few seconds, remove the battery, wait ten seconds, and reinstall it. This resets the AirTag and usually solves connection problems.

Common mistakes when replacing the battery

The most common mistake is installing the battery upside down. The positive side (marked with a +) must face up toward the back cover. If the battery is installed backwards, the AirTag will not work, but no damage occurs—straightforward remove the battery, flip it, and reinstall it.

Another mistake is twisting the back cover too hard when closing it. The cover should click into place with moderate pressure. If you twist too hard, you risk cracking the plastic ring that holds the cover, which can make the compartment loose or allow water to seep in. Twist until you feel resistance and hear a click, then stop.

Some people buy the wrong battery size by mistake. Make sure the package says CR2032, not CR2025 or CR2016. These other sizes are slightly thinner and will not sit properly in the AirTag compartment. If you are unsure, show the package to a store employee or check the product photos online before you buy.

Why AirTags use CR2032 batteries

Apple chose the CR2032 because it is small, widely available, and holds enough power for an AirTag's needs. An AirTag does not need much energy—it only broadcasts its location when your iPhone asks it to, and it does not have a screen or speaker that drains power constantly. The CR2032 is also inexpensive and straightforward to replace without opening the device or sending it to Apple for service.

This design choice means you can keep your AirTag working for years by spending a few dollars on a new battery once a year. You do not need to buy a new AirTag or pay for repairs when the battery runs out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage than standard CR2032 batteries, which can cause the AirTag to behave unpredictably or drain the battery faster. Stick with standard single-use CR2032 batteries for best results.

What happens if I leave the battery out of my AirTag?

The AirTag will not work without a battery, but it will not be damaged. You can leave it without a battery for months and then install a fresh one whenever you are ready. The AirTag will resume working when ready.

Is it safe to throw away the old CR2032 battery?

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in regular trash. Most pharmacies and retailers that sell batteries will take old batteries for free recycling. Some communities also have battery drop-off programs at recycling centers. Check your local rules or ask a store employee where to recycle batteries in your area.

Do I need to remove my AirTag from my iPhone before replacing the battery?

No, you do not need to remove it from your iPhone or unpair it. straightforward replace the battery and the AirTag will reconnect automatically within a few seconds. Your location history and settings will remain unchanged.