AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries, the same size found in watches and calculators

An AirTag runs on a single CR2032 battery, a small round coin cell that measures 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick. This is a standard battery size you can find at any drugstore, supermarket, or hardware store for between $3 and $8 for a pack of several. Apple rates the battery to last about one year of typical use before you need to replace it.

The CR2032 is not proprietary to Apple — it powers hearing aids, car key fobs, fitness trackers, and dozens of other small devices. Because it is so common, you will not have trouble finding replacements, and you do not need to buy Apple-branded batteries. Any CR2032 from any manufacturer will work in your AirTag.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery, a standard size sold at most stores for a few dollars.
  • The battery lasts roughly one year under normal use, and your iPhone will notify you when it is running low.
  • Replacing the battery takes less than a minute and requires no tools — you straightforward pop off the back and swap it out.
  • Any brand-name CR2032 battery works; you do not need to buy Apple batteries or any special version.

How to replace the battery yourself

Replacing an AirTag battery is straightforward and takes about 30 seconds. Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing you and the stainless steel back facing away. Press down on the steel back cover and twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn — you will feel it loosen. Lift the cover off.

The old CR2032 battery will be sitting in a small metal holder. Lift it out with your fingernail or a plastic tool (a credit card works). Drop the new CR2032 in with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up toward you. Replace the steel cover by setting it on and twisting clockwise until it clicks. That is all there is to it. Do not force the cover — if it does not turn easily, you are twisting the wrong direction. The cover should rotate smoothly and click into place with light pressure.

When to replace the battery

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is running low — usually when it has a few weeks of life left. You do not have to replace it the moment you see the alert, but it is a good idea to do so within a week or two so the AirTag does not stop working while you are relying on it.

If you have not received a low-battery notification and your AirTag stops responding, the battery is likely dead. Open the Find My app on your iPhone, tap the Items tab, select the AirTag, and look at the battery status. If it shows empty, replace the battery and the AirTag should reconnect within a few seconds.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere: drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, supermarkets, hardware stores, big-box retailers like Target and Walmart, and online through Amazon and other sites. A single battery costs $1 to $3, though buying a pack of 4 or 5 is usually cheaper per unit. Check the expiration date on the package — batteries do not go bad quickly, but older stock is less reliable.

Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers, especially on online marketplaces. A reputable brand like Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, or Sony costs only slightly more and is far more likely to last the full year. The difference in price is usually 50 cents or less.

What affects battery life

Apple's one-year estimate assumes typical use — meaning your AirTag is in a bag or pocket and you check its location occasionally. Battery life depends on how often the AirTag is actively searching for a lost item. If you use Find My frequently or if the AirTag is moving around a lot (triggering more location updates), the battery will drain faster.

Temperature also matters. Batteries perform worse in cold weather, so an AirTag left in a car during winter may show a lower battery level than one kept at room temperature. This is temporary — the battery will seem to recover when it warms up — but extreme cold can shorten overall lifespan.

Recycling old batteries

Do not throw used CR2032 batteries in the trash. They contain materials that should be recycled. Most drugstores and electronics retailers have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk — ask an employee where yours is. You can also search Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a drop-off location near you.

Many communities require battery recycling by law, so check your local regulations. Recycling keeps heavy metals and other materials out of landfills and allows them to be reused in new products. It takes only a moment and is the responsible way to dispose of old batteries.

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 output than standard alkaline CR2032s, which can cause the AirTag to report a low battery or stop working even though the rechargeable battery still has charge. Stick with standard alkaline CR2032 batteries.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

If you insert the battery with the negative side facing up, the AirTag straightforward will not work. You will not damage anything — just flip the battery over so the + side faces up and it will function normally. The metal holder is designed so the battery only fits one way when installed correctly.

Is there a way to extend battery life?

You can slightly extend battery life by disabling Precision Finding if you do not use it, and by keeping the AirTag at room temperature. However, these changes make only a small difference. The main factor is how often you actively search for the AirTag using Find My — frequent searches drain the battery faster.

Do I need to reset my AirTag after replacing the battery?

No. Once you install the new battery and the cover clicks into place, the AirTag reconnects to your iPhone automatically within a few seconds. You do not need to remove and re-add it to Find My or do anything else.