AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries

Apple AirTags run on a single CR2032 battery, a small round coin cell that measures 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick. This is the same battery type you'll find in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and many other small devices. You can buy CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, hardware store, or online retailer for between $3 and $8 for a pack of multiple batteries.

The CR2032 is a lithium battery, which means it holds a charge longer than alkaline alternatives and performs better in the cold. Apple rates the battery life at roughly one year under normal use, though the actual lifespan depends on how often your AirTag is detected and how much it's moving around. An AirTag that stays in one place (like attached to your keys at home) will use less battery than one you carry everywhere.

You don't need any tools to replace the battery. The AirTag's back cover twists off by hand—no screwdriver, no special equipment. Once you've removed the old battery, drop in a new CR2032 and twist the cover back on. The whole job takes about 30 seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery, the same type found in watches and key fobs.
  • Battery life is roughly one year under normal use, though it varies based on how much the AirTag moves and how often it's detected.
  • CR2032 batteries are inexpensive and widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
  • You can replace the battery by hand without tools—just twist off the back cover and swap in a new battery.
  • Make sure you buy CR2032 specifically; other coin cell sizes will not fit or work properly.

How to know when your AirTag battery is low

Your iPhone or iPad will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is running low. The notification appears in the Find My app and typically arrives when the battery has a few weeks of charge left, giving you time to pick up a replacement before it dies completely.

You can also check the battery status manually by opening the Find My app, tapping the Items tab, selecting your AirTag, and looking at the battery percentage shown on the details screen. If you see a low battery warning but the percentage is still above zero, the AirTag will continue to work—the warning is just a heads-up to replace it soon.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common battery types 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 usually 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 offer CR2032 batteries in bulk packs, which is often cheaper per battery than buying a single pack in a store. Prices vary, but a pack of four to eight batteries typically costs $3 to $8. Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers—they may be counterfeit or have poor performance.

What happens if you use the wrong battery size

The AirTag battery compartment is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. If you try to use a different coin cell size—such as CR2025, CR2016, or any other variant—it will either not fit at all or fit loosely and make poor contact with the terminals. A loose battery will not power the AirTag, and the device will appear dead even though the battery itself is fine.

Using the wrong size can also damage the battery contacts inside the AirTag if you force a larger battery in. Always double-check the battery package before you buy to make sure it says CR2032, not a similar-sounding number.

Tips for extending battery life

While you can't dramatically extend the life of a CR2032 battery, a few habits can help it last closer to the full year. Keep your AirTag in a location where it doesn't move constantly—an AirTag in a backpack you carry everywhere will drain faster than one attached to a stationary set of keys. The more the AirTag broadcasts its location, the more power it uses.

Temperature also affects battery performance. Lithium batteries like the CR2032 work less efficiently in very cold conditions, so an AirTag left outside in winter may drain faster than one kept at room temperature. This doesn't damage the battery, but it does reduce how long it lasts before needing replacement.

There is no way to turn off an AirTag to save battery, and there is no low-power mode. Once you set up it, it runs continuously until the battery is empty. This is by design—Apple prioritizes the ability to find your AirTag over extending battery life.

Recycling old CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and other materials that should not go in the trash. Most retailers that sell batteries also accept old ones for recycling. Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's, and many pharmacies have battery recycling programs at the customer service desk or near the entrance—usually at no charge.

You can also search for a local battery recycling location using the Call2Recycle website, which maintains a database of drop-off points across the United States. Some municipalities include batteries in curbside recycling programs, but check your local rules first—mixing batteries with regular recycling can damage equipment at the facility.

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 lithium CR2032 batteries, which can cause the AirTag to drain them faster or fail to power on at all. Stick with standard single-use CR2032 batteries for reliable performance.

How long does a CR2032 battery last if the AirTag is not moving?

An AirTag that stays in one place will still use battery power because it broadcasts its location periodically. Apple's one-year estimate assumes normal use, which includes some movement and detection. A completely stationary AirTag might last slightly longer, but the difference is usually only a few weeks.

What should I do if my AirTag stops working after I replace the battery?

First, make sure the battery is inserted correctly with the positive side facing up and the back cover twisted on firmly. If it still doesn't work, try removing the battery, waiting 10 seconds, and reinserting it. If the AirTag still doesn't respond, the device itself may have a hardware problem and may need to be replaced.

Is it safe to have CR2032 batteries around pets or children?

CR2032 batteries are small enough to be a choking hazard for young children and pets. Store spare batteries in a find location out of reach. If a child or pet swallows a battery, seek medical attention when ready—lithium batteries can cause internal burns if they lodge in the throat or digestive system.