The fastest place to buy an AirTag battery is any pharmacy or supermarket in the coin-cell aisle
AirTags use a CR2032 coin-cell battery, the same type found in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. You can buy them at Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Best Buy, and most grocery stores with a pharmacy section. A single battery costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you shop. You do not need to order online or wait for delivery unless you prefer a specific brand or want to buy in bulk.
The battery lasts about one year of normal use before the AirTag stops working. When it dies, you straightforward pop off the back cover, remove the old battery, and drop in a new one — the whole swap takes less than a minute. You do not need any tools or special knowledge.
If you want to avoid a trip to the store, you can order CR2032 batteries from Amazon, Walmart.com, or Target.com and have them arrive within a few days. Buying a multi-pack of four or eight batteries costs less per unit than buying one at a time, and you will have spares on hand.
Key Takeaways
- AirTags use CR2032 coin-cell batteries, which are sold at pharmacies, supermarkets, and electronics stores for $3 to $8 each.
- You can replace the battery yourself in under a minute by popping off the back cover and swapping the old cell for a new one.
- Buying a multi-pack of four or eight batteries online costs less per battery than buying singles and saves you repeat trips to the store.
- The battery lasts about one year, so you may want to keep a spare on hand or set a reminder to check it periodically.
Pharmacy and supermarket chains that stock CR2032 batteries
CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid all carry CR2032 batteries in their pharmacy sections, usually near the checkout or in the health and beauty aisle. Walmart and Target stock them in the electronics or pharmacy section. If you are already shopping for groceries, check the pharmacy counter or the aisle with watch batteries and hearing-aid supplies — that is where coin cells are shelved.
Prices vary by store and brand. Duracell and Energizer are the most common brands and cost slightly more than store-brand versions. A single Duracell CR2032 at CVS or Walgreens typically runs $5 to $7, while a store-brand battery may be $3 to $4. If you buy a pack of four or eight, the per-battery cost drops to $1 to $2 each.
Call ahead if you want to be sure the store has stock. Most pharmacies keep CR2032 batteries in regular rotation because they are a common item, but smaller locations may not always have them in stock.
Online retailers and bulk-buy options
Amazon sells CR2032 batteries in packs of four, eight, or more, with prices ranging from $0.50 to $1.50 per battery depending on the brand and pack size. Duracell and Energizer multi-packs arrive within two days if you have Prime membership, or three to five days without it. Amazon Basics brand batteries are cheaper and have the same performance for AirTag use.
Walmart.com and Target.com both offer CR2032 batteries with in-store pickup or home delivery. Pickup is usually ready within a few hours, and delivery takes two to five days depending on your location. Costco and Sam's Club sell bulk packs of 20 or more batteries at the lowest per-unit cost, but you need a membership.
If you use AirTags regularly or have multiple devices that need coin-cell batteries, buying a bulk pack online makes sense. A 20-pack of CR2032 batteries from Amazon or Costco costs $8 to $12 total, which works out to less than $1 per battery — far cheaper than buying singles at a pharmacy.
What to check before you buy
Make sure the package says CR2032 — that is the only battery size AirTags use. Some stores also sell CR2025 or CR2016, which are thinner and will not work. The packaging will clearly label the model number, usually in large print on the front.
Check the expiration date on the back of the package. Coin-cell batteries have a shelf life of five to ten years, so an old battery may have lost some charge. Most retail batteries are fresh, but bulk packs ordered online sometimes sit in warehouses longer. If the date is more than two years old, ask for a different pack.
Brand does not matter much for AirTag use. Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, and store brands all perform the same way in an AirTag. The main difference is price — name brands cost more but may last slightly longer in high-drain devices. For an AirTag, which draws very little power, a cheaper battery works just as well.
How to replace your AirTag battery
Turn your AirTag over so the stainless steel back is facing up. Press down on the back cover and twist it counterclockwise until it stops — you will feel it loosen after about a quarter turn. Lift the cover off and set it aside.
The old battery will be sitting in a small metal cup. Use your fingernail or a plastic tool to gently pry it out. Do not use a metal tool, as it can scratch the inside of the AirTag. Drop the new CR2032 battery into the cup with the positive side (the side with the + symbol) facing up.
Place the cover back on the AirTag and twist it clockwise until it clicks. You will hear or feel a small click when it is seated properly. Your AirTag will beep once to confirm the battery is working. If it does not beep, remove the cover and check that the battery is facing the right direction.
Cost comparison: single batteries vs. multi-packs
| Where to Buy | Single Battery | 4-Pack | 8-Pack or Larger |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVS or Walgreens | $5–$7 | Not typically sold | Not typically sold |
| Walmart or Target (in-store) | $3–$5 | $8–$12 | Not typically sold |
| Amazon | $2–$3 | $4–$6 | $8–$15 (20-pack) |
| Costco or Sam's Club | Not sold individually | Not typically sold | $8–$12 (20-pack) |
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 batteries and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with standard single-use CR2032 batteries for consistent performance.
What happens if I put the battery in upside down?
The AirTag will not work if the battery is inserted with the negative side facing up. Your AirTag will not beep or respond to your phone. straightforward remove the cover, flip the battery so the positive side (marked with +) faces up, and replace the cover.
How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?
A CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. Battery life depends on how often you use the Find My app and how far the AirTag travels. Heavy use may shorten the life to eight months; light use may extend it to 18 months.
Is it cheaper to buy batteries online or at a store?
Online bulk packs are cheaper per battery — often $0.50 to $1 each — but require waiting for delivery. Pharmacy and supermarket singles cost $3 to $7 each but are available when ready. If you need a battery today, buy at a store. If you can wait a few days and want to save money, order a multi-pack online.
Do I need to recycle my old AirTag battery?
Yes. Coin-cell batteries contain lithium and should not go in the trash. Most pharmacies and electronics stores have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. Some municipalities also have battery drop-off programs — check your local waste management website for locations.