Yes, you can change an AirTag battery yourself in about 30 seconds

An AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for a few dollars. When your AirTag stops reporting its location or the Find My app tells you the battery is low, you open the back and swap in a fresh one. Apple designed it so you do not need tools or special knowledge—just your fingers.

The battery lasts about one year under normal use, though that depends on how often the AirTag is actually tracking and sending signals. If you use it on a keychain that moves around daily, the battery drains faster than if it sits in a desk drawer.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 batteries, which cost $3 to $8 and are sold at most stores that carry batteries or pharmacy sections.
  • You open the back by pressing the stainless steel cover and twisting it counterclockwise until it comes free—no tools required.
  • The battery typically lasts about one year, but heavy use or cold weather can shorten that time.
  • After you install a new battery, the Find My app updates within a few minutes to show the battery is healthy again.

What battery does an AirTag use

An AirTag holds one CR2032 coin cell battery. This is a flat, round battery about the size of a dime, and it is one of the most common battery types in the world. You will find CR2032 batteries in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and hearing aids.

Any CR2032 will work in an AirTag, regardless of brand. Duracell, Energizer, Amazon Basics, and store brands all function the same way. The only thing that matters is that it is a CR2032 and that it is fresh—old batteries that have been sitting in a drawer for years may not hold a full charge.

How to open an AirTag and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up and the stainless steel back facing down. Press down on the steel back cover with your thumb or finger, then twist it counterclockwise (the same direction you would unscrew a jar lid). You will feel it loosen after a quarter turn or so.

Keep twisting until the cover comes free in your hand. The white plastic ring will stay attached to the main body. Inside, you will see the CR2032 battery sitting flat in a small circular slot. Lift it out with your fingernail or the edge of a coin—it comes out easily and there is no spring or clip holding it down.

How to install the new battery

Before you put the new battery in, check that the side facing up is the positive side. On a CR2032, the positive side is marked with a + symbol and is usually shiny and flat. The negative side is the back, which is often dimpled or textured.

Place the new battery into the slot with the positive side facing up (toward the white plastic part of the AirTag). It should sit flat and flush with the surrounding plastic. Then pick up the stainless steel cover, align it with the white ring, and twist it clockwise until it is snug. You will hear or feel a small click when it locks into place. Do not force it—if it does not turn easily, you may have the cover on at the wrong angle.

When the Find My app updates after a battery change

After you install the new battery, the AirTag wakes up and begins broadcasting its location again. The Find My app usually updates within a few minutes to show that the battery is healthy. If the app still shows a low battery warning after 10 minutes, try closing and reopening the app, or restart your iPhone.

In rare cases, an AirTag may not respond when ready after a battery change if it has been sitting unused for a long time. If that happens, move the AirTag closer to your iPhone or another Apple device on your account, and wait a few more minutes. The AirTag should reconnect once it detects a nearby device.

How long a CR2032 battery lasts in an AirTag

Apple states that a CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag under typical use. "Typical use" means the AirTag is moving around and being tracked regularly—on a keychain, in a bag, or on a pet collar. If your AirTag sits in a drawer and you only check it once a month, the battery may last longer because it is not broadcasting as often.

Cold weather can reduce battery life. If you use an AirTag outdoors in winter, you may need to replace the battery sooner than a year. The Find My app will notify you when the battery is running low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely, so you have time to buy a replacement.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Check the pharmacy or health and beauty section of any grocery store, drugstore, or supermarket. They are also available at hardware stores, big-box retailers like Target or Walmart, and online through Amazon or the manufacturer websites. A single battery costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you shop. Buying a pack of two or four is usually cheaper per battery than buying one.

If you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use CR2032 batteries, buying in bulk makes sense. A pack of four batteries from a store brand costs less than $10 and will last you several years across all your devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in an AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage than standard alkaline CR2032 batteries, and an AirTag may not recognize them as having a full charge. Stick with standard alkaline CR2032 batteries for reliable performance.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

If you install the battery with the negative side facing up, the AirTag will not work. The Find My app will not detect it, and you will not see any lights or sounds. straightforward open the back again, flip the battery over so the positive side faces up, and close the cover. No damage occurs from installing it backward.

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

No. An AirTag does not need to be reset after a battery change. Once you install the new battery and close the cover, it automatically reconnects to your Apple ID and the Find My network. The app updates within a few minutes.

Can I change the battery while the AirTag is still attached to my keys or bag?

Yes. You do not need to remove the AirTag from a keychain or bag to change the battery. Just hold it steady, open the back, swap the battery, and close it again. The whole process takes about 30 seconds.