Yes, you can change an AirTag battery yourself
An AirTag battery lasts about one year of normal use, and when it dies, you replace it yourself in under a minute. The battery is a standard CR2032 coin cell—the same type used in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. You do not need tools, a technician, or a replacement device. You just open the back, swap the old battery for a new one, and close it again.
Apple does not offer battery replacement service. If your AirTag stops working, it is almost always because the battery is dead, and changing it costs between $3 and $8 for a new CR2032 battery from any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer.
Key Takeaways
- AirTag batteries last roughly one year and are user-replaceable CR2032 coin cells that cost $3 to $8.
- To change the battery, press down on the stainless steel back cover and twist counterclockwise until it stops, then lift it off.
- The old battery pops out easily once the cover is off—no adhesive or clips hold it in place.
- Drop the new CR2032 battery in with the positive side facing up, replace the cover, and twist clockwise until you hear a click.
- Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, usually several weeks before it dies completely.
What battery does an AirTag use
An AirTag holds one CR2032 battery, a coin-shaped lithium cell 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick. This is the most common button battery in the world. You can find CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, Target, Walmart, or online. A single battery costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it.
Do not buy the absolute cheapest option you find—a name-brand battery like Duracell, Energizer, or Panasonic will last longer and is worth the extra dollar or two. Avoid batteries labeled "heavy duty" or "general purpose"; those are zinc-carbon cells, not lithium, and will not last as long in an AirTag.
How to open an AirTag and remove the old battery
Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back facing up. Use your other hand to press down firmly on the center of the steel back cover. While pressing, twist the cover counterclockwise (the same direction you would unscrew a jar lid) until it stops. This usually takes a quarter turn or less.
Once the cover stops turning, lift it straight up and off. The old CR2032 battery will be sitting in a shallow cup inside. It does not stick to anything—just tip the AirTag slightly and the battery will fall out into your hand. If it does not fall out on its own, use a fingernail or the edge of a coin to gently pry it up from the edge.
Installing the new battery
Before you touch the new battery, look at both sides. One side is flat and shiny (the positive terminal), and the other side is slightly domed (the negative terminal). Hold the new CR2032 with the flat, shiny side facing up.
Drop the battery into the cup inside the AirTag with the positive side (the flat shiny side) facing up toward you. It should sit flat and level. Now pick up the steel back cover and line it up with the opening. Press down gently and twist clockwise (the same direction you would screw a jar lid shut) until you feel a click or resistance. Do not force it—a quarter turn is usually enough.
Your AirTag is now ready to use. If it was previously connected to your iPhone, it will reconnect automatically within a few seconds. You should see a notification on your phone confirming the battery is good.
When your iPhone warns you the battery is low
Your iPhone sends you a notification when an AirTag battery drops to about 10 percent capacity. This warning usually comes several weeks before the battery is completely dead, so you have time to order a replacement battery online or pick one up at a store without rushing.
If you ignore the warning and the battery dies completely, the AirTag will stop sending location data to your iPhone, and you will not be able to find it or see its last known location. The AirTag itself is not damaged—it will work perfectly again as soon as you install a fresh battery.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is installing the battery upside down. If the domed side (negative terminal) is facing up instead of the flat side (positive terminal), the AirTag will not work. If you install a battery and your iPhone does not recognize it, open the AirTag again and flip the battery over.
Another mistake is twisting the cover too hard. The cover only needs to turn until you feel resistance—usually a quarter turn. If you force it past that point, you risk cracking the plastic threads inside the AirTag. Twist gently and stop as soon as you feel it catch.
Do not use a battery that is visibly corroded, dented, or leaking. If a battery has been sitting in a drawer for years, it may have lost charge or developed internal corrosion. A fresh battery from a sealed package is always the safer choice.
Where to buy CR2032 batteries
CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them near the checkout or in the health and beauty section. Grocery stores carry them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Target, Walmart, and other big-box retailers have them in the pharmacy or electronics section. Online, you can order them from Amazon, eBay, or the manufacturer websites.
Buying a multipack (usually 4 or 5 batteries) costs less per battery than buying a single one, and since AirTags last about a year, having spares on hand means you will not have to hunt for a battery when the next one dies. A multipack of name-brand CR2032 batteries typically costs $8 to $15.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an AirTag battery last?
A CR2032 battery in an AirTag lasts roughly one year with normal use. Heavy use—checking the AirTag location multiple times per day or using the Find My network constantly—may shorten battery life to 8 to 10 months. Light use may extend it to 14 months or longer.
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 (3.0V instead of 3.0V for disposable), and some AirTag users report shorter battery life or inconsistent performance. Stick with a standard disposable lithium CR2032.
What happens if I put the battery in backwards?
If you install the battery with the negative side (domed side) facing up, the AirTag will not work. Your iPhone will not detect it, and it will not send location data. straightforward open the AirTag again, flip the battery over so the flat shiny side faces up, and close it. No damage occurs.
Do I need to reset my AirTag after changing the battery?
No. If the AirTag was already connected to your iPhone before the battery died, it will reconnect automatically once you install a fresh battery. You should see a notification on your phone within a few seconds confirming the battery is good. No manual reset is needed.
Can I take my AirTag to Apple to have the battery changed?
Apple does not offer battery replacement service for AirTags. If your AirTag stops working, the company recommends replacing the entire device rather than servicing the battery. However, since changing the battery yourself takes less than a minute and costs only a few dollars, there is no reason to replace the whole AirTag.