Yes, you can change the battery in an AirTag yourself in about a minute

AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or hardware store for a few dollars. The battery compartment is built into the white plastic back of the tag, and Apple designed it so you can open and close it by hand—no tools needed. When your AirTag stops reporting its location or the Find My app tells you the battery is low, a fresh battery will restore it to full function.

The whole process takes less than two minutes. You do not need to unpair the tag from your Apple account, reset it, or do anything special after you put in the new battery. It straightforward starts working again.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery, which costs $3 to $8 and is sold at most retailers that carry batteries or pharmacy items.
  • To open the battery compartment, press the stainless steel back cover down and twist it counterclockwise until it stops, then lift it off.
  • Remove the old battery, note which side was facing up, and insert the new CR2032 with the same side facing up.
  • Twist the cover back on clockwise until you hear or feel it click, and the tag will resume working when ready without any pairing or setup steps.

What battery does an AirTag use

An AirTag runs on 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 dozens of other small devices.

Any CR2032 will work in an AirTag—you do not need an Apple-branded battery. Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, and store brands all function identically. A fresh CR2032 typically lasts about one year in an AirTag, depending on how often the tag communicates with your devices.

How to open the battery compartment

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic side facing up. On the back (the stainless steel side), you will see a circular metal cover that is slightly recessed into the plastic. This is the battery door.

Press down on the metal cover with your thumb or finger and twist it counterclockwise. You only need to turn it about a quarter turn—roughly 90 degrees. You will feel or hear a small click when it reaches the end. Once it stops, lift the cover straight up and off. The battery compartment is now open and you can see the old battery sitting inside.

Removing the old battery and installing the new one

The old battery will be sitting flat in the compartment. You can pry it out with your fingernail or a plastic spoon handle if it is stuck. Note which side of the battery was facing up—the side with the + symbol or the side with no marking. This matters for the new battery.

Take your new CR2032 battery and look at it. One side has a + symbol stamped into it; the other side is blank. Insert the battery so that the same side that was facing up on the old battery is now facing up on the new one. In most AirTags, the + side faces up, but check the old battery to be sure. Press the new battery down gently until it sits flat in the compartment.

Closing the battery door and testing

Place the metal cover back on top of the battery compartment, aligning it with the slot on the plastic back. Press down and twist the cover clockwise. Turn it until you feel it click into place—this usually happens after a quarter turn, the same distance you twisted to open it. The cover should now be flush with the plastic back and not move when you try to wiggle it.

Your AirTag will resume working when ready. Open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and look for the tag in your list of items. It should show as connected and report its location within a few seconds. The battery status in the app will update to show a full battery within a minute or two.

Where to buy a CR2032 battery

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Check the pharmacy or health and beauty section of any supermarket, drugstore, or big-box retailer. Hardware stores, electronics retailers, and dollar stores all stock them. You can also order them online from Amazon, Walmart, Target, or battery specialty sites.

A single CR2032 costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it. Buying a multi-pack is usually cheaper per battery if you have other devices that use them. Duracell and Energizer are the most common brands, but any CR2032 from any manufacturer works the same way in an AirTag.

What to do if the battery door is stuck

If the metal cover will not twist, do not force it—you risk stripping the plastic threads underneath. Instead, try wrapping a rubber band around the cover to improve your grip, then twist gently. If that does not work, run the back of the AirTag under warm (not hot) water for a few seconds to slightly expand the metal, then try again.

If the cover still will not budge, the threads may be damaged. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. They can open it for you and install a new battery, usually at no charge if the tag is still under warranty. If the tag is out of warranty, Apple may charge a small service fee or recommend buying a replacement tag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to unpair my AirTag before changing the battery?

No. You do not need to unpair, reset, or do anything to your AirTag before or after changing the battery. straightforward remove the old battery, install the new one, close the cover, and it will work when ready. The tag stays paired to your Apple account the whole time.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

The AirTag will not work if the battery is inserted with the wrong side facing up. The tag will not turn on or communicate with your devices. If this happens, open the cover again, flip the battery over, and close the cover. It will start working right away.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A fresh CR2032 typically lasts about one year in an AirTag. The exact time depends on how often the tag is moving and communicating with nearby Apple devices. A tag that travels with you daily may need a battery change sooner than one that stays in a desk drawer.

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage than standard alkaline CR2032 batteries, and AirTags are designed for alkaline batteries. A rechargeable battery may not power the tag reliably or may drain faster than expected. Stick with a standard alkaline CR2032.

What should I do with the old battery?

CR2032 batteries contain small amounts of lithium and should not go in the regular trash. Take the old battery to a battery recycling program. Many retailers that sell batteries—including Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe's—accept used batteries for free recycling. You can also search for a local recycling center at Call2Recycle.org.