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

AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can replace at home without tools or special knowledge. The battery lasts roughly one year under normal use, and Apple designed the AirTag specifically so you can swap it out yourself. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification, giving you time to pick up a replacement before it dies completely.

You do not need to open the AirTag or remove any screws. The battery compartment is built into the white plastic back, and it twists off by hand. A new CR2032 costs between $3 and $8 at most drugstores, grocery stores, or online retailers.

Key Takeaways

  • The AirTag battery compartment is the white plastic back that twists counterclockwise to open—no tools required.
  • CR2032 batteries are sold at drugstores, grocery stores, and online, and cost a few dollars each.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, usually giving you several weeks before it fully drains.
  • After you install the new battery, twist the white back clockwise until it sits flush with the metal front, and your AirTag will work when ready.

Step-by-step battery replacement

Hold the AirTag with the shiny metal side facing up and the white plastic back facing down. Place your thumb on the white back and push upward while twisting counterclockwise. The back will pop off after a quarter turn or so—you do not need to force it.

The old CR2032 battery will be sitting in the white compartment, positive side up (the side with the + symbol facing you). Lift it out with your fingernail or a plastic spoon. Do not use a metal tool, as it can short the battery.

Drop the new CR2032 into the compartment with the positive side facing up, matching the way the old one sat. Align the white back with the metal front so the notches line up, then twist clockwise until you hear a soft click. The back should sit completely flush with the metal—if there is a gap, twist a bit more.

Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone within a few seconds. You will see a notification confirming the battery is good. The entire process takes less than a minute.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin cell sizes and are stocked almost everywhere. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens carry them in the watch and battery section, usually near the checkout. Grocery stores often stock them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Target, Walmart, and similar retailers keep them in the battery section.

Online, you can order them from Amazon, Best Buy, or the manufacturer websites. A single battery costs $3 to $5 in stores; multipack options online are often cheaper per battery if you want spares. Check the packaging to confirm it says CR2032—some retailers also sell CR2025 or CR2016, which look similar but will not fit properly.

How long the battery lasts

A CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year with normal use. The exact lifespan depends on how often your iPhone checks the AirTag's location and how frequently the AirTag sends out its Bluetooth signal. If you use the AirTag heavily—checking its location multiple times a day or attaching it to a pet that moves around constantly—the battery may drain faster, sometimes in 8 to 10 months.

Your iPhone will send you a low battery notification when the battery has roughly two to four weeks of charge left. This gives you time to buy a replacement before the AirTag stops working. Once the battery is completely dead, the AirTag will not function until you install a new one.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most frequent error is installing the battery upside down. The positive side (marked with a +) must face up toward you when you look into the compartment. If you install it backward, the AirTag will not work, but no damage occurs—straightforward flip the battery over and try again.

Another mistake is over-tightening the white back. You only need to twist until you feel a soft click and the back sits flush. Forcing it too hard can crack the plastic or damage the battery contacts. If the back does not twist easily, check that the notches are aligned before trying again.

Do not use metal tweezers or tools to remove the old battery, as they can accidentally short the battery terminals. Your fingernail or a plastic spoon works fine. If the battery is stuck, a gentle pry with a plastic tool will free it without risk.

What to do with the old battery

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the regular trash. Most drugstores and electronics retailers have battery recycling bins near the entrance or customer service desk. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all accept used batteries for free recycling. Some municipalities also have hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off batteries.

If you have only one old battery, you can hold onto it until you have a few to recycle together, or drop it off the next time you are at a store that accepts them. Proper recycling keeps the lithium and other materials out of landfills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery size if I cannot find a CR2032?

No. The AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries, and other sizes will not fit the compartment or make proper contact with the terminals. CR2032 batteries are widely available, so you should be able to find one within a day or two at any drugstore or grocery store.

Will replacing the battery erase my AirTag data or settings?

No. Changing the battery does not affect any of your AirTag's settings, location history, or connection to your Apple ID. Your iPhone will recognize the AirTag when ready after you install the new battery, and everything will work exactly as before.

What if the white back is stuck and will not twist off?

Try wrapping a rubber band around the white back to improve your grip, then twist counterclockwise. If it is still stuck, soak the AirTag in warm water for a few minutes to loosen any dirt or corrosion, dry it completely, and try again. Do not use pliers or force, as you can crack the plastic.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself, or should I take it to Apple?

It is completely safe to replace the battery yourself. Apple designed the AirTag specifically for user battery replacement and includes no warnings against it. You do not need any special tools or training. Taking it to an Apple Store is unnecessary and will cost more than buying a battery yourself.

Can I buy a rechargeable battery for my AirTag instead?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage output than standard CR2032 batteries, which can cause the AirTag to drain faster or malfunction. Stick with standard, non-rechargeable CR2032 batteries for reliable performance.