Yes, AirTag batteries are replaceable, and you can do it yourself in seconds

Apple AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for $3 to $8. The battery lasts about one year of normal use. When it dies, you do not need to buy a new AirTag — you straightforward open the white plastic back and swap in a fresh battery. The whole process takes less than a minute and requires no tools.

Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low, usually giving you a week or two of warning before it dies completely. Once you install a new battery and close the back, the AirTag reconnects to your devices within a few seconds and works exactly as before.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 battery that lasts roughly one year and costs $3 to $8 to replace.
  • You can open the AirTag by pressing down on the stainless steel back and twisting it counterclockwise until it stops.
  • The battery sits in a metal holder inside; lift it out, replace it with the positive side facing up, and close the back.
  • Your AirTag will alert you on your iPhone when the battery is low, usually giving you a week or two of warning before it dies completely.
  • Counterfeit CR2032 batteries exist, so buy from a pharmacy, grocery store, or established online retailer rather than an unknown seller.

How to open an AirTag and access the battery

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up and the stainless steel back facing down. Press down firmly on the steel back with your thumb or finger. While pressing, twist the steel back counterclockwise (the direction opposite to a clock's hands) until you feel it stop — this usually takes a quarter turn or less.

Lift the steel back away from the plastic body. You will see a small metal battery holder sitting inside the white plastic casing. The battery sits in this holder, and you can see which side is facing up. Do not force anything; if the back does not twist easily, you are likely turning it the wrong direction. The back should come free with gentle, steady pressure.

Removing and replacing the battery

Lift the metal battery holder straight up and out of the plastic casing. The CR2032 battery will come out with it. If the battery is stuck, gently pry it out with your fingernail or a plastic spoon — do not use a sharp metal object, as it can damage the holder.

Place the new CR2032 battery into the metal holder with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up. This is the most common mistake: if you insert it upside down, the AirTag will not work. Drop the metal holder back into the plastic casing, then press the steel back onto the plastic body and twist it clockwise until it is snug. You should hear or feel a slight click when it is seated properly.

Where to buy replacement CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold everywhere: pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, grocery stores, hardware stores, and online retailers like Amazon. A single battery costs $3 to $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it. Buying a pack of four or eight batteries is usually cheaper per battery than buying one at a time, and you will need replacements roughly once per year per AirTag.

Stick to well-known retailers or the battery manufacturer's official store. Counterfeit CR2032 batteries do exist, especially on third-party marketplaces, and they may not hold a charge as long or could fail suddenly. If you see a price that seems too low — like $1 per battery — that is a sign to look elsewhere. The few dollars you might save on a counterfeit battery is not worth the risk of it failing in your AirTag.

How to know when your AirTag battery is running low

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is low. This warning usually comes a week or two before the battery dies completely, giving you time to buy a replacement without the AirTag going offline. Open the Find My app, tap the Items tab, select your AirTag, and scroll down to see the current battery level shown as a percentage.

If you ignore the warning and the battery dies, the AirTag will stop working until you replace it. You will not be able to locate it or see its location on your phone. Once you install a new battery and close the back, the AirTag reconnects to your devices within a few seconds and resumes normal operation.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most frequent error is inserting the battery upside down. The positive side (marked +) must face up toward the top of the AirTag. If your AirTag does not respond after you replace the battery, open it again and flip the battery over. This single mistake accounts for most cases where people think the replacement failed.

Another mistake is twisting the back clockwise when trying to open it. The back twists counterclockwise to open and clockwise to close. If you are having trouble, try the opposite direction. Do not force it hard enough to crack the plastic or strip the threads. A gentle, steady twist in the correct direction is all you need.

A third error is buying batteries from unknown sellers or suspiciously cheap listings. Stick to pharmacies, grocery stores, and major online retailers. The battery will cost a few dollars more, but you avoid the risk of a counterfeit that fails quickly or does not hold a charge properly.

What to do with the old battery

Do not throw a used CR2032 battery in the trash. Most pharmacies and grocery stores have a battery recycling bin near the checkout or customer service desk — ask an employee where it is. Some hardware stores and electronics retailers also accept batteries for recycling.

You can also search for a local battery recycling program on Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org. These sites let you enter your zip code and find drop-off locations near you. Recycling keeps heavy metals out of landfills and recovers materials that can be reused.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of battery in my AirTag?

No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Other coin cell batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 will not fit properly or work correctly. Always use a CR2032.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. If you use the AirTag's speaker or sound features frequently, the battery may drain faster. Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low.

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

No. Once you close the back and the AirTag reconnects to your iPhone, it will work exactly as it did before. You do not need to unpair it or set it up again.

What if my AirTag still does not work after I replace the battery?

First, make sure the battery is inserted with the positive side facing up. Open the AirTag and flip the battery if needed. If it still does not work, try a different battery to rule out a defective one. If a fresh battery does not help, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem.

Can I buy a bulk pack of CR2032 batteries and store them?

Yes. CR2032 batteries have a shelf life of several years when stored in a cool, dry place. Buying a pack of four or eight batteries and keeping them on hand is practical, since you will need to replace the battery roughly once per year.