AirTag batteries can be replaced by the owner in about 30 seconds—no tools or technical skill required

Apple AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin-cell battery that you can swap out yourself. The battery typically lasts about one year of normal use, and when it runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. You do not need to send the AirTag anywhere or visit an Apple Store. The whole process takes less than a minute, costs between $3 and $8 for a replacement battery, and requires nothing but your hands.

The CR2032 is one of the most common coin-cell batteries in the world, sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers. Once you know the steps, you can replace an AirTag battery as easily as you would change the battery in a remote control.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are user-replaceable CR2032 coin cells that last roughly one year before needing replacement.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, giving you time to buy a replacement before the AirTag stops working.
  • To replace the battery, press down on the stainless steel back cover and twist it counterclockwise until it comes free.
  • CR2032 batteries are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, electronics retailers, and online for a few dollars each.
  • If your AirTag stops responding after a battery change, remove it from your Apple ID account and set it up again as new.

How to open an AirTag and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up. Locate the stainless steel back cover—it is the metallic circular part on the bottom. Press down firmly on the center of this cover with your thumb or finger, then twist it counterclockwise (the same direction you would turn to loosen a jar lid). You will feel it rotate about a quarter turn before it stops.

Once the cover has twisted, lift it away from the plastic body. The old CR2032 battery will be sitting inside, usually held loosely in place. Tip the AirTag gently or use your finger to slide the battery out. If it sticks slightly, a gentle push from the opposite side will free it. The battery should come out easily—do not pry or force it.

Installing the new battery

Before you insert the new battery, check which side faces outward. A CR2032 has a flat side and a slightly domed side. The flat side should face toward you (toward the white plastic), and the domed side should face the metal cover. This matters—if you install it backward, the AirTag will not work.

Slide the new battery into the compartment with the flat side down. It should sit flat and level. Now align the metal cover with the plastic body and press down while twisting clockwise (the opposite direction from when you opened it). You will feel it click or catch as it locks back into place. The cover should be snug and flush with the plastic—do not force it, as it will seat naturally once it is aligned.

What to do if the AirTag does not respond after a battery change

In rare cases, an AirTag may not reconnect to your iPhone when ready after a battery swap. This usually happens because the AirTag lost its connection during the battery removal. The fix is straightforward: open the Find My app on your iPhone, select the AirTag, tap the three dots in the upper right, and choose "Remove Item." Confirm the removal.

Once removed, hold the AirTag near your iPhone and tap it with your phone (or bring it within a few inches). Your iPhone will prompt you to add it back. Follow the on-screen steps to reconnect it to your Apple ID. The AirTag will then work normally. This process takes about a minute and resets the connection without affecting any of your account settings.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin-cell types and are stocked almost everywhere. You can find them at pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), grocery stores, hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe's), electronics retailers (Best Buy), and online (Amazon, eBay). Prices typically range from $3 to $8 for a single battery, though buying a pack of four or more usually costs less per unit.

When you shop, look for the label "CR2032" or "2032" on the package. Some batteries are labeled by brand (Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic) and some are generic. All CR2032 batteries work the same way in an AirTag—the brand does not matter. If you cannot find them in a store, any online retailer that sells batteries will ship them to you within a few days.

How long a new battery lasts

A fresh CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year under normal use. "Normal use" means the AirTag is in your wallet, bag, or on your keys and you are checking its location occasionally through the Find My app. If you check the location constantly or use the AirTag's sound feature frequently, the battery may drain faster—possibly in 8 to 10 months. If you rarely use the AirTag, it may last longer.

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is running low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to order a replacement battery without the AirTag going offline unexpectedly. Once you see the low-battery warning, you can replace the battery at your convenience.

When to replace versus when to contact Apple

Replace the battery yourself if the AirTag is working but the battery is low, or if you have already replaced the battery and the AirTag is working normally. You do not need Apple's help for routine battery changes. The process is straightforward enough that Apple designed it for owners to do on their own.

Contact Apple if the AirTag does not work even after you have installed a fresh battery and reconnected it through Find My. This could mean the AirTag itself has a hardware problem. You can reach Apple Support through the Apple Support app, by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE, or by visiting an Apple Store. Apple will not replace the battery for you (it is designed to be user-replaceable), but they can help troubleshoot if something else is wrong with the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTags are designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin-cell types (like CR2025 or CR2016) are physically different sizes and will not fit properly or work. Always use a CR2032.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes. There are no electrical hazards, and the process requires no tools. CR2032 batteries are safe to handle with your bare hands. The only thing to watch for is making sure the battery is inserted the correct way (flat side down), but even if you put it in backward, it straightforward will not work—it will not damage the AirTag.

What should I do with the old battery?

CR2032 batteries are small and contain lithium, so they should not go in the regular trash. Most pharmacies and electronics stores have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. You can also check Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a recycling location near you.

Will replacing the battery erase my AirTag's location history?

No. Replacing the battery does not erase anything. Your AirTag will reconnect to Find My and continue working as before. The only time you lose data is if you remove the AirTag from your account entirely, which you should only do if you are giving it away or no longer using it.

How do I know when my AirTag battery is actually dead?

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is low. If you ignore that notification and the battery fully drains, the AirTag will stop responding in the Find My app. You will see it as "No location found" or "Offline." Once you replace the battery, it will reconnect within a few minutes.