Yes, you can replace an AirTag battery yourself in under a minute

AirTag batteries are user-replaceable. You do not need tools, a technician, or an Apple Store visit. The battery compartment twists open by hand, and a fresh CR2032 coin cell battery costs between $3 and $8 at any drugstore or supermarket. The whole job takes about 30 seconds once you have the new battery in front of you.

Apple designed the AirTag to be opened this way. The back cover is not glued or sealed — it unscrews with finger pressure alone. When the battery dies, your AirTag stops working, but the device itself is fine. You straightforward swap in a new CR2032 and you are back to tracking.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for a few dollars.
  • To replace the battery, twist the stainless steel back cover counterclockwise until it comes free, then drop in the new CR2032 with the positive side facing up.
  • You do not need an Apple Store appointment or any special tools — the cover opens by hand pressure alone.
  • A fresh CR2032 battery lasts about one year in normal use before the AirTag alerts you to replace it again.

What battery does an AirTag use

AirTags use a CR2032 battery, a standard coin cell that measures 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick. This is the same battery found in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and hearing aids. Because it is so common, you can find CR2032 batteries almost anywhere — drugstores, supermarkets, hardware stores, and online retailers all stock them year-round.

A single CR2032 costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it. Name brands like Energizer and Duracell are usually more expensive than store brands, but they all perform the same job. Some retailers sell them in multipacks of 4 or 5 for $10 to $15, which makes sense if you own more than one AirTag.

How to open an AirTag and swap the battery

Hold the AirTag with the stainless steel back facing you. Place your thumb on the metal cover and your fingers on the white plastic front. Twist the metal back counterclockwise — the same direction you would unscrew a jar lid. You will feel it loosen after a quarter turn or so. Keep twisting until the cover comes free in your hand.

Inside the plastic housing you will see the old CR2032 battery sitting in a shallow metal cup. The battery has two sides: a flat positive side and a rounded negative side. Lift out the old battery and drop the new one in with the positive (flat) side facing up toward you. The battery should sit flat and snug in the cup.

Twist the metal cover back on clockwise until it is snug. Do not force it — it should close smoothly with gentle pressure. Your AirTag is now powered and ready to use. If you have the Find My app open on your iPhone, the AirTag will show as connected within a few seconds.

When to replace your AirTag battery

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is running low. This alert usually arrives when the battery has roughly 10 percent charge remaining, giving you time to pick up a replacement before the AirTag stops working entirely. The notification appears in the Find My app and also as a system alert on your lock screen.

In normal use, a CR2032 battery lasts about one year before you see this warning. Heavy use — constantly pinging the AirTag or checking its location — may drain the battery faster. Light use, where you check the location only a few times a month, may stretch the battery to 18 months or longer.

If you ignore the low-battery warning, the AirTag will eventually stop responding to your iPhone and will not broadcast its location to the Find My network. At that point, the only fix is to replace the battery. There is no way to charge an AirTag — it is designed for battery replacement only.

What to do if the battery cover is stuck

The metal cover should twist open with hand pressure alone, but if it feels stuck, do not force it. Grip the white plastic body firmly in one hand and use your other thumb to explore steady, even pressure as you twist. Sometimes a cover is straightforward tight from the factory and needs a moment of firm but gentle rotation to break free.

If the cover still will not budge, try wrapping a thin cloth or rubber band around the metal back to improve your grip. This gives you better traction without damaging the finish. Twist slowly and steadily rather than jerking — sudden force can crack the plastic housing.

If the cover remains stuck after several attempts, contact Apple Support. A stuck cover is rare, but it can happen if the device was dropped or exposed to moisture that caused the metal and plastic to swell slightly. Apple can open it for you or replace the AirTag if the cover cannot be safely removed.

Buying CR2032 batteries: where and what to expect

You can buy CR2032 batteries at pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), grocery stores (Target, Walmart, Kroger), hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe's), and online (Amazon, eBay). Prices vary slightly by location and brand. A single battery from a pharmacy usually costs $4 to $8. A multipack of 4 or 5 from a big-box retailer or online seller usually costs $10 to $15.

Check the expiration date on the package before you buy. CR2032 batteries have a shelf life of several years, but older stock may have less capacity remaining. Most retailers rotate stock regularly, so this is rarely a problem, but it is worth a quick look.

Store-brand batteries work just as well as name brands for AirTag use. Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, and Amazon Basics CR2032 cells all deliver the same voltage and capacity. The main difference is price — store brands are usually $1 to $2 cheaper per battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage (1.5V instead of 3V) and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with standard single-use CR2032 batteries, which are cheap and widely available.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

If you insert the battery with the negative side facing up, the AirTag will not power on. You will not see any damage — just remove the cover, flip the battery over so the flat positive side faces up, and close it again. The AirTag will work when ready.

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

No. Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically within a few seconds of the battery being installed. All your settings and location history remain unchanged. There is no reset button or setup process needed.

Can Apple replace the battery for me?

Apple does not offer battery replacement service for AirTags. Since the battery is user-replaceable and costs only a few dollars, Apple treats it as a consumable item you maintain yourself. If your AirTag has other damage, Apple may replace the entire device under warranty, but battery replacement is your responsibility.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A new CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. If you check your AirTag's location frequently or use the sound feature often, the battery may drain faster — possibly in 8 to 10 months. Light use can extend battery life to 18 months or more.