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

AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for $3 to $8. The battery lasts roughly one year of normal use. When it dies, you don't need to buy a new AirTag — you straightforward open the white plastic back and swap in a fresh battery. Apple designed this to be straightforward enough that you don't need tools or instructions beyond what's printed on the device itself.

The entire process takes less than a minute. You'll know the battery is dead when your iPhone stops showing the AirTag's location and you see a "Replace Battery" notification in the Find My app. Some people ignore this notification for weeks; the AirTag will still work for Bluetooth detection at close range, but it won't communicate with the Find My network.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 batteries, which are sold everywhere batteries are sold and cost between $3 and $8.
  • You open the AirTag by twisting the stainless steel ring counterclockwise until the white plastic back pops off.
  • The battery lasts about one year, and your iPhone will notify you when it's time to replace it.
  • You do not need tools, and there is no risk of damaging the AirTag during a battery swap.

How to open an AirTag and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag with the stainless steel ring facing up. Place your thumb on the white plastic back and your fingers on the metal ring. Twist the ring counterclockwise — you'll feel it loosen after a quarter turn or so. Keep twisting until the white back separates from the metal casing. It should come free with gentle pressure; don't force it.

Once the back is off, you'll see the CR2032 battery sitting in a shallow cup. The battery has a flat side (positive) facing up and a curved side (negative) facing down. Lift the battery straight out. There's no clip or holder — it straightforward sits in place. If the battery is stuck, a fingernail or the edge of a coin can help you pry it up gently from the edge.

Installing the new battery and closing the AirTag

Take your new CR2032 battery and check the packaging to confirm it's the right type. Slide the battery into the cup with the flat side facing up, the same way the old one was oriented. Press down gently until it sits flat. You should hear a small click or feel it settle into place.

Now align the white plastic back with the metal ring and press them together. Twist the ring clockwise until it stops — you'll feel resistance when it's fully seated. The back should be flush with the ring all the way around. Your iPhone will recognize the fresh battery within a few seconds and the "Replace Battery" notification will disappear from Find My.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are among the most common coin cell batteries made. You can find them at pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), grocery stores, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon. Some dollar stores carry them as well. Prices vary slightly, but a single battery usually costs $3 to $8. Buying a pack of two or four is often cheaper per battery than buying one.

Check the packaging to make sure it says CR2032 — there are other coin cell sizes like CR2025 and CR2016 that look similar but won't work in an AirTag. The "2032" refers to the dimensions: 20 millimeters wide and 3.2 millimeters thick. If you're unsure, show the old battery to a store employee or compare the numbers on the packaging.

What to do with the old battery

Coin cell batteries contain lithium and should not go in the trash. Most retailers that sell batteries also have a battery recycling bin near the checkout or customer service desk — ask an employee where it is. Some communities have hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off batteries for free. You can also check Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a drop-off location near you.

If you have only one old battery, storing it safely until you have a few to recycle is fine. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from metal objects that could short the terminals.

Signs your AirTag battery is failing

The most obvious sign is the "Replace Battery" notification that appears in the Find My app on your iPhone. This notification usually shows up a few weeks before the battery is completely dead, giving you time to pick up a replacement.

Before you see that notification, you might notice the AirTag stops updating its location in Find My, or it takes much longer to show a new location. At this stage, the battery is nearly exhausted. If you're using the AirTag to track something important, don't wait for the notification — replace the battery as soon as you see the location updates slow down.

How long AirTag batteries last

Apple rates the CR2032 battery to last about one year in a typical AirTag. The actual lifespan depends on how often the AirTag communicates with the Find My network. If you use the AirTag daily to track a frequently-moved item like your keys or wallet, the battery may last closer to 10 months. If the AirTag sits in a backpack that rarely moves, it might last 14 months or longer.

The battery drains faster if you use the AirTag's speaker feature frequently — playing sounds to locate a lost item uses more power than passive location tracking. Extreme cold also reduces battery life slightly, though this is rarely a problem in normal use.

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 sizes like CR2025 or CR2016 will not fit properly or work. Always use a CR2032 to avoid damaging the battery compartment or the AirTag itself.

What if I can't get the AirTag open?

The ring should twist counterclockwise with moderate thumb pressure. If it feels stuck, try wrapping a thin cloth around the ring for better grip, or wash your hands to remove any moisture that might reduce friction. Avoid using tools like pliers, which can scratch or dent the metal. If the AirTag is genuinely stuck, contact Apple Support.

Will replacing the battery erase my AirTag data or settings?

No. Replacing the battery does not affect any of your AirTag's settings, name, or connection to your Apple ID. When you install the new battery, the AirTag will reconnect to Find My automatically.

Is it safe to touch the battery with my bare hands?

Yes. Handling a CR2032 battery briefly with clean, dry hands is safe. Avoid touching both the positive and negative terminals at the same time with metal objects, as this can short the battery and cause it to heat up. For normal battery replacement, this is not a concern.

Can I replace the battery in an AirTag that's water-damaged?

If your AirTag has been submerged or exposed to significant moisture, let it dry completely for at least 24 hours before opening it. AirTags are water-resistant but not waterproof. If water has entered the battery compartment, drying it first gives the best chance of the AirTag working again after a battery swap. If the device still doesn't work after drying and a fresh battery, the internal electronics may be damaged.