The battery in your AirTag lasts about a year, and you replace it by twisting the stainless steel back off and swapping in a fresh CR2032 coin cell battery

AirTags use a standard CR2032 battery, the same flat coin-shaped cell you find in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. Apple rates them to last roughly one year of normal use, though that varies depending on how often your AirTag sends location updates. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. You do not need tools, a technician, or any special knowledge—the whole job takes about 30 seconds.

The battery costs between $3 and $8 for a pack of several, and you can buy them at any pharmacy, supermarket, electronics store, or online. Do not throw the old battery in the trash; most retailers that sell batteries will take them back for recycling at no charge.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any pharmacy or supermarket for a few dollars.
  • The back of the AirTag twists off by hand—no tools needed—and the battery slides out and in from the same slot.
  • Apple sends a low-battery notification to your iPhone when the battery is running down, so you know when to replace it.
  • Recycling programs at most retailers will take your old battery at no cost rather than sending it to a landfill.

How to open the AirTag and access the battery

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up and the stainless steel back facing down. Place your thumb on the steel back and your fingers on the plastic rim. Push down with your thumb and twist the steel back counterclockwise about a quarter turn—you will feel it loosen. Lift the back off. The battery sits in a shallow metal cup in the center of the plastic housing.

The back will come off easily once you have turned it far enough; do not force it. If it feels stuck, you may be turning the wrong direction. The correct direction is counterclockwise when you are looking at the back of the device.

Removing the old battery and inserting the new one

The old battery will either fall out on its own or sit loosely in the cup. If it does not fall out, tip the AirTag gently or use your fingernail to pry it out from the edge. Do not dig at the center of the battery or explore force directly downward, as you could damage the metal cup underneath.

Slide the new CR2032 battery into the cup with the flat side facing up (the side with the plus sign should face toward you). The battery should sit flat and level. If it tilts or sits at an angle, remove it and try again—it will only fit one way. Once it is seated, you should hear a soft click as it settles into place.

Closing the AirTag and confirming the battery works

Align the steel back with the plastic housing and twist it clockwise until it stops. You will feel resistance as the threads engage; turn it until it is snug but do not over-tighten. The back should sit flush with the plastic rim when it is fully closed.

Your iPhone will recognize the new battery within a few seconds. Open the Find My app, tap Items, select your AirTag, and look at the battery status. It should show a full battery icon. If it still shows low or no battery, remove the back, check that the new battery is seated properly, and close it again. If the problem continues, the battery may be defective—try a different one from the same pack.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries and what to expect

CR2032 batteries are sold at pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), supermarkets (Walmart, Target, grocery stores), electronics retailers (Best Buy), and online (Amazon, eBay). A pack of two to four batteries typically costs $3 to $8. Name brands like Duracell and Energizer are more expensive than store brands, but both work equally well in an AirTag. Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers, as they may not hold a full charge.

If you buy batteries in person, check the expiration date on the package. Coin cell batteries do not expire in the traditional sense, but old stock may have lost some charge. Most retailers rotate stock regularly, so this is rarely a problem.

Recycling your old battery safely

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in household trash or recycling bins. Instead, take the old battery back to the store where you bought the new one—most pharmacies and supermarkets have a battery recycling bin near the checkout or customer service desk. If your store does not have one, call ahead and ask where the nearest battery recycling program is located. Many municipalities also run hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off batteries for free.

Storing old batteries until you can recycle them is safe as long as you keep them in a cool, dry place away from metal objects that could short-circuit them. Do not store them in a pile or in a sealed container with other batteries.

What to do if your AirTag battery drains faster than expected

If a new battery lasts only a few weeks instead of a year, the AirTag may be sending location updates more often than normal. This happens when the AirTag is moving frequently or when it is in a location with poor Bluetooth signal, forcing it to work harder to stay connected. Check the Find My app to see how often your AirTag is updating its location.

If the battery drains even when the AirTag is stationary and in a strong signal area, the device itself may have a hardware problem. Try a different battery first to rule out a defective cell. If a second battery also drains quickly, contact Apple Support—your AirTag may be may be able to access for a replacement.

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 (CR2025, CR2016) will not fit properly, and using the wrong battery could damage the device or create a safety hazard. Always use CR2032.

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

No. Your AirTag will recognize the new battery automatically and resume normal operation within seconds. You do not need to unpair it, reset it, or do anything else—just close the back and you are done.

What if I lose the steel back while replacing the battery?

Contact Apple Support to order a replacement back. You can also use your AirTag without the back in the short term, though the battery will be exposed and the device will be less durable. The replacement back costs a few dollars and ships within a week.

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 does not offer battery replacement services—they expect owners to do it at home. There are no special tools, training, or precautions required beyond keeping the battery away from children and pets.

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

Your iPhone will send a notification when the battery is low, usually a few days before it stops working completely. Once the battery is fully dead, the AirTag will stop sending location updates and will not appear in the Find My app. Replace the battery as soon as you see the low-battery warning to avoid losing track of the item.