Open the AirTag and swap the battery
To replace an AirTag battery, hold the stainless steel back cover and press down firmly while twisting counterclockwise about a quarter turn. The cover will pop off, revealing a CR2032 coin cell battery sitting in a small plastic holder. Lift out the old battery, note which side was facing up (the positive side), and drop in a fresh CR2032 battery with the same orientation. Press the cover back on and twist clockwise until it clicks—you should hear a small chime from the AirTag to confirm the battery is working.
The entire process takes about 30 seconds once you have the new battery in hand. No tools are needed. The AirTag will continue to work with the cover off for a moment, but do not leave it exposed to moisture or dust for long.
Key Takeaways
- AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery, which you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for $3 to $8 per battery.
- Press and twist the stainless steel back cover counterclockwise to open it; the battery sits in a small plastic holder underneath.
- Insert the new CR2032 with the positive side facing up, matching the orientation of the old battery.
- Twist the cover clockwise until it clicks and you hear a chime, which confirms the battery is seated correctly and the AirTag is powered on.
- A fresh CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use.
Where to buy a CR2032 battery
CR2032 batteries are standard coin cells sold everywhere. You will find them at any pharmacy (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid), grocery store, Target, Walmart, or online at Amazon. A single battery costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you shop. Name brands like Duracell and Energizer are reliable, but store-brand batteries work just as well and often cost less.
If you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use coin cell batteries, buying a multi-pack of CR2032s online is cheaper per battery than buying singles. A pack of four or eight batteries typically costs $8 to $15 total.
What to do if the cover is stuck
If the cover will not twist off, you are likely pressing too hard or twisting in the wrong direction. The cover twists counterclockwise when you look at the AirTag from the back. Press down with steady, firm pressure—do not squeeze so hard that your hand shakes—and twist slowly. You should feel a small amount of resistance, then a slight click as the cover loosens.
If the cover still will not budge, try wrapping a thin cloth or rubber band around the edge to improve your grip. Avoid using pliers or tools, which can damage the cover or the plastic battery holder inside. If the cover remains stuck after several attempts, the AirTag may have a manufacturing defect; contact Apple Support for a replacement.
How to know when the battery is dead
Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. The notification appears in the Find My app and says "AirTag battery low." At that point, you have time to buy a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working.
If you miss the notification and the battery dies, the AirTag will not respond to Find My searches or Bluetooth connections. Replacing the battery will restore it to full function when ready. A dead AirTag does not damage itself; it straightforward goes dormant until you install a fresh battery.
Battery orientation and why it matters
The CR2032 battery has a positive side (marked with a + symbol) and a negative side (the flat back). The positive side must face up toward the plastic holder's top. If you insert the battery upside down, the AirTag will not power on, and you will not hear the confirmation chime.
If you install the battery backward by accident, straightforward pop the cover off again and flip the battery over. There is no risk of damage—the AirTag is designed to be opened and closed many times. Once the battery is oriented correctly, you will hear the chime within a second of closing the cover.
How long a CR2032 battery lasts
A new CR2032 battery in an AirTag lasts about one year under typical use. The battery drains faster if you use the AirTag's speaker frequently (playing sounds to locate it) or if the AirTag is in a location with very poor Bluetooth signal, which forces it to work harder. AirTags in a backpack or on a keychain in a normal home or office setting will get the full year of life.
Once you replace the battery, the AirTag resets its battery timer, and you will not see another low-battery notification for approximately one year. There is no way to extend battery life or slow the drain—replacing the battery is the only maintenance an AirTag needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of battery instead of CR2032?
No. The AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 coin cells. Other coin cell sizes (like CR2025 or CR2016) will not fit the battery holder, and using the wrong battery could damage the AirTag. Stick with CR2032.
Will the AirTag work while the cover is off?
Yes, briefly. The battery makes contact with the AirTag's circuit board even without the cover on, so the device will power on and function. However, the cover protects the battery and internal components from dust and moisture, so do not leave it off for more than a few minutes.
What happens if I lose the back cover?
The AirTag will still work without the cover, but the battery will be exposed and may fall out if the AirTag is jostled. You can order a replacement cover from Apple's website for about $12, or you can buy a third-party silicone case designed for AirTags, which holds the battery in place and protects the device.
Is it safe to replace the battery myself?
Yes. Replacing an AirTag battery is safe and does not void any warranty. The AirTag is designed to be opened by users, and there are no sharp edges or electrical hazards inside. The only risk is dropping the small battery, so work over a table or surface where you can easily find it if it rolls away.
Do I need to reset the AirTag after replacing the battery?
No. The AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically once the new battery is installed and the cover is closed. You will hear a chime confirming the battery is working, and the AirTag will appear in the Find My app within a few seconds.