The battery in an AirTag comes out from the back and takes a standard coin cell

An AirTag battery replacement takes about 30 seconds. The back of the tag is held on by a click-fit ring that twists counterclockwise. Once it comes off, you lift out the old battery — a CR2032 coin cell — and drop in a new one with the positive side facing up. The ring twists back on, and you are done.

Apple does not sell AirTag batteries separately, and the company does not offer a battery replacement service. You buy CR2032 batteries from any pharmacy, supermarket, or online retailer. A pack of four costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand. The battery lasts about one year under normal use, though heavy use or cold weather can shorten that.

Key Takeaways

  • The white plastic ring on the back of the AirTag twists counterclockwise to open and release the battery compartment.
  • AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries, which are sold at drugstores, supermarkets, and online for $3 to $8 per pack of four.
  • When you insert the new battery, the positive (+) side must face upward toward the white ring.
  • Your AirTag will notify you on your iPhone when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely.

Step-by-step battery replacement

Start with the AirTag in your hand, white side up. Locate the white plastic ring on the back — it sits flush with the metal casing. Press down on the ring with your thumb and turn it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. You will feel it click and loosen.

Once the ring is loose, lift it away from the tag. The old CR2032 battery will either stay in the ring or fall into your hand. Set it aside. Pick up your new CR2032 battery and hold it so the positive side (marked with a +) faces upward. Drop it into the battery compartment. The positive side should face toward where the white ring goes.

Place the white ring back on top of the battery and press down while turning it clockwise until it clicks. The ring should sit flush again. Your AirTag is now ready to use. The tag will sync with your iPhone automatically the next time it is in range.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin cell types and are stocked almost everywhere. Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid carry them in the pharmacy section. Supermarkets like Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods stock them near the checkout or in the health and beauty section. Target and Walmart both carry them in electronics or pharmacy.

Online, Amazon, Best Buy, and eBay all sell CR2032 batteries in bulk packs. Buying a four-pack or eight-pack is cheaper per battery than buying singles. Duracell, Energizer, and Panasonic are reliable brands, but store brands work just as well and cost less. Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers, as they may not last as long.

How to know when the battery is low

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is running low. The notification appears in the Find My app and on your lock screen. Apple typically sends this alert a few weeks before the battery dies completely, giving you time to buy a replacement without the tag going offline.

If you miss the notification, the AirTag will stop working once the battery is fully dead. You will not be able to locate it or see its location in Find My until you replace the battery. The tag itself does not beep or give any other warning — the iPhone notification is your only alert.

Battery life and what affects it

A CR2032 battery in an AirTag lasts roughly one year under typical use. "Typical use" means the tag is in a wallet, bag, or on a keychain and is checked occasionally through the Find My app. If you check the location multiple times per day or use the tag's sound feature frequently, the battery will drain faster.

Cold weather also shortens battery life. An AirTag left in a car during winter or carried in a cold climate will drain its battery more quickly than one kept at room temperature. If you use an AirTag in a very cold environment regularly, you may need to replace the battery every 8 to 10 months instead of 12.

What to do if the battery is stuck

Occasionally the white ring becomes tight and difficult to turn. This usually happens if the battery has leaked slightly or if the ring was overtightened during the last replacement. Do not force it — forcing can crack the plastic.

Instead, try wrapping a thin rubber band around the ring to improve your grip, then turn slowly. If it still will not budge, soak the back of the tag in warm (not hot) water for a minute to soften any corrosion, then try again. If the ring remains stuck after that, the tag may need to be replaced, as forcing it further risks breaking the compartment permanently.

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 may not make electrical contact. Using the wrong battery could damage the tag or cause it to malfunction.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

The AirTag will not work. The battery compartment is designed so that only the correct orientation allows the battery to make contact with the metal terminals. If the tag does not respond after you replace the battery, remove the ring and check that the positive (+) side is facing upward.

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

No. The AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically once the new battery is installed and the tag is in range. You do not need to remove it from Find My or re-pair it. It will show as connected within a few seconds to a minute.

Is it safe to throw away the old CR2032 battery?

CR2032 batteries should not go in the regular trash. Most communities have battery recycling programs at retailers like Best Buy or Home Depot, or at your local waste facility. Some pharmacies also accept used batteries. Check your local rules, as some areas require battery recycling by law.

How much does it cost to replace an AirTag battery?

The battery itself costs $3 to $8 for a pack of four, so roughly $1 to $2 per replacement. You do the replacement yourself — Apple does not charge a service fee. Over the AirTag's lifetime, battery costs are minimal compared to the tag's original purchase price.