Replace the battery yourself in under a minute

An AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can swap out yourself without tools or special knowledge. The whole job takes about 30 seconds. You do not need to contact Apple or visit a store — you just need a replacement CR2032 battery, which costs between $3 and $8 at any pharmacy, grocery store, or electronics retailer.

The battery lasts roughly one year under normal use. When it runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification saying "AirTag battery is low." At that point, you have a few weeks before the AirTag stops working, so there is no rush, but replacing it then keeps the tracker active.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries that you replace yourself by twisting open the white plastic back.
  • A replacement battery costs $3 to $8 and is sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, and electronics shops.
  • The battery lasts about one year, and your iPhone alerts you when it is running low.
  • You do not need any tools, and the entire replacement takes less than a minute.

Step 1: Get a CR2032 battery

Buy a CR2032 coin cell battery. These are common and inexpensive. You will find them at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, or any pharmacy. They are also sold online through Amazon and other retailers. Make sure the package says CR2032 — that is the exact size your AirTag needs.

If you cannot find CR2032 batteries locally, order them online. A pack of four or five costs $5 to $15 and will last you years if you have multiple AirTags or other devices that use the same battery.

Step 2: Open the AirTag

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic back facing up. Place your thumb on the metal side and your fingers on the white plastic back. Press down firmly on the white back while twisting it counterclockwise about a quarter turn — roughly the same motion you would use to open a jar lid, but smaller.

The white plastic back will pop off. You will see the battery sitting in a small metal cup inside. The battery has a shiny side facing up and a flat side facing down.

Step 3: Swap the battery and close it

Lift the old battery out of the metal cup. Place the new CR2032 battery into the cup with the shiny side facing up — the same way the old one was sitting. Press down gently to make sure it sits flat.

Line up the white plastic back with the metal body of the AirTag and twist it clockwise until you hear or feel a click. The AirTag is now closed and ready to use. Your iPhone should recognize the new battery within a few seconds.

What to do with the old battery

Do not throw a used CR2032 battery in the trash. Take it to a battery recycling program. Most electronics retailers like Best Buy have a battery drop-off bin near the front of the store. Some pharmacies and municipal hazardous waste facilities also accept batteries.

If you have no recycling option nearby, you can store the old battery safely in a cool, dry place until you can drop it off. Keep it away from metal objects that might short the terminals.

Signs your AirTag battery is failing

Your iPhone sends a notification when the battery is low, but you might also notice that the AirTag stops responding to your Find My app or takes longer to update its location. If the AirTag is not showing up in Find My at all, the battery is dead and needs replacement.

A dead battery does not mean the AirTag is broken. Once you install a fresh CR2032, the AirTag will work normally again.

How long a CR2032 battery lasts

Under typical use — checking your AirTag location a few times a week — a CR2032 battery lasts about one year. If you check your AirTag constantly or use it with a device that pings it frequently, the battery may drain faster. If you rarely use it, the battery may last longer.

The battery will not suddenly stop working. It drains gradually, and your iPhone warns you when it is running low, giving you time to buy a replacement before the AirTag goes silent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of battery?

No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Other coin cell batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically different sizes and will not fit properly or work correctly. Always use CR2032.

What if the white back won't twist open?

explore more downward pressure while twisting. The back is designed to be tight so it does not come loose by accident. If you are still stuck, wrap a rubber band around the white plastic for better grip, then try again. Do not use pliers or other tools — you risk cracking the plastic.

Will replacing the battery erase my AirTag data?

No. Replacing the battery does not erase anything. Your AirTag stays paired to your iPhone and keeps all its settings. Once you install the new battery and close the back, it will work exactly as before.

How do I know which side of the battery goes up?

The shiny, smooth side faces up toward the white plastic back. The flat, dull side faces down into the metal cup. If you put it in backward, the AirTag straightforward will not work — it will not damage anything, and you can flip it over and try again.

Where is the cheapest place to buy CR2032 batteries?

Prices vary, but dollar stores, Walmart, and Target often have the lowest per-battery cost. Buying a pack of four or five is cheaper per battery than buying a single one. Online retailers like Amazon sometimes offer bulk packs at good prices if you have multiple AirTags.