AirTag batteries are straightforward to swap yourself—no tools required
Your AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that lasts about one year with normal use. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. Replacing it takes about 30 seconds and requires only the new battery and your fingers—no screwdriver, no special equipment.
The process is the same whether you have a first-generation AirTag or the newer model. You'll press and rotate the stainless steel back cover, lift it off, swap out the old battery for a new one, and snap the cover back on. The battery costs between $3 and $8 at most drugstores, grocery stores, or online retailers.
Key Takeaways
- AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, available at any pharmacy or supermarket for a few dollars.
- You need only your fingers to open the AirTag—no tools, no adhesive removal, no disassembly.
- Press the stainless steel back cover down and rotate it counterclockwise until it stops, then lift it away.
- The battery sits in a small metal holder; flip it out with your fingernail and replace it with the new one, positive side up.
- Your iPhone will confirm the battery is working within a few seconds of closing the cover.
What you need before you start
Gather a CR2032 battery before you begin. This is a common battery size sold at pharmacies, supermarkets, dollar stores, and online. Duracell, Energizer, and store brands all work equally well. A pack of two or four costs $4 to $8 and will last you through several AirTag replacements.
You do not need a screwdriver, tweezers, or any other tool. Your fingernail or a coin can help if you struggle to grip the battery, but most people remove and install it with their fingers alone. Work on a clean, flat surface so the small battery does not roll away.
Step-by-step: opening the AirTag and removing the old battery
Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back cover facing up. Place your thumb or finger on the edge of the cover and press down firmly. You will feel slight resistance—this is normal.
While pressing down, rotate the cover counterclockwise (the same direction you would turn a jar lid to open it). Rotate until the cover stops—usually a quarter turn or less. Do not force it; if it feels stuck, you may be turning the wrong direction. Lift the cover straight up and set it aside on a clean surface.
Inside, you will see a small metal battery holder with the old CR2032 battery sitting in it. The positive side (marked with a + symbol) faces up. Pry the battery out gently with your fingernail or the edge of a coin. It should come free with light pressure.
Installing the new battery and closing the AirTag
Take your new CR2032 battery and check the orientation: the positive side (marked +) should face up, toward the opening. Slide the battery into the metal holder. It will sit flat and snug in the same position as the old one.
Pick up the stainless steel cover and align it with the opening. Press it down and rotate it clockwise (the opposite direction from when you opened it) until it stops. You will hear or feel a small click when it seats fully. The cover should sit flush with the plastic body—no gaps or edges sticking up.
Within a few seconds, open the Find My app on your iPhone. Your AirTag should show as "Connected" with a green dot. If it does not appear within 30 seconds, remove the cover, check that the battery is seated properly with the positive side up, and close it again. A loose battery is the only common reason a replacement does not work.
Troubleshooting if the AirTag does not respond
If your iPhone still shows the AirTag as disconnected after replacing the battery, the battery may not be making contact. Open the AirTag again and remove the battery. Look inside the metal holder for any dirt, corrosion, or debris. Wipe the battery and the holder with a dry cloth and reinstall the battery, making sure the positive side faces up.
If the AirTag still does not connect, the battery itself may be defective. Try a different CR2032 from a different pack or brand. Occasionally a battery from the shelf has lost its charge or has a manufacturing flaw. Once you install a working battery, the AirTag will reconnect automatically—you do not need to re-pair it or change any settings.
If the AirTag still does not work after trying a second battery, the device itself may have a hardware problem. AirTags are covered by Apple's one-year limited warranty, and Apple will replace a defective unit at no cost if you contact them with your proof of purchase.
When to replace your AirTag battery
Your iPhone sends a notification when the battery is low, usually when it has about two weeks of charge left. You do not have to replace it when ready—the AirTag will continue to work for a while after the notification. However, replacing it within a week of the alert prevents the battery from dying unexpectedly and losing the ability to track your item.
If you ignore the notification and the battery dies completely, the AirTag will stop sending location data. You can still replace the battery and the AirTag will work again, but you will have no way to find it in the meantime. For this reason, it is worth keeping a spare CR2032 battery on hand so you can replace it as soon as you see the notification.
Where to buy replacement batteries
CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere: pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, supermarkets, dollar stores, hardware stores, and online retailers. A single battery costs $1 to $3, and a pack of two to four costs $4 to $8. Store brands work just as well as name brands like Duracell or Energizer, so buy whichever is cheapest or most convenient.
If you want to stock up, buying a larger pack online is often cheaper per battery. A 10-pack of CR2032 batteries typically costs $8 to $12, which works out to less than $1.50 per battery. This is a good option if you own multiple AirTags or plan to keep your current AirTag for several years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?
Rechargeable CR2032 batteries work in AirTags, but they hold less charge than standard alkaline batteries and will need replacement more often—sometimes every three to six months instead of a year. Most people find standard alkaline CR2032 batteries more convenient because they last longer and cost less over time.
What happens if I put the battery in upside down?
If you install the battery with the negative side facing up, the AirTag will not work and your iPhone will show it as disconnected. straightforward open the AirTag again, flip the battery over so the positive side (+) faces up, and close it. No damage occurs from installing it backward.
Do I need to unpair my AirTag before replacing the battery?
No. You do not need to unpair, reset, or change any settings. straightforward replace the battery and close the AirTag. It will reconnect to your iPhone automatically within a few seconds, and all your settings and location history will remain the same.
Can I replace the battery while the AirTag is attached to my keys or bag?
Yes. You can replace the battery without removing the AirTag from your keychain or bag. The process takes less than a minute and does not require you to separate the AirTag from anything else.
How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?
A standard alkaline CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag with normal use. Heavy use—such as checking the location multiple times per day or using the Find My app constantly—may shorten battery life to eight or nine months. Light use may extend it to 14 or 15 months.