AirTag batteries last about one year and are straightforward to swap yourself
An AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin-cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore or online for $3 to $8. When the battery dies, your iPhone will send you a notification. You do not need tools, a technician, or Apple—just pop off the back, swap the old battery for a new one, and you are done. The whole job takes under three minutes.
The AirTag itself is not replaceable and does not wear out. Only the battery dies. Apple does not offer a battery replacement service, and there is no reason to pay them if they did—this is genuinely a task you can handle.
Key Takeaways
- AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers for a few dollars.
- Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, giving you time to buy a replacement before it dies completely.
- The back of the AirTag twists off by hand—no tools needed—and the battery slides out and in.
- After you insert the new battery, the AirTag reconnects to your iPhone automatically within seconds.
What battery to buy and where to find it
The AirTag uses a CR2032 battery, which is a flat, round coin-cell about the size of a dime. This is one of the most common battery types in the world. You can buy it at a pharmacy (CVS, Walgreens), a grocery store, a hardware store, or online through Amazon or the manufacturer's website.
Check the package to confirm it says CR2032—do not grab a CR2025 or CR2016 by mistake, even though they look nearly identical. The number matters. A CR2032 costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you shop. Buying a multi-pack is often cheaper per battery if you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use the same cell.
You do not need any special brand. A generic CR2032 works just as well as a name-brand one. Duracell, Energizer, Amazon Basics, and store brands all perform the same way in an AirTag.
How to open the AirTag and remove the old battery
Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic side facing up and the stainless steel back facing down. Place your thumb on the steel back and your fingers underneath the white plastic rim. Push your thumb down and twist the steel back counterclockwise about a quarter turn—roughly the motion you would use to open a bottle cap. The back will pop off.
Inside, you will see the battery sitting flat in a shallow cup. It has a small tab sticking out from the edge. Lift the tab gently with your fingernail or the edge of a coin and the battery will slide out. Do not force it. If it does not move, you are pulling the wrong part—the tab is the only thing you should grip.
Set the old battery aside. You do not need to recycle it when ready, but do not throw it in the trash. Most pharmacies and electronics retailers have a battery recycling bin near the checkout or customer service desk.
Installing the new battery and testing the connection
Take the new CR2032 battery and look at it. One side is flat and shiny (the positive end), and the other side is slightly raised with a small bump (the negative end). Slide the battery into the cup with the flat, shiny side facing up. It should sit flush and flat—if it is tilted or sticking up, remove it and try again.
Now twist the steel back clockwise until it clicks and sits flush with the white plastic. You should hear or feel a small click. Do not over-tighten it—hand-tight is all you need.
Open the Find My app on your iPhone. Your AirTag should show as connected within 10 to 15 seconds. If it does not appear right away, wait another 10 seconds and refresh the app. Once it shows as connected, the battery is installed correctly and your AirTag is ready to use.
How long the new battery will last
A fresh CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year under normal use. The exact lifespan depends on how often the AirTag is moving and sending location updates. An AirTag on your keys that you carry every day will drain the battery faster than one in a drawer that you check once a week.
Your iPhone will send you a low battery notification when the battery has about two weeks of charge left. This gives you time to buy a replacement before the AirTag stops working. You do not have to replace it the moment you see the notification—you can wait a few days or even a week if you want.
Troubleshooting if the AirTag does not reconnect
If you install the new battery and the AirTag does not show as connected in Find My after 30 seconds, remove the back again and check that the battery is sitting flat and flush in the cup. Make sure the shiny side is facing up. Reinstall the back and wait another 15 seconds.
If it still does not connect, the battery itself may be defective—this is rare but happens. Try a different CR2032 from a different package or brand. If a second battery does not work, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem, and you would need to contact Apple or replace the AirTag.
Do not assume the AirTag is broken just because it takes 30 seconds to reconnect. The Find My app sometimes needs a moment to refresh. Close the app completely and open it again if you are not seeing the connection after a minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?
Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them and they often do not work reliably in AirTags. Stick with a standard disposable CR2032. They are cheap enough that buying a new one once a year is simpler than managing a rechargeable.
What happens if I put the battery in upside down?
The AirTag will not work and will not connect to your iPhone. The battery will not damage anything—just remove the back, flip the battery so the shiny side faces up, and reinstall the back. No harm done.
Do I need to tell Apple I replaced the battery?
No. The AirTag will recognize the new battery automatically and reconnect to your iPhone without any action on your part. You do not need to reset it, re-pair it, or contact Apple.
Can I replace the battery while the AirTag is attached to my keys or bag?
Yes. You do not need to remove the AirTag from anything. Just twist off the back and swap the battery wherever it is. The AirTag will reconnect as soon as the new battery is installed.
Is there any risk of damaging the AirTag when I open it?
The back is designed to twist off by hand and is very durable. As long as you twist gently and do not force it, there is no risk of damage. The battery compartment is straightforward and has no delicate parts to break.