The AirTag battery comes out from the back and takes a standard CR2032 coin cell

Apple AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for $3 to $8. The battery lasts about one year of normal use. When your AirTag stops finding your keys or wallet, a dead battery is usually the reason. Replacing it takes less than a minute and requires no tools.

The battery sits inside the stainless steel back cover. You do not need to open the white plastic front — just pop off the metal disc on the back, swap the old battery for a new one, and snap the cover back on. The AirTag will reconnect to your phone automatically once the fresh battery is in place.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries, which are sold at drugstores and supermarkets for a few dollars.
  • The battery sits under the stainless steel back cover and slides out sideways — you do not need to disassemble the white plastic part.
  • A new battery restores full range and tracking within seconds of installation.
  • If your AirTag still does not work after a fresh battery, the device itself may have failed and may need replacement.

What you need before you start

Gather a CR2032 battery before you begin. These are the most common coin cell batteries and are stocked in the pharmacy or health and beauty section of most drugstores, in the checkout area of grocery stores, and in the battery aisle at hardware stores. You can also order them online from Amazon, Walmart, or other retailers — they ship quickly and often come in multipacks of 5 or 10 for less than the price of a single battery at a store.

You do not need a screwdriver, coin, or any other tool. The back cover comes off by hand. If you have trouble gripping the metal edge, a soft cloth or rubber grip pad can help, but it is not required.

Step-by-step: removing the old battery

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing you and the shiny stainless steel back facing away. Place your thumb on the metal back cover and press down firmly while twisting counterclockwise about a quarter turn — roughly the same motion you would use to open a bottle cap, but gentler. You will feel the cover loosen and lift slightly.

Once the cover lifts, pull it straight off. The old CR2032 battery will be sitting inside, with the positive side (marked with a + symbol) facing up toward you. Slide the battery out sideways — do not pry it straight up, as this can damage the contact points inside. Set the old battery aside.

Step-by-step: installing the new battery

Take your new CR2032 battery and check that the positive side (marked with a +) is facing up. Slide it into the battery compartment the same way the old one came out — sideways, not straight down. Push it all the way in until it sits flat and level with the metal housing.

Press the stainless steel back cover down onto the white plastic body and twist clockwise until you hear or feel a click. The cover should be snug and flush with the edges — if it feels loose, twist a bit more. Do not force it; if it does not turn easily after a quarter turn, you may have the cover misaligned, so lift it and try again.

What happens after you install the battery

Your AirTag will wake up and reconnect to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac within a few seconds. You may see a notification on your device saying the AirTag is now reachable. Open the Find My app to confirm the AirTag is showing as connected and displaying its location.

If the AirTag still shows as unreachable after 30 seconds, try restarting your phone or moving the AirTag closer to your device. If it remains offline after a few minutes, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem unrelated to the battery, and you may need to contact Apple or consider replacing the device.

Common mistakes that prevent the battery from working

Installing the battery upside down is the most frequent error. The positive side (marked with a +) must face up toward you when you look into the battery compartment. If your AirTag does not respond after installation, remove the cover and check the battery orientation.

Not pushing the battery all the way in is the second most common issue. The battery must sit completely flat and flush with the metal housing. If it is tilted or sitting too high, the metal contacts will not touch properly and the AirTag will not power on. Push it in firmly until it stops.

Over-tightening the back cover can crack the plastic body or damage the seal. Twist the cover clockwise until you feel it click or become snug — usually a quarter to a half turn. If you are twisting hard, you have gone too far and should back off slightly.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are among the most widely stocked battery types. You will find them at CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and most other pharmacies in the health and beauty or pharmacy section. Grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods carry them near the checkout or in the battery aisle. Target, Walmart, and Best Buy stock them in their battery sections.

Online, Amazon, Walmart.com, and Walgreens.com all ship CR2032 batteries quickly. Buying a multipack of 5 or 10 batteries online often costs less per battery than buying a single one in a store, and you will have spares on hand for other devices like car key fobs, watches, and calculators.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my AirTag battery is actually dead?

Open the Find My app and look for your AirTag in the Items tab. If it shows "No location available" or "Not reachable" and has been offline for more than a few hours, the battery is likely dead. You can also try playing a sound on the AirTag — if it does not beep, the battery is gone.

Can I use a different type of battery instead of CR2032?

No. The AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin cell sizes like CR2025 or CR2016 will not fit properly or may not provide enough power. Always use a CR2032.

What should I do with the old battery?

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the trash. Take the old battery to a pharmacy, electronics store, or hazardous waste collection site in your area. Many retailers that sell batteries also accept used batteries for recycling at no charge.

Will replacing the battery erase my AirTag's data or settings?

No. Replacing the battery does not erase anything. Your AirTag will reconnect to your account and resume tracking exactly as before. All your settings and location history remain intact.

How often do I need to replace the battery?

Most AirTag batteries last about one year with normal use. If you use your AirTag heavily — checking its location multiple times per day — the battery may drain faster and need replacement after 8 to 10 months. Light use may extend battery life to 14 or 15 months.