AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin battery that you can swap yourself in about 30 seconds

Your AirTag runs on a CR2032 coin cell battery, the same type found in watches, calculators, and hearing aids. When the battery dies, you do not need to buy a new AirTag—you straightforward open the back, remove the old battery, and insert a fresh one. The whole process takes less than a minute and requires no tools.

You can buy CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, hardware store, or online retailer. A single battery costs between $3 and $8, and a pack of four or five costs $5 to $12. Apple does not sell them separately, but the battery is universal—any CR2032 will work.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries, which you can replace yourself without tools or a trip to Apple.
  • Your AirTag will notify you when the battery is low, usually giving you a few weeks of warning before it dies completely.
  • CR2032 batteries are widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online for $3 to $8 each.
  • The replacement takes about 30 seconds: press and twist the stainless steel back, swap the battery, and close it again.

How to know your battery is running low

Your iPhone will send you a notification when your AirTag battery is low. Open the Find My app, tap the Items tab, select the AirTag, and look at the battery status. If it shows a low battery warning, you have time to order a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working entirely.

The notification usually arrives when the battery has a few weeks of life left, so you are not in a rush. However, once the battery is completely dead, the AirTag will not transmit its location or respond to your iPhone until you replace it.

Step-by-step battery replacement

Step 1: Locate the stainless steel back. Hold your AirTag with the white plastic side facing you. The shiny stainless steel disc is on the back. This is the part you will open.

Step 2: Press and twist. Place your thumb on the steel back and press down firmly. While pressing, twist it counterclockwise (to the left) about a quarter turn. You should feel it loosen. Do not force it—if it is not moving, you may be twisting the wrong direction.

Step 3: Lift off the back. Once loosened, lift the steel disc away from the plastic body. The battery will be sitting inside, held in place by a small metal contact.

Step 4: Remove the old battery. Gently pry or lift the old CR2032 battery out of its slot. It should come free easily. If it is stuck, try tilting it slightly rather than pulling straight up.

Step 5: Insert the new battery. Take your fresh CR2032 battery and place it into the slot with the positive side facing up (the side marked with a + or the shiny side). The battery should sit flat and flush with the plastic body.

Step 6: Replace the steel back. Line up the steel disc with the plastic body and press down while twisting clockwise (to the right) until you hear or feel a click. It should be snug but not so tight that you strain to close it.

Step 7: Verify the connection. Open Find My on your iPhone and check that the AirTag appears in your Items list. If it shows a battery level, the replacement was successful. If it does not appear, try removing and reinserting the battery to may support the positive side is facing up.

What to do if the battery is stuck or the back won't open

If the steel back is difficult to twist, try wrapping a thin cloth or rubber band around it for better grip. This gives your thumb more traction without damaging the finish. Twist slowly and steadily rather than jerking.

If the battery itself is stuck inside, do not pry at it with a sharp object—you risk puncturing it or damaging the contact inside the AirTag. Instead, tilt the AirTag so the battery slot is facing downward and gently tap the back of the device. The battery should slide out. If it still will not budge, let it sit for a few hours; sometimes a battery that has been in place for a long time needs time to loosen.

Choosing the right CR2032 battery

Any CR2032 battery will work in your AirTag. You do not need to buy an Apple-branded battery or a premium brand. Standard alkaline CR2032 batteries from any major manufacturer—Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, or store brands—will function identically. The only difference is how long they last, and most last roughly one year in an AirTag.

Avoid counterfeit batteries sold on third-party marketplaces. Buy from established retailers like pharmacies, supermarkets, or well-known online sellers. If a price seems unusually low, the battery may be old stock or counterfeit and may not hold a charge.

How long a new battery lasts

A fresh CR2032 battery typically powers an AirTag for about one year under normal use. The actual lifespan depends on how often your iPhone checks the AirTag's location and how frequently the AirTag broadcasts its signal. If you use the Find My app constantly or the AirTag is in a location with poor Bluetooth range, the battery may drain faster.

Apple does not publish exact battery life figures, but most users report replacing the battery once per year. Your iPhone will notify you again when the next battery is running low, so you will not be caught off guard.

When to contact Apple instead

If the AirTag does not respond after you replace the battery, or if the steel back is cracked or will not close properly, contact Apple Support. They can determine whether the device itself is damaged or whether the battery was inserted incorrectly. Apple does not charge for battery replacement if the AirTag is under warranty, but if you have already opened it, they may not cover it.

If the plastic body is cracked or the device has been dropped and damaged, replacement may be your only option. A new AirTag costs $29 and comes with a fresh battery installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage than standard alkaline CR2032 batteries, which can cause the AirTag to report a low battery warning even when the rechargeable battery still has charge. Stick with standard alkaline CR2032 batteries.

What happens if I insert the battery upside down?

If you place the battery with the negative side facing up, the AirTag will not power on and will not appear in Find My. straightforward open the back again, flip the battery so the positive side (the shiny or marked side) faces up, and close it. No damage occurs from inserting it backward.

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

No. Once you insert the new battery and close the back, the AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically within a few seconds. You do not need to remove it from Find My or re-pair it.

Where is the cheapest place to buy CR2032 batteries?

Prices vary by location and retailer. Drugstores and supermarkets usually charge $4 to $8 per battery, while buying a multi-pack online often costs $1 to $2 per battery. Check your local pharmacy first if you need one when ready; buying online is cheaper if you can wait a few days.

Can I replace the battery in an AirTag Pro the same way?

Apple has not released an AirTag Pro as of now. If you own a standard AirTag, the replacement process described here applies. Check your device to confirm it is a standard AirTag before following these steps.