Open the AirTag and Remove the Old Battery

The battery in an Apple AirTag is a standard CR2032 coin cell that lasts about one year with normal use. To replace it, hold the AirTag with the polished stainless steel side facing up. Press down firmly on the metal back cover and twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it stops — you will feel it loosen. The cover will not fall off; it stays attached, but it rotates enough to expose the battery compartment.

Once the cover has rotated, lift it away from the plastic housing. You will see the CR2032 battery sitting in a small circular slot. The battery has a silver side facing up and a flat metal contact underneath. Gently pry the battery out using your fingernail or a plastic tool — a credit card edge works well. Do not use a sharp metal object, as it can scratch the interior or damage the contact points.

Key Takeaways

  • The AirTag uses a CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for a few dollars.
  • Press and twist the metal back cover counterclockwise to open the battery compartment; it rotates only a quarter turn.
  • Insert the new battery with the silver side facing up, then rotate the cover clockwise until it clicks and sits flush.
  • Your AirTag will show a low battery notification on your iPhone about a week before the battery dies, giving you time to plan the replacement.

Insert the New CR2032 Battery

Before you install the new battery, check that you have a genuine CR2032 — the numbers and letters are printed on the silver side. Place the new battery into the slot with the silver side facing up, just as the old one was positioned. The battery should sit flat and level in the compartment with no tilting or gaps.

Once the battery is seated, rotate the metal back cover clockwise until it stops and sits flush with the plastic housing. You will hear or feel a small click when it locks into place. The cover should not wobble or spin freely; if it does, remove it and check that the battery is sitting flat in the slot, then try again.

Verify the Battery Is Working

Open the Find My app on your iPhone and look for your AirTag in the Devices tab. If the battery replacement was successful, the AirTag will show a full or nearly full battery indicator within a few seconds. If it still shows low battery or no battery, remove the cover again and check that the silver side of the battery is facing up and the battery is making full contact with the metal slot.

You may also hear a small chime or feel a vibration from your iPhone when the AirTag reconnects after the battery is replaced. This is normal and confirms the device is working. If the AirTag does not appear in Find My or the battery indicator does not update after a minute, the battery may not be making proper contact — remove the cover, reseat the battery, and try again.

Where to Buy a Replacement CR2032 Battery

CR2032 batteries are sold at most pharmacies, supermarkets, and drugstores in the watch or electronics section. Common retailers include CVS, Walgreens, Target, and Walmart. You can also order them online from Amazon, eBay, or directly from battery manufacturers. A single battery costs between two and five dollars; multipacks of four or more are usually cheaper per battery if you have other devices that use CR2032 cells.

When you buy a replacement, check the expiration date on the packaging — batteries have a shelf life of several years, but older stock may not last as long once installed. Any brand of CR2032 will work in an AirTag; you do not need an Apple-branded battery. Some people keep a spare CR2032 on hand so they can replace the battery when ready when the low battery warning appears.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most frequent error is inserting the battery upside down — the silver side must face up toward the open compartment, and the flat metal side must face down toward the contact. If the battery is reversed, the AirTag will not recognize it and will continue to show low or no battery. If this happens, remove the cover and flip the battery over.

Another common mistake is not rotating the cover far enough. A quarter turn is all that is needed; if you try to force it further, you risk stripping the threads or cracking the plastic. If the cover feels stuck, stop and try rotating it the other direction — you may have turned it clockwise instead of counterclockwise. Do not pry the cover with excessive force; a gentle quarter-turn rotation is the correct technique.

Some people also use sharp metal tools like tweezers or screwdrivers to remove the battery, which can scratch the interior contacts and prevent the new battery from making good electrical contact. A plastic tool, your fingernail, or a soft plastic spoon edge is safer and works just as well.

How Often You Will Need to Replace the Battery

Apple states that the CR2032 battery lasts about one year under normal use. The actual lifespan depends on how often your AirTag is actively tracking — an AirTag in a frequently-used backpack will drain faster than one in a desk drawer. Your iPhone will send you a notification about one week before the battery is expected to die, which gives you time to pick up a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working.

Once you replace the battery, the Find My app will reset the battery indicator to full. You can then expect another year of use before the next replacement is needed. Keeping track of when you last replaced the battery helps you anticipate the next replacement — many people mark it on a calendar or set a phone reminder for eleven months after installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 coin cells. Other battery types like CR2025 or CR2016 will not fit properly or make electrical contact. Always use a CR2032 to avoid damaging the battery compartment or leaving your AirTag non-functional.

What should I do with the old battery?

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not be thrown in the trash. Most pharmacies and electronics retailers have battery recycling programs — ask at the customer service desk. You can also check Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a recycling location near you.

Will replacing the battery erase my AirTag data or settings?

No. Replacing the battery does not erase any data, names, or settings associated with your AirTag. Once you install the new battery and the AirTag reconnects to Find My, everything will be exactly as it was before.

What if my AirTag still does not work after I replace the battery?

First, remove the cover and check that the battery is seated flat with the silver side facing up. If the battery is positioned correctly and the AirTag still does not appear in Find My after five minutes, the device may have a hardware issue unrelated to the battery. Contact Apple Support for further troubleshooting.

Can I replace the battery while the AirTag is still attached to my keys or bag?

Yes. You do not need to remove the AirTag from your keychain or bag to replace the battery. The battery compartment is accessible without detaching the AirTag from anything else.