AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin battery that you can replace yourself in under a minute
The battery in an AirTag lasts about a year with normal use. When it dies, you do not need to buy a new AirTag—you straightforward swap out the old CR2032 battery for a fresh one. The whole process takes less than a minute and requires no tools.
Apple sells replacement CR2032 batteries, but you can also buy them from pharmacies, supermarkets, electronics stores, or online retailers. They cost between $3 and $8 depending on where you shop and whether you buy a single battery or a pack.
Key Takeaways
- AirTags use a CR2032 coin battery that lasts roughly one year before needing replacement.
- You can buy CR2032 batteries at most drugstores, supermarkets, and electronics retailers for $3 to $8.
- The battery compartment opens by pressing down on the stainless steel back and twisting counterclockwise until it stops.
- The positive side of the new battery faces up when you insert it into the AirTag.
What you need before you start
You need only one thing: a CR2032 battery. This is a flat, round coin battery about the size of a dime. You do not need a screwdriver, wrench, or any other tool—the AirTag is designed to open by hand.
If you do not have a CR2032 on hand, check your local pharmacy or supermarket first. Most carry them in the battery aisle or near the checkout counter. If you prefer to order online, they ship quickly and are inexpensive enough that buying a multipack makes sense if you own several AirTags.
How to open the battery compartment
Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up and the stainless steel back facing down. Press down firmly on the steel back with your thumb or finger. You should feel it click slightly as you press.
While pressing down, twist the steel back counterclockwise (the same direction you would turn to loosen a jar lid). Turn it only until it stops—usually a quarter turn or less. Do not force it. The back should separate from the plastic body once you have twisted it far enough.
Set the steel back aside in a safe place where you will not lose it. You will need to put it back on after you install the new battery.
Removing the old battery and installing the new one
Once the back is off, you will see the old CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal cup. It may still be loose, or it may stick slightly to the cup. Gently pry it out with your fingernail or the edge of a coin if it does not come free easily.
Take your new CR2032 battery and check which side is marked with a plus sign (+). That is the positive side. Place the battery into the cup with the positive side facing up toward you. The negative side should face down into the cup. The battery should sit flat and level in the compartment.
Do not force the battery down. It should rest naturally in the cup without pressure. If it does not sit flat, remove it and check that you have the correct side facing up.
Closing the AirTag and testing it
Once the new battery is in place, pick up the steel back. Align it with the plastic body so the seam lines up. Press down gently and twist clockwise (the opposite direction from when you opened it) until you feel it click and stop. The back should be snug but not so tight that you have to strain to close it.
After you close the AirTag, open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Tap Items and select the AirTag you just replaced the battery in. If the battery was truly dead, the AirTag should now show as connected again within a few seconds to a minute. If it was just low, it will show a full battery status.
If the AirTag does not appear in Find My after a few minutes, try opening and closing the back again to make sure it is seated properly. A loose connection between the battery and the cup can prevent the AirTag from powering on.
Where to buy CR2032 batteries
CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin batteries made, so you have many options for where to buy them. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the battery section. Supermarkets including Walmart and Target carry them. Electronics retailers like Best Buy have them in stock. Online, Amazon and other retailers sell them in single units or multipacks.
Prices vary slightly by retailer and quantity. A single battery usually costs $4 to $8. A multipack of four to eight batteries costs $5 to $12 total, which works out cheaper per battery if you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use CR2032s. Apple also sells them directly through their website and in Apple Stores, though they are typically more expensive than other retailers.
Signs your AirTag battery is dying
Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is low, usually when it has a few weeks of life left. The notification appears in the Find My app and on your lock screen. This gives you time to buy a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working entirely.
If you miss the notification, the AirTag will straightforward stop responding in Find My. It will not send location updates, and you will not be able to play a sound on it to find it. Once you replace the battery, it will reconnect to Find My within a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of battery instead of CR2032?
No. The AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Using a different battery type could damage the AirTag or cause it to malfunction. CR2032 batteries are inexpensive and widely available, so there is no reason to substitute.
What do 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. Take the old battery to a store that accepts battery recycling, or check your local waste management website for a drop-off location near you.
How long does a new battery last in an AirTag?
A fresh CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag with normal use. Heavy use—such as playing the sound frequently or checking the location constantly—may shorten battery life. Light use may extend it slightly beyond a year.
What if the AirTag still does not work after I replace the battery?
First, make sure the battery is inserted with the positive side facing up and that the back is closed tightly. If it still does not work, try removing the battery, waiting 30 seconds, and reinserting it. If the AirTag remains unresponsive after that, the device itself may be damaged and you may need to contact Apple Support.
Is it safe to replace the battery myself?
Yes. The AirTag battery compartment is designed for user replacement and contains no hazardous materials beyond the battery itself. There are no sharp edges, springs, or small parts that can be lost. Just avoid dropping the battery or the steel back, and keep the battery away from children and pets.