The battery in an AirTag lasts about a year and is designed to be replaced by you at home

Apple AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can swap out yourself in about 30 seconds. You do not need tools, a technician, or a trip to Apple. The battery costs between $3 and $8 depending on where you buy it, and the replacement process is straightforward enough that anyone can do it.

Your iPhone will alert you when the battery is running low—you'll see a notification that says the battery needs to be replaced. You can also check the battery status manually by opening the Find My app, tapping the Items tab, selecting your AirTag, and looking at the battery percentage shown there.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells that last roughly one year under normal use.
  • You can replace the battery yourself by twisting the back cover counterclockwise and lifting it off.
  • Buy a CR2032 battery from any pharmacy, grocery store, electronics retailer, or online—they are inexpensive and widely available.
  • After inserting the new battery, twist the cover back on clockwise until you hear or feel a click.
  • Your iPhone will confirm the replacement worked when it reconnects to the AirTag within a few minutes.

What you need before you start

Gather a CR2032 battery before you begin. These are standard batteries sold in the pharmacy or electronics section of most drugstores, supermarkets, and big-box retailers. You can also order them online. Make sure the package says CR2032—that is the only size that fits an AirTag.

You do not need a screwdriver, coin, or any other tool. The AirTag is designed to open by hand. If you find it difficult to grip, a soft cloth or rubber band wrapped around the back cover can give you better traction, but this is optional.

Steps to replace the battery

Step 1: Locate the back cover. Hold the AirTag with the white side facing you. The back is the metallic side with the Apple logo. This is the part you will open.

Step 2: Twist the cover counterclockwise. Place your thumb or fingers on the metal back and turn it to the left. You only need to turn it about a quarter turn—roughly 90 degrees. You will feel it loosen. Do not force it; if it is stuck, try wrapping a cloth around it for grip.

Step 3: Lift off the cover. Once it has turned, the back cover will lift away from the white plastic body. Set it aside somewhere safe.

Step 4: Remove the old battery. Inside you will see the CR2032 battery sitting in a small metal holder. It is silver and round. Gently lift it out or tip the AirTag so it slides into your hand. There is no adhesive holding it in place.

Step 5: Insert the new battery. Place the new CR2032 battery into the same holder with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up toward you. It should sit flat and snug in the metal holder.

Step 6: Replace the cover. Line up the metal back with the white body and twist it clockwise (to the right) until you hear or feel a click. This usually takes a quarter turn. The cover should be flush with the body when it is seated correctly.

How to know the replacement worked

Open the Find My app on your iPhone within a few minutes of replacing the battery. Tap Items, select your AirTag, and check the battery percentage. It should now show 100 percent. If it does not update right away, wait a minute or two and refresh the screen.

You may also see a notification on your iPhone confirming that the AirTag is back online. If the battery percentage still shows low or the AirTag does not appear in Find My, the battery may not be seated correctly. Open the cover again, remove the battery, and reinsert it, making sure the positive side faces up.

Troubleshooting a stuck or difficult cover

If the back cover is hard to turn, do not force it. Wrap a soft cloth, rubber band, or paper towel around the metal back to improve your grip, then try again. Turn slowly and steadily rather than with a sudden jerk.

If the cover still will not budge after several attempts, stop and let it sit for a few hours. Sometimes the metal and plastic can stick slightly, and waiting allows them to settle. Try again with fresh grip and patience. If it remains stuck after this, contact Apple Support—forcing it could damage the AirTag.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Check the pharmacy or health and beauty section of any drugstore or supermarket. Electronics retailers like Best Buy stock them. Walmart, Target, and similar stores carry them in the electronics or pharmacy aisles. Online options include Amazon, eBay, and the websites of drugstore chains.

Prices vary slightly, but a single CR2032 battery usually costs between $3 and $8. Buying a pack of two or four is often cheaper per battery than buying one. Brand does not matter much—any CR2032 will work in your AirTag.

How often you will need to replace the battery

Under normal use, a CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag. If you use your AirTag constantly—checking its location multiple times a day or keeping it in a noisy environment where it is broadcasting frequently—the battery may drain faster. If you use it rarely, it may last longer.

Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to buy a replacement battery and swap it out before the AirTag stops working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of battery in my AirTag?

No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Using a different size or type will not fit, and forcing a different battery could damage the device. Stick with CR2032.

What do I do with the old battery?

Take it to a battery recycling program. Many drugstores and electronics retailers accept used batteries for recycling at no cost. You can also check Earth911.com or call your local waste management office to find a recycling location near you.

Will replacing the battery erase my AirTag or reset it?

No. Replacing the battery does not erase any data or settings. Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone automatically once the new battery is in place, and it will work exactly as it did before.

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

Make sure the battery is inserted with the positive side facing up. If it is, remove it and reinsert it. If the AirTag still does not appear in Find My after a few minutes, restart your iPhone and try again. If it remains unresponsive, the AirTag itself may have a hardware issue—contact Apple Support.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself, or should I go to Apple?

It is completely safe to replace the battery yourself. Apple designed AirTags specifically so users can do this at home without tools or special knowledge. You do not need to visit an Apple Store unless something goes wrong during the process.