What You Need Before You Start
An AirTag uses one CR2032 coin cell battery, the same type found in watches, calculators, and hearing aids. You can buy a CR2032 at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for between $3 and $8 for a pack of several. The battery lasts about one year of normal use before the AirTag sends you a notification that it needs replacing.
Before you open your AirTag, gather a CR2032 battery and find a flat, clean surface to work on. You do not need any tools — the AirTag is designed to open by hand. If you have never replaced a coin cell battery before, the process takes about two minutes once you have the new battery in front of you.
Key Takeaways
- AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any pharmacy or grocery store for a few dollars.
- The battery compartment opens by pressing the stainless steel back and twisting it counterclockwise until it stops.
- Remove the old battery, drop in the new one with the positive side facing up, and twist the back clockwise until you hear a click.
- Your AirTag will chime and show a green checkmark in the Find My app when the new battery is installed correctly.
How to Open the Battery Compartment
Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing you. The stainless steel back is the part you will remove. Press down on the steel back with your thumb or finger and twist it counterclockwise — the direction opposite to a clock's hands. You only need to twist about a quarter turn; the back will stop when it has rotated as far as it will go.
Once you have twisted it, the steel back will pop off or lift away easily. Do not force it or twist harder than needed. Inside you will see the old CR2032 battery sitting in a small circular metal holder. The battery has a shiny silver side and a flat side; note which direction it is facing so you can install the new one the same way.
Removing the Old Battery and Installing the New One
Lift the old battery straight out of the holder. It should come free without resistance. If it feels stuck, wiggle it gently side to side rather than pulling straight up. Once it is out, set it aside — you do not need to keep it, though some recycling centers accept old coin cell batteries.
Take your new CR2032 battery and look at it. One side is shiny and slightly raised (the positive side); the other is flat (the negative side). Drop the new battery into the holder with the positive side facing up — toward the white plastic part of the AirTag, not toward the steel back. The battery should sit flat and level in the holder without tilting.
Closing the Battery Compartment and Checking Your Work
Once the new battery is in place, align the steel back with the white plastic body. Press it down gently and twist it clockwise — the direction a clock's hands move — until you feel it stop. You will hear or feel a small click when it has twisted all the way. Do not over-tighten; stop as soon as you feel the resistance.
Within a few seconds, your AirTag should chime — a small beeping sound. This chime tells you the battery is installed correctly and the AirTag is working. Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad, tap the Items tab, select your AirTag, and look for a green checkmark next to the battery icon. A green checkmark means the battery is good and your AirTag is ready to use.
What to Do If Your AirTag Does Not Chime
If you do not hear a chime after closing the back, the battery may not be making contact with the holder. Open the back again and check that the battery is sitting flat and level, with the positive side facing up. Sometimes a battery can tilt slightly if it is not centered. Lift it out, reposition it, and close the back again.
If you still do not hear a chime, the new battery itself may be defective — this is rare but can happen. Try a different CR2032 from a different pack or brand. If a second battery also does not work, your AirTag may have a hardware problem unrelated to the battery, and you may need to contact Apple Support or replace the AirTag.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common error is installing the battery upside down — with the flat negative side facing up instead of the positive side. If your AirTag does not chime and you have checked that the back is closed properly, open it again and flip the battery over. The positive side should always face the white plastic interior of the AirTag.
Another mistake is twisting the back too hard when closing it. The back should twist smoothly and stop on its own; if you feel strong resistance before it stops, you may have misaligned it. Open it, check that the battery is still in place and centered, and try closing it again with a gentler twist.
Do not throw away the old battery in regular trash if your area has battery recycling. Many pharmacies and electronics retailers have battery drop-off bins near the checkout. Check your local waste management website or call your city to find a nearby recycling location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of battery in my AirTag?
No. AirTags are designed specifically for CR2032 coin cell batteries. Other battery types will not fit the holder or will not power the AirTag correctly. Always use a CR2032 — it is the standard size and is inexpensive and widely available.
How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?
A CR2032 typically lasts about one year in an AirTag with normal use. The exact length depends on how often you use the Find My app to locate the AirTag and how often the AirTag sends location updates. Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low, usually a few weeks before it stops working.
What if I lost the steel back of my AirTag?
Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. They can provide a replacement back or, if the AirTag itself is damaged, discuss replacement options with you. Do not use an AirTag without the back, as the battery will fall out and the internal electronics will be exposed.
Is it safe to handle a CR2032 battery?
CR2032 batteries are safe to handle with your bare hands. Wash your hands after handling if you prefer, but there is no risk from touching the battery briefly. Do not swallow a battery or let children play with loose batteries unsupervised, as swallowing a coin cell battery can cause internal injury.
Do I need to reset my AirTag after replacing the battery?
No. Your AirTag will work when ready after you install the new battery and close the back. It will keep all its previous settings and will still be linked to your Apple ID. You do not need to open the Find My app or do anything else — the AirTag will resume normal operation on its own.