AirTags use a standard coin battery that you replace, not recharge

AirTags do not charge with a cable or wireless charger. Instead, they run on a CR2032 coin battery — the same flat, round battery you find in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. When the battery runs out, you open the AirTag, take out the old battery, and drop in a new one. The whole process takes about 30 seconds.

A single CR2032 battery lasts roughly one year in an AirTag under normal use. Apple does not publish exact battery life because it depends on how often your AirTag sends location updates — an AirTag in your backpack that moves around daily will drain faster than one sitting on a shelf. When the battery gets low, your iPhone sends you a notification.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a replaceable CR2032 coin battery, not a rechargeable one, and last about one year per battery.
  • You can buy CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for a few dollars.
  • Opening an AirTag to swap the battery takes less than a minute and requires no tools.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low, giving you time to buy a replacement before it dies.

How to replace the battery in your AirTag

Start by holding the AirTag with the polished metal side facing up. Press down on the metal back and twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn — you will feel it loosen. Lift off the metal back and set it aside.

Inside, you will see the CR2032 battery sitting in a small plastic holder. Pick it up by the edges (not the flat surfaces) and lift it out. Drop the new CR2032 battery in with the positive side facing up — the side with the number printed on it should face toward you. Press the metal back on and twist it clockwise until it clicks and sits flush.

Your AirTag will chime when the battery is seated correctly. If it does not chime, the battery may not be sitting flat. Pop the back off again, reseat the battery, and try once more.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Check the pharmacy or health section of any grocery store, drugstore, or supermarket — they usually sit near the pain relievers or first aid supplies. Walmart, Target, CVS, and Walgreens all stock them. A single battery costs between $1 and $3, and a pack of four or eight costs $4 to $8.

You can also order them online from Amazon, eBay, or the manufacturer's website. If you order online, buy a pack of extras — CR2032 batteries are cheap and you will use them in other devices too. They have a shelf life of several years when stored in a cool, dry place.

What to do when your AirTag battery is low

Your iPhone will send you a notification that says "AirTag battery is low" when the battery has about two weeks of charge left. This gives you time to buy a new battery without your AirTag going dead. If you ignore the notification and the battery dies completely, the AirTag stops sending location updates and you cannot find it until you replace the battery.

If you are away from home when you get the low-battery warning, you do not have to replace it immediately — you have time. But if you are planning a trip or know you will be relying on the AirTag soon, swap the battery right away so you do not forget.

Why AirTags do not use rechargeable batteries

Apple chose a replaceable battery over a rechargeable one because CR2032 batteries are tiny, cheap, and last longer than a rechargeable battery of the same size would. A rechargeable AirTag would need to be thicker or heavier to hold enough charge, and you would have to plug it in or place it on a charger every few weeks. The current design keeps AirTags slim and light, and you only think about the battery once a year.

Replaceable batteries also mean you are not stuck if your AirTag battery dies on a weekend or holiday — you can grab a new battery from any store within minutes instead of waiting for a charger or a replacement device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery in my AirTag?

No, use only CR2032 batteries. Other coin batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are slightly different sizes and will not fit properly or may not make good contact. Stick with CR2032 — it is the only battery designed for AirTags.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

The AirTag will not chime and will not work. If it does not chime after you close it, open it back up and flip the battery so the positive side (the side with numbers printed on it) faces up. The AirTag will chime once the battery is in the right way.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

About one year under normal use. If your AirTag moves around a lot, the battery may drain faster. If it sits in one place, it may last longer. You will get a low-battery warning before it dies completely.

Can I recharge a CR2032 battery?

No, CR2032 batteries are not designed to be recharged. Trying to recharge them can damage the battery or cause it to leak. Buy new ones — they are inexpensive and widely available.

Do I need any tools to change the AirTag battery?

No tools needed. You open it by hand with a gentle twist. If the metal back is stuck, try wrapping a small cloth around it for better grip, but you should not need to force it.