AirTags use replaceable batteries, not rechargeable ones

You do not charge an AirTag. Instead, it uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you replace when it runs out — the same type of battery in watches, calculators, and hearing aids. Apple designed it this way deliberately: a rechargeable battery would add weight, bulk, and complexity to a device meant to slip into a wallet or keychain.

The battery typically lasts about a year under normal use. When it dies, you pop off the back cover, swap in a new CR2032 (which costs a few dollars), and you are done. Your AirTag will notify you on your iPhone when the battery is low, giving you time to grab a replacement before it stops working.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that you replace yourself, not a rechargeable battery you plug in.
  • A single battery typically lasts about one year of normal use before you need to replace it.
  • Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely.
  • Replacement CR2032 batteries cost between two and five dollars and are sold at most pharmacies, electronics stores, and online retailers.
  • Removing and replacing the battery takes less than a minute and requires no tools.

How to replace an AirTag battery

Hold the AirTag with the white side facing up. Press down on the stainless steel back cover and twist it counterclockwise until it stops — you will feel it loosen. Lift the cover off. The battery sits in a small metal holder; tip the AirTag gently so the battery slides out into your hand.

Insert the new CR2032 battery with the positive side (the side marked with a plus sign or the shiny side) facing up. Replace the cover by aligning it with the grooves on the AirTag body, pressing down, and twisting clockwise until it clicks. Your AirTag will chime and vibrate to confirm the battery is installed correctly.

Where to buy replacement batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common battery types in the world. You can find them at pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), grocery stores, electronics retailers (Best Buy, Micro Center), dollar stores, and online (Amazon, eBay, Walmart). A pack of two or four batteries usually costs between two and five dollars.

Buy a name-brand battery or a store brand from a major retailer — Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, and most store brands work fine. Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sellers on third-party marketplaces, as they may not hold a full charge or may leak inside your AirTag.

How long the battery actually lasts

Apple states that an AirTag battery lasts about one year. In practice, this depends on how often your AirTag is actively searching for your item. If you use the Find My app frequently to locate your keys or bag, the battery will drain faster. If your AirTag sits mostly dormant and you rarely trigger a search, it may last longer than a year.

The battery also drains slightly faster in cold weather, since chemical reactions inside batteries slow down at lower temperatures. If you leave an AirTag in a car during winter, you might notice the battery depletes a bit quicker than expected.

What happens when the battery dies

When the battery is completely dead, your AirTag stops transmitting its location to the Find My network. It will no longer appear in the Find My app, and you will not be able to play a sound on it to locate it. The AirTag itself is not damaged — it will work perfectly once you install a fresh battery.

Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, typically a few weeks before it dies. This gives you time to buy a replacement battery and swap it in before the AirTag goes silent. If you ignore the notification and the battery dies, you will know immediately because the AirTag will vanish from your Find My app.

Why Apple chose a replaceable battery

A rechargeable battery would require a charging port, a charging cable, and internal charging circuitry — all of which would make the AirTag thicker and heavier. The CR2032 approach keeps the AirTag slim enough to fit in a wallet and light enough that you barely notice it in a pocket. It also means you never have to remember to charge it or worry about it dying at an inconvenient moment.

The tradeoff is that you have to buy and replace batteries periodically. For most people, buying a battery once a year is a small price for a device that never needs charging and never loses battery while sitting unused.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Rechargeable CR2032 batteries have a lower voltage than standard ones and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with standard alkaline CR2032 batteries for the best performance.

What if I lose the back cover when I replace the battery?

Apple sells replacement backs for about twelve dollars. You can order one from Apple's website or visit an Apple Store. In the meantime, the AirTag will still work without the cover, though it is more exposed to damage and moisture.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes. The process is simple and safe — there are no sharp edges, no electrical shock risk, and no special tools needed. Just make sure the positive side of the battery faces up when you insert it, and you will be fine.

Do AirTags come with a battery already installed?

Yes. New AirTags ship with a CR2032 battery already inside and ready to use. You do not need to install a battery before using it for the first time.