AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you replace yourself

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

A fresh 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, which varies based on whether you are actively using Find My and how far away the AirTag is from your iPhone.

CR2032 batteries cost between $3 and $8 for a pack of several, and you can buy them at any pharmacy, grocery store, hardware store, or online. They are not proprietary to Apple — any CR2032 will work.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags hold one CR2032 coin cell battery that you replace by hand when it dies, not by plugging in a charger.
  • A single battery lasts about one year, though actual life depends on how often the AirTag communicates with your iPhone.
  • CR2032 batteries are inexpensive and widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, giving you time to buy a replacement before it dies completely.

How to replace the battery in your AirTag

Open the AirTag by pressing down on the stainless steel back and twisting it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. The back will pop off, and you will see the battery sitting in a small metal holder. Lift out the old battery — it may stick slightly, so use your fingernail or a plastic tool if needed.

Drop the new CR2032 battery into the holder with the flat side facing up (the positive side should face you). Press the back onto the AirTag and twist it clockwise until it clicks and sits flush. Your iPhone will recognize the new battery within a few seconds and show a full charge in the Find My app.

Do not force the back on or off — if it does not turn easily, you are likely twisting the wrong direction. The motion should feel smooth and require only light pressure.

When your iPhone tells you the battery is low

Your iPhone sends a notification when the AirTag battery drops to about 10 percent. This gives you a week or two to buy a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working. You do not have to replace it immediately — the AirTag will continue to work for a short time after the warning, but eventually it will go silent.

If an AirTag battery dies completely, it simply stops sending location signals. It will not damage the AirTag itself. Once you install a new battery, it works exactly as before.

Why AirTags use replaceable batteries instead of rechargeable ones

Apple chose a replaceable battery design because it keeps AirTags thin, lightweight, and inexpensive. A rechargeable battery would require a charging port or wireless charging coil, which would make the AirTag thicker and more expensive to manufacture. It would also add another thing that could break or fail.

The CR2032 design also means you are never stuck with a dead AirTag that needs to charge for hours. You simply swap in a fresh battery and keep going. For a device you might attach to a keychain or slip into a bag, this is more practical than managing another rechargeable gadget.

Storing spare batteries safely

Keep CR2032 batteries in a cool, dry place away from metal objects. Do not store them loose in a drawer where they might touch coins or keys — this can create a short circuit and drain the battery. A small plastic container or the original packaging works well.

Keep batteries out of reach of small children and pets. CR2032 batteries are small enough to swallow and can cause serious injury if ingested. If someone swallows a battery, call Poison Control or emergency services immediately.

What to do if your AirTag battery drains faster than expected

If a battery dies in just a few weeks instead of a year, the most common cause is a defective battery. Try replacing it with a different CR2032 from a different pack or brand. If the new battery also drains quickly, the problem may be with the AirTag itself.

Battery drain can also speed up if you use Find My constantly or if the AirTag is far from any Apple devices and searching for a connection. In normal use — attached to a set of keys or a bag that stays near your iPhone — you should see a full year of battery life.

If you believe your AirTag is defective, contact Apple Support with the serial number (printed inside the battery compartment) and the date you purchased it. AirTags come with a one-year warranty that covers battery and hardware defects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they output slightly lower voltage than standard alkaline CR2032 batteries. Some users report that AirTags work with them, but Apple does not recommend or test them. Stick with standard alkaline CR2032 batteries to avoid potential issues.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

If you insert the battery with the flat side facing down instead of up, the AirTag simply will not power on. You will not damage anything. Open it back up, flip the battery over, and close it again. The AirTag will work normally once the battery is in the correct direction.

Do I need to do anything special when I first open a new AirTag?

No. AirTags ship with the battery already installed and ready to use. When you unbox it, the battery is already inside. You only need to replace it when the old one dies, which takes about a year.

Can I buy AirTag batteries directly from Apple?

Apple does not sell CR2032 batteries separately. Since they are standard batteries used in many devices, you can buy them anywhere — pharmacies, grocery stores, electronics retailers, and online. Any brand of CR2032 works in an AirTag.

Will my AirTag work if the battery is partially dead?

Yes, an AirTag continues to work as the battery drains. You will get a low battery warning when it reaches about 10 percent, but the AirTag keeps sending location updates until the battery is completely empty. Once it dies, it stops working until you replace the battery.