Yes, you can replace an AirTag battery yourself in about 30 seconds

AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for $3 to $8. Apple designed the AirTag specifically so you can swap the battery without tools or special knowledge — you just press, twist, and lift. The battery typically lasts about a year of normal use, though that varies based on how often your AirTag sends location updates.

When your AirTag battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. You do not have to wait for that alert to replace it; you can check the battery level anytime by opening the Find My app and tapping the AirTag's name.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, sold at pharmacies and online for a few dollars, and last roughly one year before needing replacement.
  • You can replace the battery yourself by pressing the stainless steel back, twisting counterclockwise until it stops, and lifting the cover off.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, but you can check the level anytime in the Find My app.
  • If your AirTag stops working after battery replacement, remove it from Find My, wait a few seconds, and add it back to reconnect it.

How to physically replace the battery

Hold the AirTag with the stainless steel back facing up. Place your thumb on the steel back and press down firmly — you will feel resistance. While pressing, twist the back counterclockwise (the direction opposite to a clock's hands) until it stops. You should hear or feel a small click when it reaches the end of the twist.

Lift the steel back away from the plastic body. The CR2032 battery will be sitting in a small metal holder inside. Lift the battery out by its edge — do not touch the flat sides with your fingers, as oils from your skin can interfere with the connection. Drop the new CR2032 battery into the holder with the flat side facing up (the side with the plus sign should face toward you). Press the steel back down onto the plastic body and twist clockwise until it clicks into place.

Your AirTag should reconnect to your iPhone within a few seconds. If it does not, open Find My, tap the AirTag's name, scroll down, and tap "Remove Item." Wait five seconds, then tap "Add Item" and scan the setup code on the back of the AirTag to reconnect it.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin cell types and are stocked at nearly every pharmacy, grocery store, and drugstore. Walgreens, CVS, Target, and Walmart all carry them in the battery aisle. You can also order them online from Amazon, Best Buy, or directly from Apple's website. Prices range from $3 to $8 per battery depending on the brand and quantity — buying a multi-pack is usually cheaper per battery than buying a single one.

Any CR2032 will work in an AirTag; you do not need an Apple-branded battery. Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, and store brands all function identically. Some people buy a few extra batteries at once so they have them on hand when the AirTag notification arrives.

How long AirTag batteries actually last

Apple states that an AirTag battery lasts "about one year," but the real lifespan depends on how often the AirTag communicates. An AirTag that stays in one place (like a house key on a shelf) uses far less battery than one that travels with you daily. An AirTag in a frequently-used backpack or car will drain faster than one in a rarely-moved item.

The battery also drains slightly faster if you have Precision Finding turned on, which uses your iPhone's ultra-wideband chip to locate the AirTag at close range. Turning off Precision Finding in the Find My app can extend battery life by a few weeks, though most people leave it on for the added convenience.

What to do if your AirTag stops working after battery replacement

If you replaced the battery but the AirTag no longer appears in Find My or shows as unreachable, the most common cause is that the battery is not making proper contact with the metal connectors inside. Remove the steel back, lift out the battery, and inspect both the battery and the metal holder for dirt, dust, or corrosion. Wipe the battery gently with a dry cloth and reinsert it, making sure it sits flat in the holder.

If that does not work, the AirTag may have lost its connection to your account. Open Find My, tap the AirTag's name, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Remove Item." Wait five seconds, then tap "Add Item" and hold your iPhone near the AirTag to scan the setup code printed on the back. This re-pairs the AirTag to your account and usually resolves the problem.

In rare cases, the battery contacts inside the AirTag can corrode or the plastic body can crack, preventing the battery from making contact. If the AirTag still does not work after trying a new battery and re-pairing, you may need to replace the entire AirTag. Apple offers a mail-in replacement service, though it typically costs $29 to $39.

Disposing of old AirTag batteries safely

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not be thrown in the trash. Most pharmacies and retailers that sell batteries also accept old batteries for recycling — ask at the customer service desk. Best Buy, Walgreens, CVS, and Home Depot all run battery recycling programs. You can also search for a local battery recycling location at Call2Recycle.org by entering your zip code.

If you have only one or two old batteries, storing them in a cool, dry place until you have a few more is safe. Keep them away from metal objects that could short-circuit them, and do not store them in a hot car or direct sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AirTags are designed only for CR2032 coin cell batteries. Other battery types will not fit in the holder or will not provide the correct voltage. Always use a CR2032, regardless of the brand.

Does Apple replace AirTag batteries for free?

No. Apple does not offer a battery replacement service. You must replace the battery yourself, which takes about 30 seconds and costs a few dollars. If the AirTag itself is damaged and will not work even with a new battery, Apple can replace the entire device for a fee.

What if I lose the steel back cover while replacing the battery?

The steel back is not easily replaceable as a separate part. If you lose it, you can contact Apple Support to order a replacement back cover, though availability varies. In the meantime, the AirTag will still function without the back cover, though it will not be water-resistant.

How do I know if my AirTag battery is actually dead?

Open Find My, tap the AirTag's name, and look at the battery percentage shown near the top of the screen. If it shows 0%, the battery is dead. Your iPhone will also send you a notification when the battery drops to a low level, typically around 10%.

Can I replace the battery while the AirTag is still attached to my keys or bag?

Yes. You do not need to remove the AirTag from whatever it is attached to. Just hold it steady, press and twist the back as described, and replace the battery. The AirTag will continue to work normally once the new battery is in place.