Air Tags don't need charging — they use a replaceable battery instead

Apple Air Tags run on a standard CR2032 coin-cell battery that lasts about a year under normal use. You don't plug them in, charge them wirelessly, or connect them to power. When the battery runs out, you pop off the back cover and swap in a fresh CR2032 battery, which costs a few dollars at any pharmacy or electronics store.

This design is intentional. Air Tags are meant to stay attached to your keys, bag, or wallet for months without any maintenance. A rechargeable battery would add weight, bulk, and the need to remember to charge another device. The trade-off is that you'll replace the battery once a year instead of never thinking about power again.

Apple will send you a notification on your phone when the battery is running low, so you won't wake up one day with a dead tracker. You have time to grab a replacement battery before it stops working.

Key Takeaways

  • Air Tags use a CR2032 coin-cell battery that lasts approximately one year and cannot be recharged.
  • When the battery dies, you remove the back cover by twisting it and insert a new CR2032 battery, which costs between $3 and $8.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, giving you a window to replace it before the tracker stops working.
  • CR2032 batteries are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, electronics retailers, and online — you don't need to order a special Apple part.

How to replace the battery when it dies

Replacing an Air Tag battery takes less than a minute and requires no tools. Hold the Air Tag in your hand with the metal side facing up. Press down on the white plastic back cover and twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it stops. The cover will pop off in your hand.

Remove the old battery and note which side was facing up — the positive side is usually marked with a + symbol. Drop the new CR2032 battery in with the positive side facing up, just like the old one was positioned. Press the cover back on and twist it clockwise until you hear a click. That's it.

If you're not sure which way the battery goes, look at the inside of the cover — it's usually marked. The Air Tag will work immediately once the cover is sealed. Your phone may take a few seconds to recognize that the battery is back, but you'll see the status update in the Find My app.

Where to buy replacement CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common battery types in the world, so you have many options. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the health and beauty section or near the checkout counter. Grocery stores often carry them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all sell them in person and online.

Amazon and other online retailers sell them in bulk packs, which is cheaper per battery if you own multiple Air Tags or other devices that use CR2032s. A single battery typically costs $3 to $5 in a store, while a pack of 10 online might cost $8 to $12 total. Check the expiration date on the package — batteries do expire, though they last for years on the shelf.

You do not need to buy Apple-branded batteries. Any CR2032 battery from any brand works fine in an Air Tag. Some people buy them in bulk and keep a few in a drawer so they're ready when the notification comes.

How you'll know when the battery is low

Open the Find My app on your iPhone and tap the Items tab at the bottom. Select the Air Tag you want to check. If the battery is low, you'll see a battery icon with a warning symbol next to the Air Tag's name. The app will also send you a notification on your phone saying the battery needs to be replaced.

You typically get this warning when the battery has a few weeks of life left, not when it's completely dead. This gives you time to order batteries online or pick some up at a store without your Air Tag going offline in the meantime. If you ignore the warning and the battery dies completely, the Air Tag will stop sending location updates until you replace it.

What happens if you leave a dead Air Tag in your bag

A dead Air Tag is just a piece of plastic and metal — it won't hurt anything. It won't drain other devices, overheat, or cause problems. It simply stops working. If you're traveling or away from home when the battery dies, you can replace it whenever you get back, and it will start working again immediately.

The only real downside is that you lose tracking for that item until the battery is replaced. If you have multiple Air Tags, a dead one won't affect the others. If you want to keep an Air Tag in your car or a bag you don't use often, you might want to replace the battery every 11 months instead of waiting for the warning, just to be safe.

Comparing Air Tags to other tracking devices

Most other Bluetooth trackers on the market — like Tile, Samsung SmartTags, and Chipolo — also use replaceable coin-cell batteries. Some Tile models use rechargeable batteries, but they're bulkier and need charging every few months. The trade-off between Air Tags and rechargeable trackers is simplicity versus convenience: Air Tags are smaller and lighter because they don't carry a rechargeable battery and charging circuit.

If you strongly prefer never replacing a battery, rechargeable trackers exist, but they're larger and heavier. Most people find that replacing a battery once a year is a small price for having a tracker the size of a coin that fits on a keychain. The battery cost over a year is less than $5, which is negligible compared to the cost of the Air Tag itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery size in an Air Tag?

No. Air Tags are designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Using a different size or type of battery will not fit in the slot, and forcing it could damage the device. Stick with CR2032 — it's the only battery that works.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an Air Tag?

Most people get about one year of normal use from a single CR2032 battery. The exact time depends on how often the Air Tag is pinged for location updates. If you use Find My frequently, the battery may drain faster. If the Air Tag sits in a drawer, it will last longer.

What if I lose the back cover?

The back cover is replaceable. You can order a replacement from Apple or find third-party covers online. Without the cover, the battery will fall out and the Air Tag won't work. A replacement cover costs a few dollars.

Do I need to do anything special when storing an Air Tag for months?

No. You can leave an Air Tag in a drawer with the battery inside for months or years, and it will work fine when you need it again. The battery will slowly drain even when the Air Tag isn't being used, but the drain is minimal. Just replace the battery when you get the low-battery warning.

Can I recycle old CR2032 batteries?

Yes. Most electronics stores and pharmacies have battery recycling programs. Some accept batteries for free at the customer service desk. You can also check Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a recycling location near you. Do not throw batteries in the trash.