AirTags run on a replaceable battery, not a rechargeable one

You do not charge an AirTag. Instead, it uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you replace when it runs out. This is the same type of battery found in watches, calculators, and hearing aids. When your AirTag stops working, you open the back, remove the dead battery, and snap in a new one — the whole process takes about ten seconds.

Apple designed AirTags this way because the battery lasts long enough that most people replace their AirTag before the battery dies. A single CR2032 battery typically lasts around one year under normal use, which means you might only buy two or three replacement batteries over the life of owning the device.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that you replace yourself, not a rechargeable battery you plug in.
  • A single battery lasts approximately one year with typical daily use.
  • Replacement CR2032 batteries cost between $3 and $8 for a pack of multiple batteries at most retailers.
  • Your AirTag will send you a notification when the battery is low, giving you time to replace it before it dies.
  • The battery compartment is on the back of the AirTag and opens by pressing and twisting the metal ring.

How to replace the battery yourself

Open the AirTag by pressing down on the stainless steel back and twisting it counterclockwise until it stops. The back will pop off, and you will see the CR2032 battery sitting in a small circular slot. Lift out the old battery and drop in the new one with the positive side (the shiny side with the + symbol) facing up. Press the back onto the AirTag and twist clockwise until it clicks into place.

You do not need any tools. The design is intentionally simple enough that anyone can do it. If you are having trouble opening it, make sure you are pressing down while twisting — many people try to twist without applying downward pressure first.

Battery life and when you will get a warning

Under normal use — meaning you are carrying the AirTag in a bag or pocket and checking its location occasionally — the battery lasts around one year. If you use the AirTag heavily, such as attaching it to a pet that moves around constantly or using the Find My app to locate it multiple times per day, the battery may drain faster.

Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, typically when there is about two weeks of charge remaining. This gives you plenty of time to buy a replacement battery and swap it out before the AirTag stops working entirely. You can also check the battery status manually by opening the Find My app, selecting the AirTag, and looking at the battery percentage shown at the top of the screen.

Where to buy replacement batteries

CR2032 batteries are widely available because they are used in so many devices. You can find them at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, grocery stores, hardware stores like Home Depot, and online retailers including Amazon. A pack of four or eight batteries typically costs between $5 and $15, depending on the brand and retailer. Name brands like Energizer and Duracell are more expensive than generic versions, but the performance difference is minimal for this type of battery.

You do not need to buy Apple-branded batteries. Any CR2032 battery from any manufacturer will work in your AirTag. Some people buy them in bulk online to have extras on hand, since they are cheap and take up almost no space.

Why Apple chose a replaceable battery instead of rechargeable

Rechargeable batteries would require you to plug in your AirTag regularly, which defeats the purpose of a small tracking device you want to forget about. A rechargeable battery would also add thickness and weight to the AirTag, and it would eventually degrade over time like all rechargeable batteries do. By using a standard replaceable battery, Apple kept the AirTag thin, light, and simple.

The trade-off is that you have to remember to buy and replace the battery once a year. For most people, this is a small inconvenience compared to the alternative of charging the device every few weeks or dealing with a battery that loses capacity over time.

What happens if your AirTag battery dies

If the battery dies completely, the AirTag will stop communicating with your iPhone and will no longer show up in the Find My app. You will not be able to locate it or see its last known location. However, the AirTag itself is not damaged — it will work perfectly again as soon as you replace the battery.

If you have lost an AirTag and the battery dies, other people's iPhones will no longer be able to detect it either. This means a lost AirTag with a dead battery becomes essentially invisible to the Find My network.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Other coin cell batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically similar but have different voltages and capacities, and using them could damage the AirTag or cause it to malfunction.

How do I know if my AirTag battery is low?

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery reaches about 10 percent. You can also check manually by opening the Find My app, tapping the AirTag, and looking at the battery percentage displayed at the top of the details screen.

Will my AirTag still work if I replace the battery with a rechargeable CR2032?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they have a lower voltage than standard alkaline CR2032 batteries. This may cause the AirTag to malfunction or not work at all. Stick with standard alkaline CR2032 batteries for reliable performance.

What should I do with the old battery after I remove it?

Take it to a battery recycling program. Many retailers like Best Buy and Home Depot have battery recycling bins near the entrance. You can also check Earth911.com to find a recycling location near you. Do not throw batteries in the trash.