Key Takeaways
- AirTags use a replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery that lasts roughly one year of typical daily use.
- You replace the battery by twisting open the back of the AirTag, removing the old battery, and inserting a new one — no charger needed.
- Your iPhone or iPad will send you a notification when the battery is running low, giving you time to buy a replacement before it dies.
- A fresh CR2032 battery costs between $3 and $8 and is available at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
- Battery life varies based on how often you use the Find My app to locate your AirTag; heavier use drains it faster.
Why AirTags Don't Have Rechargeable Batteries
Apple chose a replaceable battery over a rechargeable one for practical reasons. A rechargeable AirTag would need to be charged regularly — probably every few weeks — which means carrying a charger or remembering to plug it in. Most people use AirTags on keys, in bags, or attached to items they don't think about daily, so a rechargeable design would be inconvenient.
The CR2032 battery is tiny, inexpensive, and widely available. It's the same type used in watches, calculators, and hearing aids, so you can find replacements almost anywhere. One battery lasts a full year, which means you might only need to replace it once or twice over the lifetime you own the AirTag.
How Long a Battery Actually Lasts
Apple states that an AirTag battery lasts approximately one year. That estimate assumes normal use — checking the Find My app occasionally and letting the AirTag sit in your bag or on your keys the rest of the time. If you live in a large area and use Find My frequently to locate your AirTag, the battery will drain faster, possibly lasting eight to ten months instead.
The battery also drains slightly faster in cold weather, since all batteries lose efficiency in low temperatures. If you store an AirTag in a freezer or leave it outside in winter, you might see shorter battery life. Once the temperature returns to normal, the battery will perform normally again.
How to Know When Your Battery Is Low
Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac will notify you when an AirTag's battery is running low. You'll see a notification in the Find My app or receive an alert on your device. Apple typically sends this warning when the battery has a few weeks of life left, so you have time to purchase a replacement before the AirTag stops working.
You can also check the battery status manually by opening the Find My app, selecting the AirTag, and looking at the battery indicator. If you see a low battery warning but ignore it, the AirTag will eventually stop communicating with the Find My network, and you won't be able to locate it until you replace the battery.
How to Replace the Battery
Replacing an AirTag battery takes less than a minute. Hold the AirTag with the stainless steel back facing up. Press down firmly on the back cover and twist it counterclockwise until it stops — you'll feel it loosen. Lift off the back cover.
Remove the old CR2032 battery and note which side was facing up (the positive side, marked with a plus sign, should face toward you). Insert the new CR2032 battery with the positive side facing up, then replace the back cover by pressing it down and twisting it clockwise until it clicks. Your AirTag will reconnect to Find My automatically within a few seconds.
Where to Buy Replacement Batteries
CR2032 batteries are sold at most drugstores, supermarkets, and big-box retailers. You'll find them in the electronics or battery aisle, often near watch batteries or hearing aid supplies. Common retailers that stock them include CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. A single battery typically costs $3 to $8, depending on the brand and retailer.
You can also order CR2032 batteries online from Amazon, eBay, or the manufacturer's website. Buying in bulk — a pack of four or eight batteries — usually costs less per battery than buying a single one. Since you'll only need one battery per year per AirTag, buying a small pack means you'll have spares on hand and won't need to make a store trip when the battery dies.
What Happens If You Don't Replace the Battery
If you ignore the low battery warning and the battery dies completely, your AirTag will stop working. It won't connect to the Find My network, so you won't be able to locate it using your iPhone or see its location on a map. The AirTag itself isn't damaged — it will work perfectly once you install a fresh battery.
If you lose track of an AirTag with a dead battery, you can still find it by using the Find My app to play a sound on it, but only if it's within Bluetooth range of your device (roughly 30 feet). Once the battery is replaced, the AirTag will reconnect to Find My and you'll be able to locate it again from anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge an AirTag with a wireless charger or USB cable?
No. AirTags don't have charging ports or wireless charging capability. They only work with a replaceable CR2032 battery. There's no way to charge them — you must physically swap out the old battery for a new one.
Do all CR2032 batteries work in an AirTag?
Yes, any standard CR2032 coin cell battery will work. You don't need Apple-branded batteries or any special version. Duracell, Energizer, Amazon Basics, and store brands all work equally well. The only thing that matters is that it's a CR2032 and it's fresh.
What if I lose my AirTag before the battery dies?
If your AirTag is lost and the battery is still good, you can use Find My to locate it or play a sound on it. If someone else finds it, they can hold it near an iPhone to see your contact information. The battery status doesn't affect this — only a completely dead battery prevents the AirTag from working at all.
Is it normal for an AirTag battery to drain faster than one year?
It depends on your usage. If you check Find My multiple times a day or live in a very large area where the AirTag is constantly searching for a connection, the battery may last eight to ten months instead of a full year. Normal use — checking Find My a few times a week — should get you close to the one-year estimate.