AirTags run on a replaceable battery, not a rechargeable one

An AirTag does not need to be charged. Instead, it uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery — the same type found in watches, calculators, and hearing aids. When the battery runs low, you replace it with a new one rather than plugging the AirTag in to recharge.

A single CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year of normal use. Apple's AirTag will notify you through the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad when the battery is getting low, usually giving you a few weeks' warning before it dies completely. The notification appears as an alert in the Find My app and on the AirTag's detail page.

Replacing the battery takes about 30 seconds. You twist the stainless steel back of the AirTag counterclockwise until it pops off, remove the old battery, drop in a new CR2032, and twist the back on again. The whole device is designed to be opened this way — there are no tools needed and no risk of damaging it during the swap.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery that lasts roughly one year before needing replacement.
  • The Find My app sends you a notification when the battery is running low, typically several weeks before it dies.
  • You can replace the battery yourself in seconds by twisting off the back of the AirTag and swapping in a new CR2032.
  • CR2032 batteries are inexpensive and widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.

Why Apple chose a replaceable battery instead of a rechargeable one

A rechargeable battery would require the AirTag to have a charging port, which would add bulk, weight, and potential points of failure. The device is designed to be as small and durable as possible — roughly the size of a large coin and light enough to attach to a keychain without being noticed. Adding a USB-C port or wireless charging coil would make it noticeably thicker.

Rechargeable batteries also degrade over time. After a year or two of regular charging cycles, a rechargeable battery holds less charge than it did when new. A replaceable battery avoids this problem: when performance drops, you simply install a fresh one. The AirTag itself never degrades in this way.

The CR2032 battery choice also means you never have to remember to charge your AirTag. You attach it to your keys or slip it into a bag and forget about it. The only action you take is replacing the battery once a year, which takes less time than charging a phone.

How to know when your AirTag battery is low

The Find My app is your main source of battery information. Open Find My on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, tap the Items tab, select your AirTag, and look at the battery status near the top of the screen. It shows either a full battery icon or a low battery warning.

You will also receive a notification on your device when the battery drops to about 10 percent capacity. This notification appears in the Notification Center and in the Find My app itself. Apple typically sends this warning several weeks before the battery is completely dead, giving you time to pick up a replacement battery without urgency.

If an AirTag's battery dies completely, it stops transmitting its location. You will not be able to find it using Find My until you replace the battery. The AirTag itself is not damaged — it simply becomes inactive until you install a fresh CR2032.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries and what they cost

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common battery types in the world, so they are available almost everywhere. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the battery aisle. Supermarkets, hardware stores, and big-box retailers like Target and Walmart carry them. You can also order them online from Amazon or directly from battery specialty retailers.

A single CR2032 battery typically costs between $1 and $3, depending on the brand and where you buy it. Buying a multi-pack of four or eight batteries is usually cheaper per battery than buying a single one. Some people buy a small supply in advance so they have a replacement ready when the notification arrives.

Apple also sells CR2032 batteries through its website and in Apple Stores, though they are priced higher than batteries from other retailers — usually around $5 to $7 for a single battery. There is no functional difference between Apple's batteries and standard CR2032 batteries from other brands.

What happens if you lose an AirTag before the battery dies

If your AirTag is lost or stolen before the battery runs out, the Find My network continues to work. Other Apple devices in the network will detect your AirTag's Bluetooth signal and report its location to you, even if the battery is weeks away from dying. This means a lost AirTag can still help you locate your keys or bag for the full year the battery lasts.

If you find your AirTag again and want to keep using it, you can simply continue using it until the battery notification appears. There is no penalty for leaving a battery in an AirTag for longer than a year — it will just gradually lose power until it stops working.

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 voltage and capacity ratings. Using the wrong battery type could damage the AirTag or cause it to malfunction. Stick with CR2032.

How long does an AirTag battery last if I don't use it?

A CR2032 battery lasts roughly one year regardless of whether you actively use the AirTag or leave it sitting in a drawer. Batteries drain over time even when not in use. If you plan to store an AirTag for several months, you may want to remove the battery to prevent it from draining.

Will my AirTag work if the battery is low but not dead?

Yes, your AirTag will continue to work normally even after the low battery notification appears. The notification is a heads-up that you should replace the battery soon, but the AirTag remains fully functional for several more weeks. You do not need to replace it immediately.

Is there any way to extend the battery life of an AirTag?

Battery life depends mainly on how often the AirTag transmits its location. If you disable certain features or use the AirTag in a place with fewer Apple devices nearby, the battery may last slightly longer. However, the difference is minimal — most users will see roughly one year of life from a single CR2032 battery.