The battery in your AirTag lasts about a year, and you replace it yourself in under a minute

Your AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin battery that you can buy at any drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer for a few dollars. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. You do not need to send the AirTag anywhere or contact Apple — you simply open the back and swap in a fresh battery.

The whole process takes less than a minute and requires no tools. The battery costs between $3 and $8 depending on where you buy it and whether you buy a single battery or a pack.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 batteries, which are widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online for a few dollars each.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low, giving you time to buy a replacement before it dies.
  • You open the back of the AirTag by pressing down on the stainless steel back and twisting it counterclockwise until it comes free.
  • The battery slides out easily once the back is open, and the new one slides in the same way with the positive side facing up.

What you need before you start

You need a CR2032 battery. This is a common coin-cell battery about the size of a dime, and you can find it at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Amazon, or any pharmacy. Some grocery stores carry them in the electronics or battery aisle. A single battery costs between $3 and $8, though buying a pack of two or four is usually cheaper per battery.

You do not need any tools, screwdrivers, or special equipment. Your fingers are enough to open the AirTag and replace the battery.

Step-by-step: opening the AirTag and removing the old battery

Step 1: Hold the AirTag with the stainless steel back facing up. The back is the shiny metal side, not the white plastic side. You should be able to see a small seam where the metal back meets the plastic body.

Step 2: Press down on the metal back with your thumb. You are not trying to pry it off — just press firmly downward. You should feel a slight give as the back compresses slightly.

Step 3: While pressing down, twist the metal back counterclockwise. Rotate it about a quarter turn (roughly 90 degrees). The back will loosen and you can lift it away from the plastic body.

Step 4: Lift out the old battery. Once the back is off, you will see the battery sitting in a small circular slot. It is a flat, round disc. Slide it out toward you — it comes out easily with no resistance.

Step-by-step: installing the new battery

Step 1: Check the orientation of your new CR2032 battery. The battery has two sides: a flat positive side (marked with a + symbol) and a flat negative side (marked with a − symbol). The positive side should face up toward you when you install it.

Step 2: Slide the new battery into the slot. Place it in the same circular slot where the old battery was, with the positive side facing up. It slides in smoothly and sits flat against the bottom of the slot.

Step 3: Replace the metal back. Line up the seam on the metal back with the seam on the plastic body. Press down and twist clockwise (the opposite direction from when you opened it) until you feel it click into place. The back should be snug and not wobble.

Step 4: Wait a few seconds. Your iPhone may take a moment to recognize that the battery is now working. You should see the battery status update in the Find My app within a few seconds.

What to do if the back is stuck

If the metal back does not twist off easily, you are likely not pressing down hard enough. The back needs firm downward pressure while you twist it. Try again with more pressure on the top of the metal back.

If you still cannot open it, try wrapping a small piece of cloth or a rubber band around the metal back to improve your grip, then press and twist again. The back should never require a tool or excessive force — if it does, stop and try the cloth-and-grip method instead.

How long the new battery will last

A fresh CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag, though this varies based on how often you use the Find My app to locate the AirTag and how frequently the AirTag broadcasts its location. If you use it heavily, the battery may last eight to ten months. If you use it lightly, it may last longer than a year.

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the battery is running low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to buy a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Check the battery aisle at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, or your local grocery store. You can also order them online from Amazon, Best Buy, or the Apple Store. Buying a pack of two or four batteries is usually cheaper than buying a single battery, and having extras on hand means you will not have to rush to the store the next time a battery runs low.

Make sure the package says CR2032 — this is the only size that fits an AirTag. Other coin-cell batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 will not work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage than standard batteries and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with standard disposable CR2032 batteries for the best results.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

If you install the battery with the negative side facing up instead of the positive side, the AirTag simply will not work. Your iPhone will show no battery status. If this happens, open the back again, flip the battery over so the positive side faces up, and close it. The AirTag will start working immediately.

Do I need to reset my AirTag after changing the battery?

No. Once you install the new battery and close the back, your AirTag will start working again automatically. Your iPhone will recognize it within a few seconds and show the updated battery status in the Find My app. You do not need to unpair it or set it up again.

Can I recycle the old battery?

Yes. CR2032 batteries contain materials that can be recycled. Many drugstores and retailers that sell batteries also have battery recycling programs. You can drop off old batteries at Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's, or your local waste management facility. Do not throw batteries in the trash.

How do I know when the battery is actually dead?

Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, but if you ignore the notification, the AirTag will eventually stop broadcasting its location. You will see a "No Location Found" message in the Find My app, or the AirTag will not respond when you use the Find My app to play a sound on it. At that point, the battery is dead and needs to be replaced.