The battery in your AirTag lasts about a year, and you replace it yourself by twisting off the back and swapping in a new CR2032 coin cell battery — the same kind used in watches and calculators.

You do not need tools, a technician, or to send it anywhere. The whole process takes under a minute. AirTags are designed to let you do this yourself, and Apple sells replacement batteries, but you can also buy CR2032 batteries from any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for a few dollars.

When your AirTag battery is low, your iPhone will send you a notification. You do not have to wait for that notification to replace it — you can check the battery level anytime in the Find My app, and replace it whenever you want.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, the standard battery used in watches and small electronics, available everywhere for a few dollars.
  • You replace the battery by twisting the stainless steel back of the AirTag counterclockwise until it comes loose, then lifting it off.
  • The old battery comes out with the back cover, and you drop the new one in with the positive side facing up before twisting the cover back on.
  • Your iPhone notifies you when the battery is low, but you can check the level anytime in Find My and replace it before that happens.

What battery does an AirTag use

An AirTag uses a CR2032 lithium coin cell battery. This is the standard battery for watches, calculators, car key fobs, and dozens of other small devices. You can buy CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, supermarket, or online — they cost between two and five dollars for a single battery, or less if you buy a pack of several.

Apple also sells official AirTag replacement batteries through their website and in Apple Stores, but there is no functional difference between Apple's version and any other CR2032 battery. The battery is the battery.

How to replace the battery step by step

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic side facing up. The stainless steel back is the part you will twist. Using your other hand, grip the steel back and twist it counterclockwise — the same direction you would turn to loosen a jar lid. You will feel it rotate about a quarter turn before it stops.

Once it stops, lift the steel back straight up and away from the white plastic body. The old battery will come out with it, stuck to the inside of the steel cover. Remove the old battery by hand — it simply lifts out.

Take your new CR2032 battery and look at it. One side is flat and marked with a plus sign (the positive side), and the other side is slightly raised. Drop the new battery into the AirTag with the positive side facing up — toward the white plastic, away from where the steel back will go. This matters: if you put it in upside down, the AirTag will not work.

Place the steel back on top of the battery and twist it clockwise — the direction you would turn to tighten a jar lid — until it stops. You will feel it click into place. That is it. Your AirTag is ready to use.

How to check your AirTag battery level

Open the Find My app on your iPhone and tap the Items tab at the bottom. Find the AirTag you want to check in the list and tap it. At the top of the screen, you will see the battery level displayed as a percentage.

If the battery is below 10 percent, the app will show a low battery warning. You do not have to wait for this warning to replace the battery — many people replace it when it hits 20 or 30 percent, just to avoid the notification.

When your AirTag will tell you the battery is low

When the battery drops below 10 percent, your iPhone will send you a notification that says something like "AirTag battery is low." This notification comes through the Find My app, not as a text or phone call. You will see it in your notification center.

The AirTag itself will continue to work for a while after this notification — it does not stop working the moment the battery hits 10 percent. But it is a good signal that you should replace the battery soon, because you do not know exactly how much time is left.

What to do with the old battery

CR2032 batteries are recyclable. Many retailers that sell batteries — including Best Buy, Home Depot, and some grocery stores — have battery recycling programs where you can drop off old batteries for free. You can also check Earth911.com or call your local waste management office to find a recycling location near you.

Do not throw the battery in the trash. Lithium batteries can pose a fire risk in landfills and waste processing facilities.

Troubleshooting if something goes wrong

If you twist the back and it does not budge, you may be twisting the wrong direction. Try clockwise instead of counterclockwise. If it still will not move, try wrapping a rubber band around the steel back for better grip, or use a coin to help you turn it — the edge of a dime or penny works well.

If you put the battery in upside down (positive side facing down), the AirTag will not respond in the Find My app. Simply take the back off again, flip the battery over so the positive side faces up, and replace the cover. If the AirTag still does not work after you have replaced the battery correctly, the device itself may have a hardware problem, and you would need to contact Apple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any CR2032 battery or does it have to be Apple's?

Any CR2032 battery works. Apple sells them, but they are identical to CR2032 batteries from any other brand. Buy whichever is cheapest and most convenient — pharmacy, grocery store, online, or Apple Store.

How often do I need to replace the AirTag battery?

Most people replace it once a year. The exact time depends on how often the AirTag is used and how far away it is from your devices. Heavy use drains the battery faster, but even with daily use, a year is typical.

What happens if I lose the steel back cover?

The AirTag will still work without the back cover, but the battery will fall out. You can buy a replacement back cover from Apple or use a third-party AirTag case that includes a back cover. Some people use silicone cases designed for AirTags to avoid losing the cover.

Will replacing the battery erase my AirTag or reset it?

No. Replacing the battery does not erase any data or reset the AirTag. It will stay paired to your Apple ID and continue tracking exactly as before.

Is the CR2032 battery safe to handle?

Yes, CR2032 batteries are safe to touch and handle. Do not swallow them, and keep them away from small children and pets. If a child swallows a button battery, call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222.