The battery in an AirTag lasts about one year, and you replace it yourself by twisting off the back and swapping in a new CR2032 coin cell battery

AirTags use a standard CR2032 battery, the same flat coin-shaped battery found in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. Apple rates the battery to last roughly one year under normal use. When it dies, the AirTag stops working — it won't track location or play a sound — but the device itself is not damaged. You do not need to contact Apple or visit a store. The whole replacement takes about 30 seconds and costs between $3 and $8 for a replacement battery.

You will know the battery is low when the AirTag sends a notification to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac saying the battery needs to be replaced. Some people ignore this notification for weeks and the AirTag continues to work, but once the battery fully drains, the device goes silent until you replace it.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for a few dollars.
  • The back of the AirTag twists off counterclockwise — push down gently while turning, and it will separate from the white plastic body.
  • The old battery sits in a small metal cup; lift it out, drop in the new CR2032 with the flat side facing up, and twist the back on again.
  • You do not need any tools, and the replacement takes less than a minute.

What battery does an AirTag use

An AirTag runs on a CR2032 lithium coin cell battery. This is one of the most common battery sizes in the world. You can find CR2032 batteries at Target, Walgreens, CVS, Amazon, Best Buy, and most hardware stores. A single battery usually costs between $3 and $8, though buying a pack of four or eight brings the per-battery cost down.

Do not confuse CR2032 with similar-looking batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 — the numbers matter, and only CR2032 will work in an AirTag. The "2032" refers to the battery's dimensions: 20 millimeters in diameter and 3.2 millimeters thick. If you are unsure which battery to buy, show a store employee a photo of your AirTag or tell them it is for an Apple AirTag.

How to remove the back of an AirTag

The back of an AirTag is a white plastic disc that twists off. Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white back facing up. Place your other hand on the back and push down gently — you should feel slight resistance — while turning counterclockwise. After a quarter turn or so, the back will separate from the metal body.

Some people find it easier to grip the back with their thumb and forefinger and twist while the AirTag rests on a table. Others hold the metal body steady with one hand and twist the back with the other. The back is not fragile, so do not be afraid to apply firm pressure. If it does not budge after a few tries, try pushing down a bit harder while twisting.

Once the back comes off, you will see a small metal cup inside holding the battery. The cup is attached to the white plastic back, so the battery will come out with it.

How to swap in the new battery

Lift the old CR2032 battery out of the metal cup. It should come out easily with your fingernail or a plastic spoon. Drop the new CR2032 battery into the cup with the flat side facing up — this is important. The flat side is the positive terminal, and it needs to face toward the top of the AirTag.

If you insert the battery upside down (with the raised side facing up), the AirTag will not work. If you are unsure which way is correct, look at the old battery before you remove it and note which side was facing up.

How to put the back on

Align the white plastic back with the metal body of the AirTag. The back has a small notch or alignment mark that lines up with a corresponding mark on the metal body — line these up first so the back sits flush. Then push down gently and twist clockwise until you feel it click or seat firmly. You do not need to twist hard; once it catches, a light turn is enough.

Your AirTag is now ready to use. If you had a low-battery notification on your phone, it should clear within a few minutes as the AirTag reconnects to your device. If the AirTag does not respond after 10 minutes, try removing and reinserting the battery to make sure it is making good contact with the metal cup.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS stock them near the checkout or in the health and beauty section. Grocery stores carry them in the pharmacy or electronics aisle. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all sell them. Amazon and other online retailers offer bulk packs if you want to buy several at once.

Buying a multi-pack is often cheaper per battery than buying a single one. A pack of four CR2032 batteries might cost $8 to $12, while a single battery costs $4 to $6. If you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use CR2032 batteries, a multi-pack makes sense.

What to do with the old battery

Do not throw a used CR2032 battery in the trash. Most communities have battery recycling programs. Check Earth911.com or call your local waste management office to find a drop-off location near you. Many retailers, including Best Buy and Home Depot, accept batteries for recycling at the customer service desk. Some Walgreens and CVS locations also take batteries, though policies vary by store.

If you cannot find a recycling program nearby, storing the old battery in a safe place until you can recycle it is better than throwing it away. Keep it somewhere dry and away from children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an AirTag battery last?

Apple rates the battery to last about one year under normal use. The actual lifespan depends on how often the AirTag is used — if you carry it in your bag every day, the battery may last closer to 18 months. If you use it less frequently, it might last longer. Once the battery is low, Apple sends a notification to your device.

Can I use a different battery instead of CR2032?

No. The AirTag is designed for CR2032 batteries only. Similar batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 will not fit properly or may not work at all. Always use a CR2032.

What if my AirTag stops working after I replace the battery?

First, check that the battery is inserted with the flat side facing up. Remove the back, take out the battery, and reinsert it to make sure it is making good contact. If it still does not work, try a different new battery to rule out a defective one. If the AirTag still does not respond after that, the device itself may be damaged and you may need to contact Apple.

Do I need any tools to replace the battery?

No. You can replace the battery with just your hands. A plastic spoon or your fingernail can help lift the old battery out of the cup, but nothing else is required.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes. The AirTag is designed to be opened and the battery replaced by the user. There are no special precautions beyond keeping the battery away from children and pets and making sure the new battery is inserted correctly.