The battery in your AirTag lasts about a year, and you swap it out without tools

AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin battery that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for a few dollars. When your AirTag stops working or the Find My app tells you the battery is low, you open the back and swap the old battery for a new one. The whole process takes under a minute and requires no screwdriver or special equipment.

You will know the battery is dead when the Find My app shows a low battery warning, or when your AirTag stops responding to your iPhone. Some people also notice the AirTag stops making sound when you press the button. If you see any of these signs, it is time to replace the battery.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin battery that costs a few dollars and is sold at most stores that have a pharmacy or electronics section.
  • You open the stainless steel back by pressing down on the white plastic disc and twisting counterclockwise until it stops.
  • The battery sits in a small metal holder; lift it out, drop in the new battery with the positive side facing up, and press the holder back down.
  • The Find My app will show the battery level within a few seconds of putting the new battery in, so you can confirm it worked right away.

What you need before you start

You need only one thing: a CR2032 battery. This is a flat, round coin battery about the size of a dime, and it costs between two and five dollars depending on where you buy it. You can find CR2032 batteries at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Amazon, or any store with a pharmacy counter or electronics aisle.

Do not buy a generic brand if you can avoid it — stick with Duracell, Energizer, or Panasonic, which tend to last the full year. Some off-brand batteries die after a few months. You do not need a screwdriver, a special tool, or anything else.

How to open the AirTag and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back facing up. You will see a white plastic disc in the center of the back. Press down on this disc with your thumb and twist it counterclockwise (the same direction you turn a door handle to unlock it) until it stops. It usually takes a quarter turn or less.

Once the disc stops turning, lift it up and the entire stainless steel back will come off. Inside, you will see a small metal battery holder with the old CR2032 battery sitting in it. The battery looks like a tiny silver coin. Gently lift the metal holder up and out — it is not glued down, just sitting in place.

Installing the new battery

Take your new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side is flat and shiny (the positive side), and the other side is slightly raised (the negative side). Drop the new battery into the metal holder with the positive side facing up — the shiny side should be on top. The battery will sit flat in the holder once it is in the right way.

Press the metal holder back down into the AirTag until you hear or feel a small click. It should sit flush with the plastic base. Now line up the white plastic disc with the slot on the AirTag body and twist it clockwise (the same direction you turn a key to lock a door) until it stops. The disc will click into place when it is fully seated.

Checking that the new battery is working

Open the Find My app on your iPhone within a few seconds of putting the battery in. Tap the Items tab at the bottom, then tap your AirTag. Scroll down and look at the battery level — it should show as full or nearly full. If it shows a battery percentage, the new battery is working.

If the app still shows low battery or no battery, take the back off again and make sure the battery is sitting flat in the holder with the positive side facing up. Sometimes the battery sits at a slight angle and does not make good contact. Reseat it and check the app again.

When to replace your AirTag battery

Most CR2032 batteries last about a year in an AirTag if you use it normally. The Find My app will send you a notification when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. You do not have to replace it the moment you see the warning — you can wait until the AirTag stops working — but replacing it early means you will not lose tracking if you forget about the warning.

If you use your AirTag very frequently (pressing the button multiple times a day, for example), the battery may not last a full year. If you rarely use it, it may last longer. The app is the most reliable way to know when to replace it.

Troubleshooting if the new battery does not work

If you put in a new battery and the AirTag still does not show up in Find My, first make sure the battery is the right type. Check the packaging to confirm it says CR2032 — some stores sell similar-looking batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 that will not work. If you bought the wrong type, swap it for a CR2032.

If you have the right battery and it still does not work, try removing the battery, waiting 10 seconds, and putting it back in. Sometimes the AirTag needs a moment to reset. If the AirTag still does not appear in Find My after that, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem, and you may need to contact Apple Support or replace the AirTag.

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 a standard single-use CR2032 battery.

What do I do with the old battery?

Take the old battery to a store that has a battery recycling program — most Best Buy locations, Lowe's, and Home Depot accept used batteries for free. You can also check Earth911.com to find a recycling center near you. Do not throw it in the trash.

Is there a way to make the battery last longer?

The battery life depends mainly on how often you press the button on your AirTag. If you press it less frequently, the battery will last longer. Turning off Bluetooth on your iPhone does not affect AirTag battery life, since AirTags use their own chip to communicate with the Find My network.

Can I change the battery while my AirTag is still connected to my iPhone?

Yes, you can change the battery at any time. The AirTag will disconnect from Find My while the back is off, but it will reconnect automatically once you put the new battery in and close the back. You do not have to unpair it or do anything special.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

If you put the battery in with the negative side facing up, the AirTag will not work and the Find My app will show no battery. Simply open the back again, flip the battery so the positive (shiny) side faces up, and close it. No damage is done if you catch it right away.