AirTag batteries last about a year and swap out in seconds

An AirTag battery is a standard CR2032 coin cell that lasts roughly one year of normal use. When the battery runs low, your iPhone sends you a notification. Replacing it takes about 30 seconds: you press down on the stainless steel back, twist it counterclockwise until it stops, lift the cover off, swap the old battery for a new one, and twist the cover back on clockwise until it clicks.

You do not need any tools, and the battery costs between $3 and $8 at most drugstores, supermarkets, and electronics retailers. The CR2032 is one of the most common batteries made, so you will find it anywhere batteries are sold.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, the same type used in watches, calculators, and car key fobs.
  • Press and twist the stainless steel back counterclockwise to open the battery compartment — you do not need tools or force.
  • The battery lasts about one year, and your iPhone notifies you when it is running low.
  • Replacement batteries cost a few dollars and are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, and electronics shops.

What you need before you start

Gather a fresh CR2032 battery before you open your AirTag. You can buy them at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, or any pharmacy. Some grocery stores stock them near the checkout or in the pharmacy section. Online retailers like Amazon also carry them, though waiting for delivery defeats the purpose if your AirTag is already dead.

Check the battery packaging to confirm it says CR2032 — that is the only size that fits. Some retailers sell similar-looking batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 that will not work. The package should also have an expiration date; batteries older than five years may not hold a full charge.

How to open the AirTag

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the white plastic side facing up and the stainless steel back facing down. With your other hand, press down firmly on the steel back — you should feel a slight give. While pressing, twist the steel back counterclockwise (the same direction you would unscrew a jar lid). You only need to turn it about a quarter turn; it will stop when it reaches the end.

Once you have twisted it as far as it will go, lift the steel back straight up and off. The white plastic ring underneath will come with it. You will now see the battery sitting in a shallow metal cup in the center of the white plastic base.

Removing and replacing the battery

The old battery sits in a metal cup with a small lip around the edge. Press down gently on the battery itself — not the cup — and it will pop up slightly. Grab the edge of the battery with your fingernail or a plastic spoon and lift it straight out. Do not use a metal tool like a knife or screwdriver, as it can scratch the inside of the AirTag or cause a short.

Drop the new CR2032 battery into the cup with the flat side facing up (the positive side). You will hear a small click as it settles into place. If the battery sits loose or rattles, you may have inserted it upside down — flip it over so the flat side faces up.

Closing the AirTag

Align the white plastic ring with the grooves on the main body of the AirTag. The ring should slide down smoothly without resistance. Once it is seated, place the stainless steel back on top, lining up the notch on the back with the notch on the plastic ring. Press down and twist clockwise until you hear or feel a click — this usually happens after a quarter turn, the same distance you twisted to open it.

The AirTag should feel solid and not rattle. If it does rattle, open it again and check that the battery is sitting flat in the cup and that the plastic ring is fully seated before closing.

What happens after you replace the battery

Your iPhone will recognize the new battery within a few seconds and stop showing the low-battery warning. If you have the AirTag in the Find My app, the battery level will update to show a full charge. The AirTag will resume tracking normally and you do not need to re-pair it or change any settings.

If your AirTag was completely dead before you replaced the battery, it may take a minute or two to reconnect to your iPhone. You can speed this up by opening the Find My app and tapping the AirTag to refresh its status.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are sold at nearly every pharmacy and supermarket in the United States. CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid stock them in the pharmacy or health and beauty section. Target, Walmart, and Costco carry them in the electronics or household section. Best Buy, Micro Center, and other electronics retailers have them near the checkout or in the battery aisle.

Prices typically range from $3 to $8 for a single battery, though buying a pack of two or four usually costs less per battery. Some retailers offer store-brand batteries at a lower price than name brands like Energizer or Duracell, and they work just as well in an AirTag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist but are not recommended for AirTags. They have a lower voltage than disposable ones and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with a standard disposable CR2032 for the best performance.

What if my AirTag still does not work after I replace the battery?

First, open the AirTag again and confirm the battery is sitting flat in the cup with the flat side facing up. If it is, try removing and reinserting it. If the AirTag still does not respond after a few minutes, the battery you bought may be dead — try a different one. If a fresh battery does not work, the AirTag itself may be damaged and may need to be replaced.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A CR2032 typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. Heavy use — such as checking the AirTag's location many times a day — can drain it faster. Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely.

Is there a way to know how much battery life is left?

Open the Find My app, tap the AirTag, and scroll down to see the battery level. It shows as a percentage. You can also ask Siri "What is the battery level of my AirTag?" and it will tell you the percentage.

Can I replace the battery while the AirTag is attached to my keys or bag?

Yes. You do not need to remove the AirTag from your keychain or bag to change the battery. Just hold it steady and follow the same steps. The battery replacement does not affect the attachment or the AirTag's function.