How to Replace the Battery in Your Apple AirTag

You can replace an AirTag battery yourself in about 30 seconds

Apple AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin-cell battery that you can swap out at home without tools or a trip to Apple. The battery lasts roughly one year of normal use, and when it dies, your AirTag will send you a notification. The replacement process is straightforward: twist the stainless steel back off, remove the old battery, drop in a new one, and twist the back on again.

You do not need to pair the AirTag again after changing the battery. It will reconnect to your Apple devices automatically once the new battery is in place. The entire job takes less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells, sold at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers for $3 to $8 for a pack of multiple batteries.
The back of the AirTag twists off counterclockwise by hand — no tools are needed, and you do not need to apply much force.
After you insert the new battery with the positive side facing up, the AirTag will reconnect automatically without any setup steps.
A low battery notification appears on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac when the AirTag's charge is running down, giving you time to buy a replacement battery before it dies completely.

What you need before you start

You will need one CR2032 battery. This is a small round battery about the size of a dime, and it is one of the most common battery types in the world. You can find CR2032 batteries at any pharmacy, grocery store, or big-box retailer in the battery aisle. They are also available online through Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and other retailers. A single battery costs between $3 and $8, though buying a pack of two or four is usually cheaper per battery.

Make sure the package says CR2032 — not CR2025, CR2016, or any other number. The wrong size will not fit. When you buy, check the expiration date on the package. Batteries stored for years can lose charge, so fresher stock works better.

You do not need a screwdriver, pry tool, or any other equipment. The AirTag back twists off by hand.

How to remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back facing up. Place your other hand on the white plastic side. Using your thumb and fingers, twist the steel back counterclockwise — the same direction you would turn a jar lid to open it. You will feel it loosen after a half turn or so.

Once it is loose, continue twisting until the back comes free. It should come off easily without forcing. If it feels stuck, try again with a slightly firmer grip, but do not use tools or apply extreme pressure. Set the back aside on a clean surface.

Inside, you will see a small round battery sitting in a shallow cup. Lift it out with your fingernail or a plastic tool. Do not use a metal tool, as it can scratch the inside of the AirTag. The old battery is now removed.

How to install the new battery

Before you insert the new battery, check which side is which. CR2032 batteries have a flat positive side (marked with a plus sign) and a flat negative side (marked with a minus sign). The positive side should face up toward you when you look into the AirTag.

Drop the new battery into the cup with the positive side facing up. It will sit flat and snug. Do not force it — it should settle into place on its own. If the battery is tilted or not sitting flat, remove it and try again.

Once the battery is in place, line up the steel back with the white plastic body. The back has a small notch that aligns with a ridge on the body — this helps you position it correctly. Twist the back clockwise (the opposite direction from when you removed it) until it is snug. You should feel it tighten, and it will stop when it is fully seated. Do not over-tighten.

What happens after you install the new battery

Your AirTag will turn on automatically once the battery is installed. Within a few seconds, it will reconnect to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You do not need to open the Find My app, re-pair the AirTag, or perform any setup steps. The connection happens in the background.

If you have notifications turned on for your AirTag, you may see a message saying the battery is now good. If the AirTag does not reconnect within a minute, restart your iPhone or iPad and try again. In rare cases, you may need to remove the AirTag from Find My and add it back, but this is almost never necessary.

Signs your AirTag battery is running low

Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is low. This message appears in the Find My app and as a system notification. You will have time to buy a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working — the notification usually comes when the battery still has a few weeks of charge left.

If you ignore the notification and the battery dies completely, the AirTag will stop sending location data. You can still see its last known location in Find My, but you will not be able to track it in real time. Once you replace the battery, it will start working again immediately.

Troubleshooting a battery that does not seem to work

If you installed a new battery and the AirTag still does not work, the battery itself may be dead or defective. CR2032 batteries are reliable, but occasionally a battery from a package can be faulty. Try a different battery from the same pack or a battery from a different brand.

If a second battery does not work, the problem may be inside the AirTag itself. Make sure the battery is sitting flat in the cup and that the positive side is facing up. Remove the battery, wait 10 seconds, and reinstall it. If the AirTag still does not reconnect after that, contact Apple Support — the AirTag may have a hardware issue that requires replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. The exact length depends on how often the AirTag is tracked and how far away it is from your devices. An AirTag that is tracked constantly will drain the battery faster than one you check on occasionally.

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage than standard batteries and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with standard single-use CR2032 batteries for best results.

What should I do with the old battery?

Do not throw a used battery in the trash. Take it to a battery recycling program. Most retailers that sell batteries, including Best Buy and Home Depot, have battery recycling bins near the checkout. You can also search for a local recycling center at Call2Recycle.org.

Will I lose my AirTag data if I change the battery?

No. Your AirTag's name, location history, and all settings stay the same when you change the battery. The AirTag reconnects to your devices automatically and picks up where it left off.

Can I change the battery while the AirTag is still in Find My?

Yes. You do not need to remove the AirTag from Find My before changing the battery. Just swap the battery and let it reconnect on its own.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.