Your AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin battery that you can swap yourself

The battery in your AirTag lasts about a year of normal use. When it dies, you do not need to buy a new AirTag — you just pop out the old battery and drop in a new CR2032, which costs a few dollars at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer. The whole job takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools.

You will know the battery is dead when your iPhone stops showing the AirTag's location or when the Find My app sends you a notification that the battery is low. Some AirTags give you a warning before they completely die; others go silent without notice. Either way, the fix is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 batteries, the same kind found in watches and calculators, sold at drugstores and supermarkets for $3 to $8.
  • You open the AirTag by pressing the stainless steel back and twisting it counterclockwise until it stops — it does not unscrew all the way.
  • The battery sits in a metal holder that you lift straight out; drop the new battery in with the plus side facing up.
  • After you close the AirTag, hold it near your iPhone to reconnect it to Find My, which takes a few seconds.

What you need before you start

Buy a CR2032 battery before you open your AirTag. These are sold at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, and most grocery stores in the pharmacy or watch section. You can also order them online from Amazon or eBay in bulk packs of 5 or 10 for less money per battery. The battery costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you buy it.

Check the packaging to make sure it says CR2032 — do not grab a CR2025 or CR2016 by mistake, as those are slightly different sizes and will not work. If you are at a store and unsure, ask the pharmacist; they handle these batteries every day and can point you to the right one.

How to open your AirTag

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back facing up. Use your other hand to press down on the steel back and twist it counterclockwise. You will feel it turn — keep twisting until it stops, which usually takes a quarter turn or less. Do not force it; if it is not turning easily, you are probably twisting the wrong direction.

Once the back stops turning, lift it straight up. The white plastic ring underneath will come out with it. You now have the main body of the AirTag in one hand and the back assembly in the other. Set the back assembly aside somewhere you will not lose it.

Remove the old battery and install the new one

Inside the AirTag you will see a small metal battery holder with the old CR2032 sitting in it. The battery holder has a small tab on one side. Lift the battery holder straight up using that tab — it will pop right out. The old battery will usually stay in the holder, but if it falls out, just set it aside.

Take your new CR2032 battery and look at both sides. One side has a plus sign (+) stamped into it; the other side is blank. Drop the new battery into the holder with the plus side facing up. The battery will sit flat and snug. Now lift the battery holder and slide it back into the AirTag body, pressing down until you hear or feel a small click.

Close the AirTag and reconnect it

Pick up the back assembly you set aside and line it up with the main body. The assembly will only fit one way. Press it down and twist it clockwise until it stops — you will feel it tighten. It does not need to be cranked hard; just snug enough that it does not wiggle.

Your AirTag is now closed and ready to use. Hold it within a few inches of your iPhone and wait a few seconds. The Find My app will recognize the AirTag and reconnect automatically. You should see the location update on your map. If it does not reconnect right away, try moving the AirTag closer to your phone or opening the Find My app to trigger a refresh.

What to do with the old battery

Do not throw the old CR2032 in the trash. These batteries contain lithium and should be recycled. Most pharmacies and electronics stores have battery recycling bins near the front counter or in the pharmacy section — just drop it in. Some grocery stores also have them.

If you cannot find a bin nearby, you can mail old batteries to a recycling service, though that is usually only worth doing if you have several batteries at once. Check Earth911.com or call your local waste management office to find drop-off locations in your area. Keeping old batteries out of landfills takes just a few extra minutes and makes a real difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of battery in my AirTag?

No. AirTags are designed for CR2032 batteries only. Using a different size or type can damage the AirTag or cause it to malfunction. CR2032 batteries are cheap and widely available, so there is no reason to substitute.

What if my AirTag does not reconnect after I close it?

Wait 10 to 15 seconds and try again. Sometimes the AirTag needs a moment to wake up. If it still does not show up, open the Find My app and tap the AirTag from your list — this often forces a reconnection. If the AirTag still does not appear, the battery may not be seated properly; open it again and make sure the battery holder clicked into place.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A new CR2032 typically lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. If you use the AirTag heavily — checking its location multiple times a day — the battery may drain faster. If you rarely check it, it may last longer.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes. There are no special tools needed, no glue or adhesive to deal with, and no risk of damaging the AirTag if you follow the steps. The back twists off and on by hand, and the battery holder simply lifts out. Millions of people replace AirTag batteries this way every year.