What's inside an AirTag and how to get it open

An AirTag is a small, coin-shaped tracker about the size of a large button. It comes in a sealed white box with the tracker inside, along with a CR2032 battery already installed. To open the AirTag itself, you need to separate the two halves — the stainless steel back and the white plastic front.

Hold the AirTag with the white side facing up. Place your thumb on the white plastic top and your fingers underneath the metal back. Press down firmly with your thumb while pulling the metal back away from you with your fingers. The two pieces should separate with a click. Don't worry about using force — the AirTag is designed to come apart this way, and you won't break it by opening it normally.

Once the halves separate, you'll see the battery sitting in the metal back piece. The battery is already in place and ready to use. If you ever need to replace it later, you'll follow this same opening process.

Key Takeaways

  • An AirTag opens by pressing down on the white plastic top while pulling the metal back away from you until the two halves separate.
  • The CR2032 battery comes pre-installed in your new AirTag and is ready to use immediately after opening.
  • After opening, you'll hold the AirTag near your iPhone or iPad to start the setup process through the Find My app.
  • The entire setup takes about two minutes and connects your AirTag to your Apple ID so you can track it.

Setting up your AirTag after opening it

Once you've opened the AirTag and confirmed the battery is inside, hold it close to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. A setup screen should appear automatically on your device asking if you want to set up a new AirTag. If nothing appears, open the Find My app manually and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, then select "Add AirTag or item."

Follow the on-screen prompts to name your AirTag — you might call it "Keys," "Wallet," "Backpack," or whatever you plan to attach it to. The name helps you identify which AirTag you're looking for if you have more than one. After naming it, your device will connect the AirTag to your Apple ID and your iCloud account.

The setup process takes about two minutes total. Once complete, your AirTag is active and will start sending location data to the Find My network whenever you need to locate it.

Putting your AirTag in a case or holder

After setup, most people put their AirTag into a protective case or keychain holder. Apple sells official leather and silicone cases, but many third-party options exist at lower prices. The AirTag fits into these cases easily — you don't need to take it apart again.

If you're using a keychain holder, simply slide the AirTag into the designated slot. If you're using a case with a removable back, you may need to open the AirTag again to insert it, depending on the case design. Check the case instructions to see whether it requires the AirTag to be open or closed.

A case serves two purposes: it protects the AirTag from damage and makes it easier to attach to your keys, bag, or other items. Without a case, the bare AirTag can slip out of pockets or bags.

Troubleshooting if your AirTag won't open

If you're having trouble separating the two halves, make sure you're applying pressure in the right direction. Press down on the white plastic side — not the metal side — while pulling the metal back away from you. Some people try to twist the halves instead of pulling them apart, which doesn't work.

If the AirTag still won't budge, try wrapping a small cloth around the metal back for better grip, then pull more firmly. The seal can be tight on new AirTags. You should never need tools or excessive force, but a cloth can help your fingers grip better.

If you've opened the AirTag and the battery appears loose or missing, contact Apple Support. A missing battery is rare but possible if the AirTag was damaged during shipping.

Replacing the battery when it runs out

An AirTag battery typically lasts about one year with normal use. When the battery dies, your iPhone will send you a notification. To replace it, open the AirTag using the same method described above — press the white top and pull the metal back away from you.

Remove the old CR2032 battery and replace it with a new one of the same type. You can buy CR2032 batteries at most drugstores, supermarkets, or online retailers for a few dollars. Make sure the positive side of the battery faces up when you insert it.

After inserting the new battery, press the two halves back together until you hear a click. Your AirTag will reconnect automatically to your iPhone within a few seconds.

What to do if your AirTag won't connect after opening

If you've opened your AirTag and set it up, but it's not showing up in the Find My app, first make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your iPhone settings. The AirTag communicates through Bluetooth, so your phone needs this enabled.

Next, try holding the AirTag close to your iPhone again and opening the Find My app. Sometimes the connection takes a moment to establish. If it still doesn't appear, restart your iPhone by turning it off and back on, then try setup again.

If the AirTag still won't connect after a restart, open it again and check that the battery is seated properly in the metal back. A battery that's not fully inserted won't power the AirTag. Press it down firmly and close the AirTag again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an AirTag without breaking it?

Yes. Press down on the white plastic top while pulling the metal back away from you. The two halves will separate with a click. This is the normal way to open it, and you won't damage the AirTag by doing so.

Do I need to open my AirTag to set it up?

No. You can set up a new AirTag without opening it. However, you may want to open it later to replace the battery or to insert it into a protective case.

What happens if I lose the metal back piece?

If you lose the metal back, you can still use the AirTag, but it won't be protected. Apple sells replacement backs and cases separately if you need one. Contact Apple Support for replacement parts.

How do I know if the battery is dead?

Your iPhone will send you a notification when the AirTag battery is low. You'll see an alert in the Find My app saying the battery needs to be replaced. At that point, open the AirTag and swap in a new CR2032 battery.

Can I use a different type of battery?

No. AirTag uses only CR2032 batteries. Using a different battery type can damage the AirTag or cause it to malfunction. Always replace it with a CR2032.