Opening an AirTag takes 15 seconds and requires no tools

An AirTag opens by twisting the stainless steel back off the plastic front. Hold the white plastic side steady in one hand, then twist the metal back counterclockwise with your other hand until it stops — you will feel it loosen after a quarter turn or so. The back will come free, and the battery compartment sits directly underneath. The whole process takes less than a minute and needs nothing but your hands.

Apple designed the AirTag to be opened this way because the battery inside — a standard CR2032 coin cell — lasts about a year under normal use. When the AirTag's battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. You do not have to wait for that notification to replace it; you can open it whenever you want to check the battery level or swap in a fresh one.

Key Takeaways

  • Twist the metal back counterclockwise to open the AirTag; no tools are needed.
  • The battery inside is a CR2032 coin cell, which you can buy at any pharmacy or electronics store for a few dollars.
  • When you remove the old battery, a small plastic tab may come out with it — this is normal and does not affect the new battery.
  • After inserting the new battery, twist the metal back clockwise until it is snug, and your AirTag will work immediately.

What battery goes inside an AirTag

The AirTag uses a CR2032 battery, a coin-shaped lithium cell about the size of a dime. These batteries are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, hardware stores, and online retailers. A single CR2032 costs between $2 and $5, and a pack of four or more usually costs less per battery. Any CR2032 will work — the brand does not matter, as long as it is a genuine battery and not counterfeit.

Do not use rechargeable CR2032 batteries in an AirTag. Apple's design expects a standard disposable lithium CR2032, and rechargeable versions may not work reliably or could damage the device. Stick to standard, single-use CR2032 batteries.

Step-by-step: removing the old battery

Start by holding the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up and the metal back facing down. Use your thumb and fingers to grip the plastic side firmly — you want it to stay still while you work on the metal back. With your other hand, grip the metal back and twist it counterclockwise. You will feel resistance at first, but after a quarter turn the back will loosen noticeably.

Continue twisting until the metal back comes completely free. Set it aside on a clean surface. Inside the plastic housing, you will see the battery sitting in a small circular compartment. A thin plastic tab may be attached to the battery or sitting loose nearby — this is a pull-tab that was used during manufacturing to keep the battery from draining before you opened the AirTag. You can discard this tab.

Gently pry the old battery out of its compartment using your fingernail or the edge of a coin. The battery sits loosely and will come out easily. Once it is out, the compartment is empty and ready for the new battery.

Step-by-step: inserting the new battery

Take your new CR2032 battery and look at it closely. One side is flat and marked with text or a logo; the other side is smooth and unmarked. The flat side with the marking is the positive (+) side, and it must face upward when you insert it into the AirTag. This is the most important step — if you put the battery in upside down, the AirTag will not work.

Place the battery into the compartment with the marked side facing up. It will sit flat and snug in the circular space. You do not need to press hard or force it — it should settle into place naturally. Once the battery is seated, you are ready to close the AirTag.

Closing the AirTag and testing it

Pick up the metal back and align it with the plastic housing. The back has a small notch or alignment mark that lines up with a corresponding mark on the plastic — this helps you position it correctly. Once aligned, twist the metal back clockwise. You will feel it tighten as you turn it. Keep twisting until it stops and feels snug, but do not force it or over-tighten.

After you close the AirTag, pick up your iPhone and open the Find My app. Tap the Items tab at the bottom, then tap your AirTag from the list. The app will show you the battery level within a few seconds. If the battery shows as full or nearly full, the replacement was successful. If the app does not update or shows no battery information, open the AirTag again and check that the battery is seated correctly with the marked side facing up.

What to do with the old battery

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not be thrown in the regular trash. Most pharmacies and electronics retailers have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk — you can drop off used batteries there for free. Some communities also have hazardous waste collection days where you can bring batteries along with other items. Check your local waste management website or call your city's public works department to find a drop-off location near you.

If you have only one old battery and no recycling location is convenient, storing it in a safe, dry place until you accumulate several batteries is also acceptable. Just keep it away from metal objects that could cause it to short-circuit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Other coin cell sizes, such as CR2025 or CR2016, will not fit properly or work. Stick to CR2032 only.

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

First, open the AirTag again and confirm the battery is seated with the marked side facing up. If it is, try removing the battery, waiting 10 seconds, and reinserting it. If the AirTag still does not respond in the Find My app after a few minutes, the device itself may have a hardware problem and may need to be replaced.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

A CR2032 typically lasts about one year under normal use. Heavy use — such as checking the AirTag's location multiple times per day — may shorten this. Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is running low, giving you time to replace it before it dies completely.

Is it safe to open an AirTag myself?

Yes. Opening an AirTag to replace the battery is safe and does not void any warranty. Apple designed it to be opened this way. Just avoid getting moisture inside the device and do not force the metal back if it feels stuck.