AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin battery that you can swap yourself in about 30 seconds
An AirTag holds a CR2032 battery — the same flat, silver coin battery used in watches, calculators, and car key fobs. When your AirTag stops making sound or the Find My app says the battery is low, you open the back, remove the old battery, and drop in a new one. You do not need tools, a technician, or a replacement device. A fresh CR2032 costs between $3 and $8 and lasts about a year.
The entire process takes less than a minute. AirTags are designed so the battery is the only part you replace — everything else stays the same.
Key Takeaways
- AirTags use a CR2032 coin battery that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer.
- To replace the battery, press down on the stainless steel back of the AirTag and twist counterclockwise until it comes free.
- Remove the old battery, note which side was facing up, and insert the new battery the same way.
- Twist the back cover clockwise until it clicks, and the AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone within a few seconds.
Where to buy a CR2032 battery
CR2032 batteries are sold almost everywhere. You can find them at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, and most grocery stores in the pharmacy or electronics section. Online, Amazon, Best Buy, and eBay all stock them. A single battery usually costs $3 to $5; a pack of four or five costs $5 to $8 total, which is cheaper per battery if you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use them.
Check the packaging to confirm it says CR2032 — that is the exact model AirTags need. Some packages say "2032" or "DL2032" — these are the same battery under different names and will work fine.
How to open the AirTag and remove the old battery
Hold the AirTag in one hand with the stainless steel back facing up. Place your thumb on the steel back and press down firmly. While pressing, twist the back counterclockwise (toward the left) with your thumb. After a quarter turn or so, the back will loosen and you can lift it away with your fingers.
Inside you will see the battery sitting flat in a small circular slot. The battery has a + symbol on one side and a − symbol on the other. Note which side is facing up — this matters for the new battery. Lift out the old battery by pinching the edge or using your fingernail to pry it up slightly.
Installing the new battery
Take your new CR2032 battery and orient it so the + side faces the same direction as the old battery did. Drop it into the slot — it will sit flat and snug. You do not need to press hard or force it; it should rest in place on its own.
Now pick up the steel back cover and align it with the opening. Press down and twist clockwise (toward the right) until you feel it click into place. The back should be tight and flush with the rest of the AirTag. If it feels loose, twist a bit more.
What happens after you close it
Within a few seconds of closing the back, your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone. You will see a notification in the Find My app saying the AirTag is back online, or you may hear the AirTag play a sound. The battery percentage in the app will update to show a full battery.
If the AirTag does not reconnect right away, wait 10 to 15 seconds and try opening the Find My app again. If it still does not show up, open the back and check that the battery is sitting flat in the slot and that the + side is facing the right direction. Close it again and wait another 10 seconds.
How long a CR2032 battery lasts
A fresh CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year under normal use. If you use the AirTag heavily — playing sound frequently or checking its location many times a day — the battery may drain faster. If you use it lightly, it may last longer.
The Find My app will notify you when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely. This gives you time to buy a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working.
Troubleshooting if the AirTag still does not work
If you installed a new battery and the AirTag still does not show up in Find My, try these steps. First, remove the battery again and wait 10 seconds, then reinsert it and close the back. Sometimes this resets the connection.
If that does not work, check that the battery is a genuine CR2032 and that it is oriented correctly — the + side should face up. Some counterfeit batteries sold online do not hold a charge. If you bought the battery from a pharmacy or major retailer, it is almost certainly genuine.
If the AirTag still does not reconnect after trying these steps, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to discuss a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different battery instead of a CR2032?
No. AirTags are designed for CR2032 batteries only. Other coin batteries like CR2025 or CR2016 are physically similar but have different voltages and may damage the AirTag or not work at all. Always use a CR2032.
What do I do with the old battery?
Most pharmacies and retailers that sell batteries also accept old batteries for recycling. CVS, Walgreens, Best Buy, and Home Depot all have battery recycling programs. You can also check Earth911.com to find a recycling location near you. Do not throw batteries in the trash.
Will replacing the battery erase my AirTag or reset it?
No. Replacing the battery does not erase any data or settings. Your AirTag will reconnect to your iPhone with the same name and location history it had before. You do not need to set it up again.
Is it safe to touch the battery with my bare hands?
Yes. CR2032 batteries are safe to handle with bare hands. You do not need gloves or special precautions. Wash your hands afterward if you prefer, but it is not necessary.
How do I know if my AirTag battery is actually dead?
The Find My app will show a low battery warning before the battery dies completely. If you see that warning, the battery is low but still working. If the AirTag stops appearing in Find My and does not reconnect even after you restart your iPhone, the battery is dead and needs replacement.