AirTag batteries last about a year before they need replacing
An AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that typically lasts around one year with normal use. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification saying "AirTag battery low" in the Find My app. You do not need to take it anywhere — the battery swap takes about 30 seconds and costs between $3 and $8 for a replacement battery.
The AirTag itself is not replaceable, but the battery inside it is. Once you swap in a fresh CR2032, your AirTag will work normally again. You can buy CR2032 batteries at most drugstores, supermarkets, electronics retailers, and online.
Key Takeaways
- AirTag batteries are CR2032 coin cells that you can buy at any drugstore or supermarket for a few dollars.
- You will get a notification in the Find My app when the battery is low, but the AirTag will still work for a while after that.
- The battery compartment opens by pressing down on the stainless steel back and twisting counterclockwise until it stops.
- After you insert the new battery, the AirTag will chime and vibrate to confirm it is working.
What you need before you start
Gather a CR2032 battery and your AirTag. That is all. You do not need tools, and you do not need to open the AirTag in any other way. The battery compartment is the only part you will access.
If you do not have a CR2032 battery on hand, buy one before you start. They are sold in the pharmacy or electronics section of most stores, often near the checkout counter. Brands like Duracell, Energizer, and store-brand versions all work the same way.
How to open the battery compartment
Hold the AirTag with the stainless steel back facing up. The back is the flat, shiny side — not the white plastic side. Press down firmly on the center of the stainless steel back with your thumb or finger. You should feel resistance.
While pressing down, twist the stainless steel back counterclockwise (to the left) until it stops. It will rotate about a quarter turn. Do not force it — if it is not moving, you may be twisting the wrong direction or not pressing down hard enough. Once it stops, lift the back off. The white plastic ring underneath will come away with it, exposing the battery compartment.
Removing the old battery and inserting the new one
The old battery will be sitting in a small circular slot. It may be loose or held lightly in place. Tip the AirTag gently so the old battery slides out into your hand, or use your fingernail to pry it out if it is stuck. Set it aside.
Take your new CR2032 battery and look at it. One side is flat and unmarked (the negative side), and one side has a plus sign or text printed on it (the positive side). The positive side should face up toward you as you look into the AirTag. Slide the new battery into the slot with the positive side facing up. It should sit flat and snug.
Closing the AirTag and confirming it works
Align the white plastic ring with the slot on the AirTag body. Place the stainless steel back on top, with the slot lined up. Press down and twist clockwise (to the right) until you feel it click and stop. It will rotate about a quarter turn, the same distance it rotated when you opened it.
Within a few seconds, your AirTag should chime and vibrate. This confirms the battery is installed correctly and the AirTag is working. If you do not hear a chime or feel a vibration, the battery may be inserted upside down. Open the compartment again, flip the battery so the positive side faces up, and close it once more.
Troubleshooting if the AirTag does not respond
If the AirTag does not chime after you close it, open the compartment and check that the positive side of the battery (marked with a plus sign) is facing up. Many people accidentally insert the battery upside down on the first try. Flip it and try again.
If the AirTag still does not chime after you flip the battery, the battery itself may be dead or defective. Try a different CR2032 battery. If a second battery also does not work, the AirTag itself may have a hardware problem, though this is rare. In that case, you would need to contact Apple Support or replace the AirTag.
Where to buy CR2032 batteries
CR2032 batteries are widely available. You can find them at drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, supermarkets like Kroger and Whole Foods, electronics retailers like Best Buy, and online at Amazon. Prices typically range from $3 to $8 per battery, depending on the brand and whether you buy a single battery or a pack of multiple batteries.
Store-brand batteries work just as well as name brands like Duracell and Energizer. If you use AirTags regularly, buying a pack of four or eight batteries at once is often cheaper per battery than buying singles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my AirTag battery is actually dead?
Your iPhone will show a "battery low" notification in the Find My app. The AirTag will continue to work for a while after this notification, but you should replace the battery soon. If you ignore the notification for weeks, the AirTag will eventually stop responding and you will not be able to locate it.
Can I use a different type of battery instead of CR2032?
No. The AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 coin cells. Other battery types will not fit or will not work. Stick with CR2032.
What should I do with the old battery?
CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not go in the regular trash. Most drugstores and electronics retailers have battery recycling bins near the entrance or customer service desk. You can also check Earth911.com to find a recycling location near you.
Will replacing the battery erase my AirTag or reset it?
No. Replacing the battery does not erase any data or reset the AirTag. It will remain connected to your Apple ID and will show up in the Find My app exactly as it did before.
How often do I need to replace the battery?
Most AirTag batteries last about one year with normal use. Heavy use — such as checking the location multiple times per day — may drain the battery faster. Light use may stretch it to 18 months or longer. You will get a notification when it is time to replace it.