The AirTag battery lasts about one year and costs less than $10 to replace yourself

Apple AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can swap out at home in under a minute. You do not need tools, an Apple Store visit, or any special knowledge — the battery compartment is designed to open by hand. A replacement CR2032 costs between $3 and $10 depending on the brand and where you buy it.

The AirTag will alert you when the battery is low through the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Once you see that alert, you have a few weeks before the AirTag stops working entirely. Replacing it yourself is faster and cheaper than any other option.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries last roughly one year under normal use, and the Find My app notifies you when the battery is running low.
  • You need only a CR2032 coin cell battery, which you can buy at drugstores, supermarkets, electronics retailers, or online.
  • The battery compartment opens by pressing down on the stainless steel back and twisting counterclockwise — no tools required.
  • After you insert the new battery with the positive side facing up, the AirTag reconnects to Find My automatically within seconds.

What battery does an AirTag use

Every AirTag uses a CR2032 coin cell battery, a flat, round battery about the size of a dime. This is one of the most common battery types in the world, sold everywhere from grocery stores to gas stations to pharmacies. You will find them in the battery aisle, often near the checkout counter.

The battery is not proprietary to Apple, so any CR2032 will work. Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, and store brands all function identically in an AirTag. Price varies slightly by brand and retailer, but you should not pay more than $10 for a single battery. Buying a multipack is often cheaper per battery if you have other devices that use CR2032s — watches, calculators, car key fobs, and hearing aids all use the same type.

How to open the AirTag battery compartment

The AirTag has a polished stainless steel back and a white plastic front. The battery compartment is on the back. To open it, hold the AirTag in one hand with the white side facing you. With your other hand, press down firmly on the stainless steel back and twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn — roughly the motion you would use to open a bottle cap.

The back will pop off or loosen enough to lift away. You do not need a tool, and you should not need to force it. If it feels stuck, make sure you are pressing down while twisting, not just twisting alone. Once the back is off, you will see the battery sitting in a small circular compartment.

Removing the old battery and inserting the new one

The old battery should lift out easily with your finger. If it is stuck, try gently prying it with a fingernail or the edge of a plastic card. Once it is out, look at the new CR2032 battery and note which side is marked with a plus sign — that is the positive side.

Place the new battery into the compartment with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up toward you. The negative side should face down into the compartment. Press down gently until the battery sits flat. Then align the stainless steel back with the plastic body and twist it clockwise until it clicks or feels snug. You should hear or feel a small click when it is seated correctly.

What happens after you replace the battery

Within a few seconds of closing the battery compartment, the AirTag will reconnect to the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You will see the battery status change from low to full in the app. The AirTag is now ready to use and will continue tracking as before.

If the AirTag does not reconnect within 30 seconds, try moving it closer to your iPhone or another Apple device on your account. If it still does not appear, open the battery compartment again and make sure the battery is seated flat with the positive side facing up. Occasionally a battery will not make full contact on the first try.

When to replace the battery

The Find My app shows the battery level of each AirTag. When it reaches low, you will receive a notification. At that point, you typically have two to four weeks before the AirTag stops working. There is no rush to replace it immediately, but doing so sooner means your AirTag will not go offline unexpectedly.

If you have multiple AirTags, their batteries will not all die at the same time. Replacement frequency depends on how often the AirTag is used and how far it travels. An AirTag on a frequently-used keychain will drain faster than one on a rarely-used bag. Most people replace the battery once per year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage than standard alkaline CR2032s, and the AirTag may not recognize them as fully charged or may drain them faster. Stick with standard alkaline CR2032 batteries for reliable performance.

What if I lose the stainless steel back after removing it?

The back is a small metal disc and easy to misplace. If you lose it, you can contact Apple Support to order a replacement back, though it may take several days to arrive. In the meantime, the AirTag will not work without the back in place because the battery will not make contact. Keep the back in a safe spot while you swap the battery.

Does the AirTag need to be removed from Find My before I replace the battery?

No. You can replace the battery while the AirTag is still linked to your account. Simply swap the battery and the AirTag will reconnect automatically. You do not need to unpair it or take any steps in the app.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

Most users see about one year of battery life under normal use. Heavy use — such as an AirTag on a daily-commute keychain that travels far from your iPhone — may drain it faster. Light use, such as an AirTag in a desk drawer, may extend it to 18 months or longer.