AirTags use replaceable batteries, not rechargeable ones

AirTags do not charge. They run on a standard CR2032 coin cell battery — the same kind you might find in a watch, calculator, or car key fob. When the battery runs out, you replace it with a new one. Apple estimates each battery lasts about a year under normal use, though that varies depending on how often the AirTag sends location data.

The CR2032 is a common battery you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for a few dollars. You do not need a special charger, dock, or cable. You simply pop off the back of the AirTag, swap out the old battery for a new one, and you are done.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that you replace yourself when it dies, not a rechargeable battery you plug in.
  • A single battery typically lasts about one year, though this depends on how often your AirTag communicates with your iPhone or other Apple devices.
  • You can buy CR2032 batteries at drugstores, supermarkets, and online for a few dollars each.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, giving you time to buy a replacement before the AirTag stops working.

How to replace an AirTag battery

Replacing the battery is straightforward. Hold the AirTag with the white side facing up. Press down on the stainless steel back cover and twist it counterclockwise until it comes loose. The battery will fall out or you can gently remove it.

Insert the new CR2032 battery with the positive side (the side with the + symbol) facing up. Replace the steel cover by aligning it and twisting clockwise until it clicks. Your AirTag will chime to confirm the battery is installed correctly. If it does not chime, the battery may be inserted upside down — flip it and try again.

When your iPhone tells you the battery is low

Your iPhone sends you a notification when an AirTag battery drops below a certain level. This usually happens a few weeks before the battery is completely dead, so you have time to buy a replacement. The notification appears in the Find My app under the Items tab.

If you ignore the notification and the battery dies completely, the AirTag will stop communicating with your devices. You will not be able to see its location or play a sound to find it. Replacing the battery will bring it back online within a few seconds.

Why AirTags use replaceable batteries instead of rechargeable ones

Apple chose a replaceable battery design because it keeps AirTags small and lightweight. A rechargeable battery would require a charging port, internal charging circuitry, and a larger overall size. The CR2032 approach lets AirTags stay thin enough to slip into a wallet or attach to a keychain without adding much weight.

Replaceable batteries also mean you are not dependent on a charger or cable. You can swap in a fresh battery anywhere, anytime, without waiting for a charge cycle. This is especially useful if you travel or use multiple AirTags — you can carry spare batteries and keep going.

How battery life varies by use

Apple's one-year estimate assumes typical use. If your AirTag is in a location where it frequently communicates with nearby Apple devices — like in a busy office or a home with multiple iPhones — the battery may drain faster. If it sits in a drawer or a rarely-visited location, it may last longer.

The AirTag also uses more battery when it is actively being searched for. If you play a sound on it or use Find My to locate it multiple times a day, you will see the battery deplete more quickly than if you check it once a month. Heavy daily use might reduce battery life to eight or nine months instead of a full year.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common coin cell batteries in the world. You can find them at drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, supermarkets like Walmart and Target, hardware stores, and online retailers like Amazon. A single battery usually costs between one and three dollars. Some stores sell them in multipacks, which is cheaper per battery if you own several AirTags or other devices that use them.

Check the packaging to make sure you are buying a CR2032, not a similar-looking battery like a CR2025 or CR2016. The numbers matter — they refer to the battery's diameter and thickness. A CR2025 will not fit properly in an AirTag, and a CR2016 is too thin. The correct battery is labeled CR2032.

What happens if you use the wrong battery

If you accidentally install a different coin cell battery, the AirTag may not work at all, or it may work briefly and then stop. Some wrong batteries are too thin and will not make proper contact with the AirTag's internal connections. Others may be the right size but have a different voltage, which can damage the AirTag's electronics or cause it to malfunction.

Always double-check the battery label before inserting it. If you have already installed the wrong battery and the AirTag is not working, remove it and install the correct CR2032. The AirTag itself should not be harmed by a brief mistake, but leaving the wrong battery in place for an extended time could cause problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge an AirTag with a wireless charger or USB cable?

No. AirTags have no charging port and are not compatible with any charger. They only work with a replaceable CR2032 battery. If your AirTag stops working, the battery is dead and needs to be replaced, not charged.

How do I know when to replace the battery?

Your iPhone will send you a notification in the Find My app when the battery is low. You do not have to wait for the AirTag to stop working. If you do not see a notification but suspect the battery is dead, try replacing it — a fresh battery will confirm whether that was the problem.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself?

Yes. Replacing a CR2032 battery in an AirTag is safe and requires no tools. Just make sure your hands are clean and dry, and that you insert the battery with the positive side facing up. If you are uncomfortable doing it, Apple Stores and many retailers will replace the battery for you, usually for free or a small fee.

What should I do with the old battery?

CR2032 batteries contain small amounts of lithium and should not go in the regular trash. Most drugstores and retailers that sell batteries also accept old batteries for recycling. Some communities have battery recycling programs — check your local waste management website for drop-off locations near you.

Do all AirTags use the same battery?

Yes. All standard AirTags use a CR2032 battery. If Apple releases new versions in the future, they may use a different battery, but current models all use the same type.