Yes, AirTags need charging, but not the way you might think

AirTags don't charge through a cable or dock. Instead, you replace the battery inside — a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for a few dollars. When the battery runs low, your iPhone sends you a notification, and you pop open the AirTag, swap out the old battery for a new one, and you're done. The whole process takes about 30 seconds.

A fresh CR2032 battery lasts roughly one year under normal use. What counts as "normal" depends on how often the AirTag is actually tracking — if it's in a bag you use daily, it drains faster than one on a spare key you rarely move. Once the battery is truly dead, the AirTag stops working entirely until you replace it.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery, not a rechargeable one, so you swap the battery rather than plug it in.
  • A new battery lasts about one year, though this varies based on how often you use the AirTag and how far it travels.
  • Your iPhone notifies you when the battery is low, giving you time to buy a replacement before it dies completely.
  • You can buy CR2032 batteries at pharmacies, supermarkets, and online for a few dollars, and no special tools are needed to open the AirTag.

How to replace the battery yourself

Open the AirTag by pressing down on the stainless steel back and twisting it counterclockwise until it stops — you'll feel it click. The back pops off, and you'll see the battery sitting in a small compartment. Lift out the old battery, drop in a new CR2032 (any brand works), and twist the back on clockwise until it clicks again. That's it.

The battery compartment is designed so you can't install it backward — the flat side of the battery goes down, the raised side faces up. If you're having trouble getting the back off, you're probably twisting the wrong direction or not pressing hard enough. Some people find it easier to use a coin or the edge of a credit card to apply pressure while twisting.

What battery type you need

The CR2032 is a 3-volt lithium coin cell battery, and it's one of the most common battery types in the world. You'll find it in watches, calculators, car key fobs, and hearing aids. Any CR2032 will work in an AirTag — brand doesn't matter. Duracell, Energizer, Amazon Basics, and generic store brands all perform the same way.

Don't use a rechargeable CR2032 or a different battery type. Rechargeable versions don't hold a charge as long and aren't designed for AirTag use. Other coin cell sizes like CR2025 or CR2016 won't fit properly and could damage the battery compartment.

When you'll know the battery is dying

Your iPhone sends a notification when the AirTag battery is low — usually a few weeks before it completely dies. This gives you time to grab a replacement battery without the AirTag going dark in the meantime. The notification appears in the Find My app under the AirTag's name.

If you ignore the notification and the battery dies, the AirTag stops transmitting its location and won't respond to the Find My network. You won't be able to locate it or play a sound on it until you replace the battery. If an AirTag is lost and the battery dies, you have no way to find it remotely.

Cost and where to buy replacement batteries

A single CR2032 battery costs between $1 and $3 depending on where you buy it and the brand. A pack of four or eight batteries costs $4 to $8, which works out cheaper per battery if you have multiple AirTags or other devices that use them. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, supermarkets, and retailers like Target and Walmart all stock them in the battery aisle. Online options include Amazon, eBay, and the manufacturer websites.

You don't need to buy batteries from Apple or any special source — any CR2032 from any retailer will work. Some people keep a spare battery in a drawer so they don't have to run out when the notification arrives.

Why AirTags don't use rechargeable batteries

Apple chose a replaceable battery over a rechargeable one for practical reasons. A rechargeable battery would require a charging cable or dock, which adds bulk and cost to the AirTag itself. The CR2032 is tiny, cheap, and lasts long enough that most people only think about it once a year. Rechargeable batteries also degrade over time and eventually need replacing anyway — you'd just be swapping a battery inside a charging case instead of inside the AirTag.

The trade-off is that you have to remember to buy and install a new battery periodically. For most people, the simplicity of a replaceable battery outweighs the minor inconvenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Technically it will fit, but it's not recommended. Rechargeable versions hold less charge and drain faster than standard CR2032 batteries, so you'd be replacing it more often. Stick with standard lithium CR2032 batteries for the best performance.

What happens if I put the battery in backward?

The battery compartment is designed so it won't fit backward — the raised side of the battery only goes in one way. If you're having trouble, you're probably trying to force it the wrong direction. Flip it over and try again.

Do I need any tools to replace the battery?

No tools are needed. Your fingers are enough to press and twist the back off. If you have trouble gripping it, a coin or the edge of a credit card can help you apply pressure while twisting counterclockwise.

How long does a CR2032 battery last in an AirTag?

About one year under normal use, though this varies. An AirTag in a frequently-used bag drains faster than one on a rarely-moved keychain. Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it completely dies.

Can I buy AirTag batteries from Apple?

Apple doesn't sell CR2032 batteries separately. You can buy them from any pharmacy, supermarket, or online retailer. They're inexpensive and widely available since they're used in many common devices.