Yes, you can replace the battery in an AirTag yourself

Apple AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin-cell battery that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer for $3 to $8. The battery lasts about one year under normal use, and when it dies, the AirTag will send you a notification on your iPhone. You can swap in a fresh battery in under a minute without tools or special knowledge.

The catch is that Apple does not sell replacement batteries for AirTags, and the company does not officially recommend opening the device yourself. However, the design makes it straightforward: the back of the AirTag is a removable plastic disc that twists off by hand. Once you have a new CR2032 battery, you simply pop out the old one, drop in the new one, and twist the back on again.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are standard CR2032 coin cells available at drugstores and online for a few dollars.
  • The back of the AirTag twists off by hand with no tools needed, and the battery swap takes less than a minute.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, giving you time to buy a replacement before the AirTag stops working.
  • If you are uncomfortable opening the device, Apple Stores will replace the battery for you, though there may be a small fee.

Where to buy a replacement CR2032 battery

CR2032 batteries are among the most common coin-cell batteries made. You can find them at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, and most grocery stores in the pharmacy or electronics section. A single battery usually costs $3 to $5, though multi-packs are cheaper per unit if you have other devices that use them.

Online, Amazon, Best Buy, and eBay all stock CR2032 batteries. If you order online, factor in shipping time — a pharmacy visit is usually faster if you need the battery right away. Make sure the package says CR2032 specifically, as there are other similar-looking coin cells (like CR2025 or CR2016) that will not fit or work properly.

How to open your AirTag and swap the battery

Hold the AirTag with the stainless steel side facing down and the white plastic back facing up. You will see a small circular indent on the back. Place your thumb or finger on that indent and apply firm, steady pressure while twisting counterclockwise. The back disc will pop off after a quarter turn or so.

Once the back is off, you will see the battery sitting in a small metal cup. The positive side (marked with a +) faces up. Gently pry or push the old battery out — it should come free with light pressure. Drop the new CR2032 battery in with the positive side facing up, making sure it sits flat in the cup. Then twist the back on clockwise until you hear or feel a click.

Your iPhone should recognize the new battery within a few seconds. Open the Find My app and tap the AirTag to confirm it is working. If the battery percentage does not update right away, wait a minute or two and check again.

What happens when the battery gets low

When your AirTag battery drops to about 10 percent, your iPhone will send you a notification saying the battery is low. You do not have to replace it immediately — the AirTag will continue to work for a while longer. However, once the battery is completely dead, the AirTag will not transmit its location or respond to the Find My network until you install a fresh battery.

If you lose track of an AirTag before the battery dies, the last known location will stay in the Find My app for a short time. Once the battery is dead, that location data disappears, so it is worth replacing the battery as soon as you get the notification.

Getting help at an Apple Store if you prefer not to open it yourself

If you are not comfortable opening the AirTag yourself, you can take it to any Apple Store and ask them to replace the battery. Staff can usually do this while you wait. Some locations may charge a small fee (typically $0 to $10), though some do it for free. Call ahead to confirm whether your local store charges and whether they have CR2032 batteries in stock.

This option is useful if you are worried about damaging the device or if you simply prefer to have someone else handle it. The process is the same whether you or an Apple employee does it, so there is no functional difference in the outcome.

How long a CR2032 battery lasts in an AirTag

Apple states that a CR2032 battery lasts about one year in an AirTag under normal use. The actual lifespan depends on how often the AirTag is tracked, how far away it is from your devices, and how frequently it connects to the Find My network. An AirTag in a frequently-used bag or on a keychain will drain the battery faster than one sitting in a drawer at home.

If you use your AirTag daily and check its location regularly, expect to replace the battery closer to every 9 to 11 months. If you use it less often, it may last closer to 12 to 14 months. The notification system gives you a heads-up before it dies, so you should have time to grab a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of battery in my AirTag?

No. The AirTag is designed specifically for CR2032 batteries. Other coin-cell batteries like CR2025, CR2016, or LR44 will not fit properly or may not provide the correct voltage. Always use a CR2032 to avoid damaging the device or creating a safety hazard.

Will opening my AirTag void the warranty?

Apple does not officially support user battery replacement, but opening the AirTag to swap the battery is unlikely to void your warranty. The device is designed to be opened this way, and battery replacement is a normal maintenance task. If you damage something else while opening it, that damage would not be covered, but simply replacing the battery should not affect your warranty status.

What should I do with the old battery?

CR2032 batteries contain lithium and should not be thrown in the trash. Take the old battery to a pharmacy, electronics store, or hazardous waste collection site in your area. Many retailers that sell batteries also accept used ones for recycling at no charge.

Can I replace the battery while the AirTag is still attached to my keys or bag?

Yes. You do not need to remove the AirTag from whatever it is attached to in order to replace the battery. Just hold it steady, twist off the back, swap the battery, and twist the back on again. The attachment ring or loop will not get in the way of the process.

How do I know if my AirTag battery is actually dead or if something else is wrong?

If the battery is dead, the AirTag will not show up in the Find My app at all, and your iPhone will not be able to locate it. If the AirTag appears in Find My but shows an old location or does not update, the battery may be low but not completely dead. Replace the battery and check again. If the AirTag still does not work after a fresh battery, contact Apple Support to troubleshoot further.