Yes, you can replace the battery yourself in about 30 seconds

AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that you can swap out at home without tools or special knowledge. The battery typically lasts about a year of normal use, and Apple designed the AirTag specifically so you can open it and replace it yourself. You do not need to send it anywhere or buy a new one.

The entire process takes less than a minute. You twist the stainless steel back off the plastic front, remove the old battery, drop in a new CR2032, and twist the back on again. That is it.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery that lasts roughly one year before it needs replacing.
  • You open an AirTag by twisting the stainless steel back counterclockwise until it comes free from the plastic front.
  • CR2032 batteries cost between $3 and $8 for a pack and are sold at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
  • Your AirTag will alert you on your iPhone when the battery is running low, giving you time to buy a replacement before it dies.

What you need to replace an AirTag battery

You need only two things: a CR2032 battery and your AirTag. No screwdrivers, no special tools, nothing else.

CR2032 batteries are extremely common. You can find them at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and most grocery stores in the pharmacy or electronics section. A single battery costs $3 to $5, though buying a pack of four or eight is usually cheaper per battery. Check the package to confirm it says CR2032 — that is the only size that fits.

If your AirTag is still working, you will see a low battery warning on your iPhone before the battery actually dies. Open the Find My app, tap the AirTag, and look for a battery icon. When it turns yellow or red, that is your signal to buy a replacement battery soon.

How to open your AirTag and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag with the stainless steel back facing up. Place your thumb on the steel back and your fingers underneath the white plastic front. Twist the steel back counterclockwise — the direction opposite a clock's hands — until you feel it loosen. It usually takes a quarter turn or less.

Once it is loose, lift the steel back straight up and off. You will see the white plastic battery holder inside with the old CR2032 sitting in it. The battery is held in by a small metal clip on one side. Press down gently on the clip with your fingernail or the edge of a coin, and the battery will pop up slightly. Lift it out and set it aside.

Do not force anything. If the back does not twist easily, you are probably turning it the wrong direction. Stop and try clockwise instead — some people naturally turn the opposite way.

Installing the new battery

Take your new CR2032 battery and look at it. One side is flat and blank (the negative side), and the other side has a plus sign or raised markings (the positive side). The positive side should face up toward you when you drop it in.

Place the battery into the white plastic holder with the positive side facing up. It will sit flat in the holder. You do not need to press it down or do anything else — it sits loosely until you close the back.

Now twist the stainless steel back onto the plastic front. Turn it clockwise (the direction a clock's hands move) until it stops. You will feel a slight resistance when it is seated properly. Do not over-tighten it — just turn until it feels snug.

Checking that your AirTag is working again

Open the Find My app on your iPhone and tap your AirTag. The battery icon should now show a full or nearly full battery. If it still shows low or empty, the battery may not be making good contact. Open the AirTag again, remove the battery, and check that the positive side is facing up. Reinstall it and close the back again.

If the battery icon does not update after a few minutes, try moving your AirTag closer to your iPhone or another Apple device on your account. Sometimes the status takes a moment to refresh.

What to do with the old battery

Do not throw a used CR2032 battery in the trash. Most communities have battery recycling programs. Take it to a Best Buy, Home Depot, or Lowe's — all three accept used batteries for free recycling. Some Whole Foods locations and municipal hazardous waste facilities also accept them. Call ahead to confirm your local store takes them.

If you have no recycling option nearby, you can store the old battery safely in a cool, dry place until you can drop it off. Keep it away from metal objects that might short the terminals.

How often you will need to replace the battery

A CR2032 battery in an AirTag typically lasts about one year under normal use. This means the AirTag is actively communicating with your iPhone and other Apple devices around you. If you have an AirTag that sits in a drawer and you rarely use it, the battery may last longer.

Your iPhone will warn you when the battery is low, so you do not have to guess. Once you see the warning, you have time to buy a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working. The warning usually appears a few weeks before the battery is completely dead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery size in my AirTag?

No. AirTags are designed only for CR2032 batteries. Other sizes will not fit, and using the wrong battery could damage the AirTag or cause it to malfunction. Always use a CR2032.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

If you install the battery with the negative side facing up instead of the positive side, the AirTag simply will not work. Your iPhone will not detect it. Open the AirTag again, flip the battery over so the positive side faces up, and close it. No permanent damage occurs.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself, or should I take it to Apple?

It is completely safe to replace it yourself. Apple designed AirTags so owners can change the battery at home without any risk. You do not need to visit Apple or pay for a service — just buy a CR2032 and swap it out.

How do I know when my AirTag battery is actually dead?

Your iPhone will show a red battery icon in the Find My app when the battery is critically low. At that point, the AirTag will stop communicating with your devices. Replace the battery as soon as you see the red warning to avoid losing tracking ability.

Can I buy rechargeable CR2032 batteries for my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they are not recommended for AirTags. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage than standard CR2032 batteries and may not power the AirTag reliably. Stick with standard, non-rechargeable CR2032 batteries for the best performance.