The battery in your AirTag is a standard CR2032 coin cell that you swap out yourself — no tools needed

Your AirTag uses a single CR2032 battery that lasts about a year under normal use. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification. You do not need to visit a store or send the AirTag anywhere. The whole replacement takes about 30 seconds and costs between $3 and $8 for a new battery.

The tricky part is not the replacement itself — it is opening the AirTag without breaking it. The white plastic back twists off, but it requires a specific motion that feels wrong the first time you try it.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 coin cell batteries that you can buy at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer.
  • To open your AirTag, hold the metal side steady and twist the white plastic back counterclockwise until it clicks and separates.
  • The battery sits in a small metal holder inside the AirTag and lifts straight out — there are no springs or clips to manage.
  • A new battery should be inserted with the positive side facing up, and the AirTag will confirm the battery is working when you close it.

What you need before you start

You need only a CR2032 battery. This is the most common coin cell battery in the world, and you will find it at any pharmacy (CVS, Walgreens), grocery store, or drugstore. It costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and how many you buy. Amazon, Walmart, and Target all stock them, often in multipacks if you want spares.

Do not buy a "rechargeable" CR2032 unless you want to replace it more often — the standard alkaline version lasts longer in an AirTag. Check the package to make sure it says CR2032 and not CR2025 or another number. The wrong size will not fit.

You do not need a screwdriver, a coin, or any other tool. Apple designed the AirTag to open by hand.

How to open your AirTag without breaking it

Hold the AirTag in one hand with the shiny metal side facing up. Place your thumb on the metal side and your fingers on the white plastic back. This is the key: you are going to twist the white back counterclockwise (the same direction you turn a jar lid to open it), but you need to hold the metal side completely still while you do it.

Push down slightly with your thumb on the metal while you twist the white back with your fingers. You will feel resistance at first — this is normal. Keep twisting counterclockwise. After about a quarter turn, you will hear or feel a small click. That click means the back is now loose.

Once you hear the click, the back will come off easily. If it does not come off after the click, twist it a bit more. Do not force it before you hear the click, because the plastic can crack if you twist too hard without that release.

Removing the old battery and installing the new one

Inside the AirTag you will see a small metal battery holder with the old CR2032 sitting in it. The battery holder has a small lip or edge on one side. Slide your fingernail or a plastic edge under that lip and lift the battery holder straight up. The old battery will come out with it.

The battery sits in a metal cup inside the holder. Tip the holder and the old battery will fall out into your hand. Drop the new CR2032 into the metal cup with the positive side (the flat side with the + symbol) facing up. The negative side (the bumpy side) should face down.

Press the battery holder back down into the AirTag until it sits flat. You will feel it click into place. If it does not click, lift it and try again — the battery holder only fits one way.

Closing the AirTag and confirming it works

Hold the metal side steady again and twist the white plastic back clockwise (the opposite direction from when you opened it) until it clicks. You will feel the same click you felt when opening it. The back is now sealed.

Open the Find My app on your iPhone and look for your AirTag. If the battery was installed correctly, the battery status will change from "Low" or "Replace Battery" to a full battery icon within a few seconds. If it still shows low battery, open the AirTag again and make sure the positive side of the battery is facing up.

If your iPhone does not recognize the AirTag at all after you close it, the battery holder may not be seated properly. Open the AirTag again, lift the battery holder, and press it back down firmly until you hear the click.

Where to buy CR2032 batteries

You have many options for buying a CR2032 battery. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the battery aisle, usually near the checkout. Grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods carry them. Target and Walmart both have them in the electronics or battery section.

Online, Amazon sells CR2032 batteries in single packs or multipacks. Walmart.com and Target.com also ship them. If you want them today, a local pharmacy or grocery store is faster than waiting for shipping.

Brand does not matter much — Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, and store brands all work the same in an AirTag. The only thing that matters is that the package says CR2032 and not a different number.

What to do with the old battery

Do not throw a used CR2032 battery in the trash. Most pharmacies and grocery stores have a battery recycling bin near the checkout or customer service desk. Best Buy also takes batteries for free. Some municipalities have hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off batteries.

If you have no recycling option nearby, you can store the old battery safely in a cool, dry place until you find one. Just make sure it does not touch other metal objects, which could cause it to discharge or overheat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to replace the AirTag battery?

Most people replace the battery about once a year. It depends on how often you use the AirTag and how far away it is from your iPhone. An AirTag that is always in your pocket will drain the battery faster than one you only check occasionally. Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, so you will know when it is time.

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

You can, but it is not recommended. Rechargeable CR2032 batteries have a lower voltage than alkaline ones, and they drain faster in an AirTag. You will end up replacing it more often than you would with a standard battery. Stick with the alkaline CR2032 for the longest battery life.

What happens if I put the battery in upside down?

The AirTag will not work if the battery is installed with the negative side facing up. Your iPhone will not detect it, and the Find My app will show no connection. If this happens, open the AirTag again and flip the battery so the positive side (marked with a +) faces up. It will work immediately after you close it.

Is there a way to extend the battery life of my AirTag?

You can make the battery last longer by turning off Precision Finding in the Find My app if you do not use it. Precision Finding uses Bluetooth more actively and drains the battery faster. You can also reduce how often your iPhone checks the AirTag's location, though this is a less noticeable change.

Can I replace the battery in an AirTag keychain or card holder?

Yes. The AirTag itself is the same whether it is loose or inside an Apple keychain or card holder. You remove the AirTag from the accessory, replace the battery using the same steps, and put it back. The accessory does not affect the battery replacement process.