How to Replace Your Apple AirTag Battery

Understanding Your AirTag Battery and When It Needs Replacement

Apple AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery, which is the same type found in many watches, calculators, and other small electronic devices. This battery measures about 20 millimeters in diameter and 3.2 millimeters in thickness. When your AirTag is working properly, the CR2032 battery typically lasts around one year under normal usage conditions. Apple estimates that the average user will need to replace their AirTag battery once per year, though actual battery life can vary based on how frequently you use the Find My feature and how often the AirTag communicates with nearby Apple devices.

Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac will notify you when your AirTag battery is running low. You'll receive a notification that states "AirTag Battery Low" or similar messaging in the Find My app. This warning usually appears when the battery has approximately 10% or less charge remaining. Some users report receiving this notification a few weeks before the battery completely dies, giving you a reasonable window to plan for replacement. However, you don't need to wait for this notification—you can check your AirTag's battery status at any time through the Find My app by tapping on the specific AirTag and looking at the battery percentage displayed.

The lifespan of your CR2032 battery depends on several factors. AirTags that are used frequently for tracking will drain batteries faster than those used occasionally. If you use Find My notifications regularly, enable precision finding with Ultra Wideband technology on compatible iPhones, or keep your AirTag in an area with many Apple devices nearby, the battery will deplete more quickly. Temperature also affects battery performance—batteries last longer in moderate temperatures and may drain faster in very cold or hot environments. Understanding these factors helps you anticipate when replacement might be needed.

Practical takeaway: Check your AirTag battery status monthly by opening the Find My app and selecting your AirTag. This habit lets you monitor battery health and plan ahead for replacement rather than discovering a dead battery unexpectedly.

Gathering the Right Tools and Materials Before You Begin

The primary material you'll need is a new CR2032 battery. These batteries are widely available at pharmacies, grocery stores, electronics retailers, and online marketplaces. A single CR2032 battery typically costs between $3 and $8 depending on the brand and where you purchase it. Popular brands include Energizer, Duracell, Maxell, and Panasonic. You don't need to purchase an Apple-branded battery—any standard CR2032 coin cell battery will work in your AirTag. If you want to purchase multiple batteries at once, many retailers sell packs of two or four batteries, which can be more economical if you own multiple AirTags.

In terms of tools, you'll need something to help you open the AirTag's metal back cover. Apple designed the AirTag with a specific opening mechanism. The white plastic side of the AirTag has grooves, and you need to apply pressure and twist the metal back cover counterclockwise to remove it. For this task, you can use a coin (a penny, dime, or quarter works well), a flathead screwdriver, or your fingernail if you have enough grip strength. Many people find that a coin provides the best control and reduces the risk of slipping and scratching the AirTag's surface. A soft cloth can be helpful to wipe away any dust or fingerprints during the process.

You should also consider having a small container or tray nearby to hold the battery and any small components as you work. This prevents losing pieces if they slip from your hands. A well-lit workspace is important too—the CR2032 battery is small, and good lighting helps you see what you're doing. If you wear glasses or have vision concerns, you might want to work near a lamp or use your phone's flashlight to illuminate the work area. Some people prefer to work over a table or desk rather than on a lap, as this gives you more control and makes it less likely to drop small components on the floor.

Practical takeaway: Gather your coin or flathead screwdriver and your new CR2032 battery before you start. Having everything ready takes only a minute and prevents interruptions during the replacement process.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Opening Your AirTag

Start by locating the seam between the white plastic portion of your AirTag and the stainless steel back cover. The white plastic portion is slightly raised, and you'll notice small indented grooves on the white plastic. Position your coin or flathead screwdriver into one of these grooves. The grooves are intentionally designed to help you grip and turn the AirTag. Apply steady, even pressure while turning the metal back cover counterclockwise—the same direction you would turn to unscrew a jar lid. Don't use excessive force; steady, moderate pressure is usually sufficient. You should feel the back cover begin to loosen after turning about a quarter turn.

Continue rotating the back cover counterclockwise until you can see a small gap between the metal cover and the white plastic body. Once there's a visible gap, you can often remove your tool and use your fingers to complete the removal. Gently pull the metal back cover away from the white plastic body. The cover should come off without resistance once you've rotated it enough. Some AirTags are slightly tighter than others, but this difference is normal and doesn't indicate any problem.

Once the metal back cover is removed, you'll see the interior of your AirTag. The CR2032 battery sits inside, positioned with the positive side (the shiny silver side with "CR2032" printed on it) facing upward toward the top of the AirTag. The battery rests in a circular compartment. You may also see a small white plastic ring or gasket around the battery area—this is part of the water-resistance design and should remain in place. Take a moment to observe how the old battery is positioned so you can insert the new one in the same orientation. The battery won't fall out easily because it fits snugly in the compartment.

Practical takeaway: The opening process typically takes less than one minute once you understand the mechanism. Use steady pressure rather than force, and remember that counterclockwise rotation is the correct direction. If the cover seems stuck, try adjusting your grip or using a different coin with a thinner edge.

Removing the Old Battery and Installing the New One

To remove the old battery, position your fingernail or the edge of a coin under the edge of the CR2032 battery and gently pry it upward. The battery should pop out relatively easily—you're not trying to force it, but rather give it a small lift to break the contact and let gravity and the spring mechanism release it. If you're having difficulty, try working your tool around the edge of the battery until you find the spot where it lifts most easily. Some people find it helpful to push on the battery from the bottom of the AirTag (the side facing away from you) to pop it out the top. Once the old battery is out, set it aside. If the battery appears to have any visible damage, corrosion, or leakage, this might explain why your AirTag stopped working properly, but modern CR2032 batteries rarely have these issues.

Before installing the new battery, take a moment to examine the battery compartment. If you see any dust or debris, you can gently wipe it with a dry cloth or your fingertip. This isn't strictly necessary, but it ensures a clean contact. Now position your new CR2032 battery with the positive side (the shiny side with the label) facing upward. This is the correct orientation—the positive side should face toward the top opening of the AirTag. Lower the battery into the compartment and press down gently until you hear a small click or feel it settle into place. The battery should sit flush with the battery compartment; you shouldn't see any of the battery edges sticking up above the rim.

After inserting the new battery, your AirTag is already functioning with the new power source. You don't need to wait for anything to initialize or connect. However, before you close the AirTag, it's worth double-checking that the battery is properly seated. Give the battery compartment a gentle look to confirm the battery is sitting evenly and isn't tilted or raised on one side. If everything looks correct, you're ready to close the AirTag.

Practical takeaway: The positive side of the battery (