How to Charge AirTags: Step-by-Step Guide

AirTags are Apple’s small Bluetooth trackers that help you find keys, bags, and other items. Unlike many gadgets, AirTags don’t have a charging port and are not designed to be recharged by the user. Instead, they run on a standard CR2032 coin battery that lasts about a year. This guide explains how to check the battery level, replace the battery when it’s low, and what to do if your AirTag isn’t working.

What You’ll Need

A new CR2032 3V lithium coin battery (make sure it’s not the bitter-coated version, as this can cause contact issues).
A clean, flat surface to work on.
Your AirTag and the item it’s attached to (if it’s in a holder, you may need to remove it).

Step-by-Step

Check the battery level. Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the Items tab at the bottom. Your AirTag will appear in the list. If the battery is low, you’ll see a low battery icon next to it. You can also ask Siri “Where’s my AirTag?” to see its status.
Remove the AirTag from its holder. If your AirTag is in a keychain holder, loop, or other accessory, take it out so you can access the back cover. Most holders simply slide or clip off.
Press down and turn the back cover. Hold the AirTag with the shiny, white side facing up. Place your thumbs on the back cover (the side with the Apple logo) and press down firmly. While pressing, turn the cover counterclockwise (to the left). You should feel it click and release after about a quarter turn.
Lift off the cover. Once the cover is loose, lift it straight up. The battery is underneath, sitting in a small recess.
Remove the old battery. The battery is a shiny, silver disc. You can tap the AirTag gently on your palm to pop it out, or use a non-metallic tool like a plastic spudger or a toothpick to pry it out. Do not use a metal tool that could scratch the contacts.
Insert the new battery. Take your new CR2032 battery and check the positive (+) side. It should have a plus sign and be smooth. Place the battery into the compartment with the + side facing up. Press down gently until it clicks into place. You should hear a small chime or beep from the AirTag, confirming it has power.
Replace the cover. Align the three tabs on the cover with the three slots on the AirTag body. Press down and turn the cover clockwise (to the right) until it stops and clicks securely. The cover should be flush with the body.
Reattach the AirTag to your item. Slide it back into its holder or accessory.
Verify it’s working. Open the Find My app again and tap on your AirTag. You should see the battery indicator is now full (or at least not low). You can also play a sound to confirm it’s functioning.

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong battery type. AirTags require a CR2032 battery. Other coin cells like CR2025 or CR2016 are thinner and won’t make proper contact.
Installing the battery upside down. The positive (+) side must face up. If you put it in with the negative side up, the AirTag won’t turn on.
Buying bitter-coated batteries. Some CR2032 batteries have a bitter coating to prevent children from swallowing them. This coating can interfere with the electrical contact in AirTags. Look for batteries specifically labeled as compatible with AirTags or without the bitter coating.
Forcing the cover. If the cover doesn’t turn easily, you’re probably not pressing down hard enough. Don’t use excessive force or tools to pry it open, as you could damage the plastic.
Not removing the plastic tab. Some new batteries come with a small plastic pull-tab. Make sure you remove it before inserting the battery.

Tips

Use a quality battery. A reputable brand like Duracell, Energizer, or Panasonic will last longer and provide a more stable voltage.
Check the battery date. Batteries have a shelf life. Check the expiration date on the package to ensure it’s fresh.
Keep the contacts clean. If the AirTag has been exposed to moisture or dust, clean the battery contacts with a dry cotton swab before inserting a new battery.
Reset the AirTag if needed. If your AirTag isn’t connecting after a battery change, you can reset it. Press and hold the battery until you hear a sound, then release. Wait for the sound to stop, then press and hold again for a few seconds until you hear a higher-pitched sound. This resets the AirTag and you’ll need to pair it again.
Use the Find My app to test. After replacing the battery, try playing a sound on the AirTag to confirm it’s working.

Troubleshooting

If your AirTag still shows a low battery or doesn’t work after replacing the battery, try these steps:

Check the battery orientation. Remove the cover and make sure the battery is placed with the + sign facing up.
Clean the contacts. Use a dry cotton swab or a soft cloth to gently clean the metal contacts inside the AirTag and on the battery.
Try a different battery. Sometimes a new battery can be defective. Try another one from a different pack or brand.
Reset the AirTag. As described above, resetting the AirTag can fix connection issues.
Check for physical damage. If the AirTag has been dropped or exposed to water, the internal components may be damaged. In that case, you may need to replace the AirTag.
Update your iPhone. Make sure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version, as older versions may have bugs with AirTag battery reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do AirTags need to be charged?

No, AirTags do not have a charging port or a rechargeable battery. They are powered by a replaceable CR2032 coin battery that typically lasts about a year.

How do I know when my AirTag battery is low?

You’ll see a low battery icon next to your AirTag in the Find My app. You may also receive a notification on your iPhone when the battery drops below a certain level.

Can I use any CR2032 battery?

Most CR2032 batteries will work, but it’s best to avoid those with a bitter coating (often used to deter children from swallowing them) because the coating can cause poor contact. Look for batteries labeled as compatible with AirTags.

How long does the battery last?

Apple states that the battery lasts about a year under normal use. Actual battery life may vary depending on how often you use the AirTag to play sounds or use Precision Finding.

Is the AirTag waterproof?

AirTags are rated IP67, meaning they are resistant to dust and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. However, the battery compartment is not sealed, so it’s best to keep the AirTag dry when changing the battery.

What if my AirTag is not connecting after a battery change?

Try resetting the AirTag by removing the battery, pressing it back in until you hear a sound, then pressing and holding it again until you hear a higher-pitched sound. Then re-pair it with your iPhone.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

More cards in this drawer

The whole Numbers and Powers drawer →