How to Replace an AirTag Battery

This guide shows you how to replace the CR2032 coin battery inside an Apple AirTag when it runs low. You’ll need a new CR2032 battery (the same type used in many car key fobs and watches) and a firm surface to work on. The whole process takes about two minutes and requires no tools.

What You’ll Need

• A new CR2032 3V lithium coin battery (make sure it has a bitter coating to prevent swallowing, as Apple recommends)
• A clean, flat surface (a table or counter)
• Optional: a soft cloth to protect the AirTag’s shiny cover from scratches

Step-by-Step

1. Remove the AirTag from any accessory – If your AirTag is inside a key ring holder, luggage tag, or other case, take it out so you have direct access to the polished stainless steel back cover.
2. Hold the AirTag with the shiny metal side facing up – The white plastic side with the Apple logo should be facing down on your work surface.
3. Press down on the metal cover and rotate it counterclockwise – Use the palm of your hand or your thumb to press firmly and turn the cover to the left (counterclockwise). You should feel it click or give way after about a quarter turn. Do not try to pry it off – it’s a twist-lock mechanism.
4. Lift the cover off – Once it’s rotated, the cover will come off easily. Set it aside in a safe place.
5. Remove the old battery – The battery sits in a small recess with the positive (+) side facing up. You can use your fingernail or a non-metallic tool (like a plastic spudger or a toothpick) to gently lift it out. Avoid using metal tweezers that could short-circuit the battery.
6. Insert the new battery with the positive (+) side facing up – You should see the plus sign (+) stamped on the top of the battery. Place it into the recess and press down gently until it sits flat. You may hear a small click or chime – that’s normal and indicates the AirTag has powered on.
7. Replace the metal cover – Align the three small tabs on the cover with the three slots on the AirTag body. Press down firmly and rotate the cover clockwise (to the right) until it stops and is flush with the body.
8. Verify the battery is installed correctly – Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad, go to the Items tab, and select your AirTag. You should see the battery icon no longer showing a low battery warning. If you have an iPhone 11 or later, you can also hold the AirTag near your phone and it will show a battery status prompt.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong battery type – Only use a CR2032 3V lithium battery. Other coin cells like CR2025 or CR2016 are thinner and won’t make proper contact, causing the AirTag to not work.
• Inserting the battery upside down – The positive (+) side must face up. If you put it in with the negative side up, the AirTag won’t power on.
• Forcing the cover – If the cover doesn’t turn easily, you might be pressing in the wrong spot or not pressing hard enough. Don’t use tools to pry it – you could damage the plastic tabs.
• Not aligning the tabs when closing – If you don’t line up the three tabs correctly, you’ll feel resistance and could strip the locking mechanism. Always align before pressing and turning.
• Ignoring the low battery warning – Once the Find My app says “Low Battery,” you usually have a few weeks, but it can die sooner. Replace it promptly to avoid losing tracking.

Tips

• Buy a battery with a bitter coating – Apple recommends CR2032 batteries with a bitterant (like Panasonic’s or Duracell’s) to discourage accidental swallowing by children or pets. The coating is safe and doesn’t affect performance.
• Check the battery’s expiry date – Coin batteries have a shelf life of several years. Look for a fresh one with a far-off expiry date to get the full lifespan (about one year of typical use).
• Clean the contacts if needed – If the AirTag has been exposed to moisture or dust, you can gently wipe the battery contacts with a dry cotton swab before inserting the new battery.
• Test the AirTag after closing – Even if the Find My app shows no low battery warning, you can test the sound by playing a chime in the Find My app to confirm the speaker works.
• Recycle the old battery – Coin batteries contain lithium and should be recycled. Many electronics stores and municipal recycling centers accept them. Check local regulations.

Troubleshooting

AirTag doesn’t respond after battery replacement
If the AirTag doesn’t show up in Find My or doesn’t play a sound, first double-check that the battery is installed with the + side up and that the cover is properly locked. If it still doesn’t work, try removing the battery and reinserting it after 10 seconds – this can reset the internal electronics. If it still fails, the battery might be defective; try another new one.

The cover won’t turn
Make sure you’re pressing down firmly in the center of the cover. The cover has a slight friction fit, so it needs a bit of force. If it’s slippery, place a rubber band or a piece of cloth over the cover for better grip. Avoid using tools that could scratch the metal.

The cover turns but won’t come off
After rotating counterclockwise, the cover should lift off. If it’s stuck, gently wiggle it while pulling up. There may be a small lip – use a fingernail to lift from the edge.

AirTag still says “Low Battery” after replacement
This can happen if the new battery has a low charge (rare) or if the AirTag hasn’t refreshed its status. Force-quit the Find My app and reopen it. If the warning persists after a few hours, try a different battery.

The AirTag is not connecting to my phone
Make sure Bluetooth is on and your phone is within range. If the AirTag was previously paired, it should reconnect automatically. If not, you may need to reset the AirTag by removing and reinserting the battery five times (each time waiting for a chime). Then re-pair it with your phone by holding it close.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to replace the AirTag battery?
Typically about once a year, depending on usage. Heavy use (frequent location updates) can drain it faster. The Find My app will notify you when the battery is low.

What type of battery does an AirTag use?
It uses a CR2032 3V lithium coin battery. This is a common type available at most stores that sell batteries.

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery?
Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they typically have a lower voltage (around 3.6V) and may not be compatible. Apple recommends using a standard non-rechargeable CR2032. Stick to the standard type to avoid issues.

Is the AirTag waterproof after battery replacement?
The AirTag has an IP67 water resistance rating, but this can be compromised if the cover isn’t sealed properly. Make sure the cover is fully locked and the O-ring (if present) is clean and in place. Avoid submerging it in water after a battery change.

Will I lose my AirTag settings if I replace the battery?
No, replacing the battery does not erase the AirTag’s pairing or settings. It will continue to work with your Apple ID and Find My app.

Can I replace the battery in an AirTag myself?
Yes, the battery is user-replaceable. Apple designed the AirTag with a twist-off cover specifically for this purpose. No tools are required.

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