How to Replace AirTag Battery (2024 Guide)

An AirTag is packed with a user-replaceable battery that’s designed to last for around a year. When the AirTag battery is low, your iPhone will throw a notification. You can also check AirTag’s battery life manually. A dead battery will disable your AirTag, but replacing it is a quick and simple process that you can do at home. In this article, we’ll walk you through all the steps to secure a new battery in place to get your AirTag back up and running in no time. Let’s begin!

What Batteries Does an AirTag Use?

Apple’s AirTag uses a CR2032 lithium CV coin battery that’s commonly used in remote controls and handy electronic devices. These batteries are popularly known as coin cell batteries or watch batteries. To discourage accidental ingestion among small children, Apple recommends using a bitterant-coated CR2032 battery. You can also use a Duracell 2032 Lithium Coin Battery with Bitter Coating.

Before you buy a battery replacement, make sure to check its compatibility. Some packages explicitly state that they are “Compatible with AirTag”. If you don’t find that, just make sure it’s a CR2032 battery with a bitterant-coating. It’s worth mentioning that some CR2032 batteries may not work with AirTags. In such a case, you can slightly scratch off the coating with a sandpaper sheet.

CR2032 lithium CV coin batteries are available at most electronic and drug stores.

How to Replace AirTag Battery

Before you change the battery of an AirTag, make sure to remove the tracker from its case or accessory. Also, ensure that you’ve got the correct battery type. Once you’re ready, follow the below steps:

Note: An AirTag, its back cover, and the battery are choking hazards. So, make sure to keep your children away during the replacement process.

1. First off, flip your AirTag so the white side faces down, and the stainless steel side is up (towards you).
2. Now, use two fingers to push in and twist counter-clockwise on the steel side.
3. After that, remove the old CR2032 battery and replace it with a new battery with the “+” sign facing up. Here’s a GIF showing the whole replacement process:

4. If the battery is connected properly, you’ll hear a beep sound.
5. Next up, place the stainless steel cover back on by twisting it clockwise.

That’s all it takes to replace the battery when it runs out of juice after close to a year’s worth of use. Now, head to the Find My app to check if there is a low-battery icon or a similar notification. Once you’ve replaced the battery, it should work just fine for another year or so.