An AirTag is designed to be low-maintenance, but the battery will not last forever. After months of tracking keys, wallets, bags, luggage, or other everyday items, you may eventually see a low battery notification in the Find My app. The good news is that you do not need to charge an AirTag or replace the whole device. In most cases, you only need a compatible coin-cell battery and a few simple steps.
If you are wondering how to replace AirTag battery, this complete guide will walk you through the process clearly and safely. We will cover what battery an AirTag uses, how to open the stainless steel back cover, how to insert the new battery correctly, and how to check that everything is working again. We will also explain common battery issues, mistakes to avoid, and alternatives for users who prefer built-in tracking accessories.
What Battery Do AirTags Use
An AirTag uses a CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery, which is a common round battery used in small electronics. You do not need a special Apple battery, and you do not need to recharge the AirTag. When the battery runs low, you can simply replace it with a new CR2032 battery.
One important detail is to choose a CR2032 battery without a bitter coating when possible. Some bitter-coated batteries may not make proper contact inside the AirTag, which can stop the device from working correctly. When inserting the new battery, the positive side should face up. Once the AirTag makes a sound, it usually means the battery is installed correctly and the device is ready to use again.
How to Open an AirTag
Opening an AirTag is simple, but it helps to do it carefully so you do not damage the cover or battery compartment. Hold the AirTag with the white side facing down and the stainless steel back cover facing up. Place two fingers on the metal cover, press down gently, and turn it counterclockwise. You should feel the cover loosen after a short twist.
Once it stops turning, lift the stainless steel cover away from the AirTag. Inside, you will see the round CR2032 battery sitting in the battery slot. You do not need any tools, screwdrivers, or special equipment to open it. If the cover feels stuck, avoid forcing it. Instead, press evenly, improve your grip, and try turning it again slowly.
Step-by-Step: How to Change AirTag Battery
Replacing an AirTag battery is quick once you know the correct order. You do not need tools, charging cables, or technical experience. The main thing is to open the cover carefully, place the new CR2032 battery the right way, and make sure the AirTag closes securely afterward.
Step 1: Remove the Stainless Steel Back Cover
Hold the AirTag with the stainless steel side facing up and the white side facing down. Press down gently on the metal cover with two fingers, then turn it counterclockwise. You should feel the cover loosen after a short twist. Once it stops turning, lift the cover away carefully and place it somewhere safe while you replace the battery.
Step 2: Take Out the Old Battery
Once the cover is removed, you will see the round CR2032 battery inside the AirTag. Carefully lift the old battery out using your fingers. You do not need a screwdriver or any sharp tool for this step. If the battery feels slightly stuck, gently loosen it from the edge instead of forcing it, so you avoid scratching the inside.
Step 3: Insert the New Battery the Correct Way
Place the new CR2032 battery into the AirTag with the positive side facing up. The positive side is usually the flat side marked with a plus sign. Make sure the battery sits evenly inside the compartment. If it is installed correctly, the AirTag should make a sound, which usually confirms that the new battery is connected and working.
Step 4: Put the Cover Back On and Lock It in Place
Place the stainless steel cover back over the AirTag and line up the tabs with the openings. Press down gently, then turn the cover clockwise until it locks into place. It should feel secure and not loose. After closing the AirTag, open the Find My app to confirm that the AirTag appears normally and responds as expected.
How to Know When Your AirTag Battery Needs Replacing
The easiest way to know your AirTag battery needs replacing is through the Find My app. When the battery gets low, your iPhone should show a low battery notification, and the AirTag may also appear with a battery warning inside the app. This is usually the clearest sign that it is time to install a new CR2032 battery.
You may also notice that the AirTag becomes less reliable. For example, it may stop playing a sound, fail to update its location as expected, or become harder to detect when nearby. These issues do not always mean the battery is dead, but they are worth checking. If your AirTag has been in use for close to a year and starts acting inconsistently, replacing the battery is usually the first and simplest fix.
How Long Does AirTag Battery Last
An AirTag battery usually lasts about one year with normal use, but the exact timing can vary depending on how often you use the device. If you frequently play sounds, use nearby finding, or rely on the AirTag in busy travel situations, the battery may drain slightly faster. If the AirTag mostly sits attached to keys, a bag, or luggage without much interaction, it may last closer to the expected full year.
AirTags do not need charging. They use a replaceable CR2032 lithium coin battery, which is affordable and widely available. When the battery gets low, you do not need to replace the AirTag itself. You simply open the back cover, remove the old battery, and insert a new one. For most users, checking the battery once a year is enough to keep the AirTag working properly.
Why Your AirTag Battery May Not Be Working
If your AirTag battery is not working after replacement, the problem is often the battery itself or the way it was installed. First, make sure you are using a CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery. The positive side, usually marked with a plus sign, should face up when placed inside the AirTag. If the battery is upside down, the AirTag will not power on.
Another common issue is bitter-coated batteries. Some CR2032 batteries have a bitter coating to discourage children from swallowing them, but this coating can sometimes interfere with the AirTag’s battery contact. If your AirTag does not make a sound after inserting the new battery, try using a CR2032 battery without bitter coating.
You should also check that the battery is seated flat and that the stainless steel cover is locked properly. If everything looks correct and the AirTag still does not respond, remove the battery and reinstall it carefully. If you want a deeper look at how AirTags work, check out our full guide: How Do AirTags Work? | Comprehensive Guide.
Common Mistakes When Replacing an AirTag Battery
One common mistake is inserting the new battery the wrong way. The positive side of the CR2032 battery should face up, and the AirTag should usually make a sound once the battery connects correctly. If there is no sound, the battery may be upside down, loose, or not making proper contact.
Another mistake is using a bitter-coated battery without realizing it, as mentioned before. Some of these batteries may not work well with AirTags because the coating can block the connection points. People also sometimes force the stainless steel cover when opening or closing it, which can make the process harder than it needs to be. The cover should be pressed down gently and twisted into place, not pushed aggressively. It is also important not to use sharp tools to remove the battery, since they can scratch the inside of the AirTag. A careful, simple approach is usually enough.
Best Alternatives to AirTag
AirTags are useful, but they are not always the cleanest solution for everyday carry. If you want tracking built directly into an accessory you already use, built-in Find My alternatives can feel more practical. Below are our top options for combining Find My support with daily functions like card storage, phone stand use, and hands-free viewing.
Trackable Tripod Wallet
Meet the Trackable Tripod Wallet, a Find My-compatible alternative to AirTag for users who want tracking built directly into something they already carry. Instead of adding a separate AirTag to a wallet or bag, this accessory combines location support, card storage, and hands-free phone functionality in one compact MagSafe design.
It holds up to 2 cards and lets users locate the wallet through Apple’s Find My app, making it useful for travel, commuting, or daily routines where small items are easy to misplace. It also includes a 70 dB alert, wireless charging, and up to 8 months of battery life. With a 0.35-inch / 9.04 mm profile and 3.38 oz / 96 g weight, it stays compact while working as a wallet, grip, stand, and tripod. Its Floating Mode offers five adjustable viewing angles for calls, filming, navigation, and hands-free viewing.
Trackable Snap-on Stand & Wallet
For a slimmer built-in tracking option, the Trackable Snap-on Phone Stand & Wallet is designed to keep everyday carry simple without giving up smart functionality. It works with Apple Find My, so users can locate the wallet through the Find My app instead of placing a separate AirTag inside a wallet or attaching one externally.
The design is especially useful for people who want one accessory to handle several daily needs. It stores up to 2 cards, supports a 70 dB alert, includes Name & Share, and offers up to 8 months of battery life. At just 0.26 inches / 6.6 mm thick and 70 g / 2.47 oz, it stays slim enough for comfortable daily use.
Beyond tracking and card storage, it also works as a foldable phone stand with three viewing angles. This makes it useful for video calls, watching content, browsing, following recipes, or keeping the phone upright while working at a desk. For anyone who wants a cleaner alternative to carrying an AirTag, wallet, and stand separately, this design brings those functions together in one compact MagSafe accessory.
Wrap Up!
Replacing an AirTag battery is a simple process once you know what to look for and how the device opens. AirTags do not need charging, and you do not have to replace the whole tracker when the battery runs low. In most cases, a new CR2032 battery and a careful twist of the stainless steel cover are enough to get it working again.
The most important things are choosing the right battery, placing it with the positive side facing up, and avoiding bitter-coated batteries if they prevent proper contact. If your AirTag does not respond after replacement, checking the battery position and reinstalling it carefully can often solve the issue. For users who prefer not to manage separate trackers and battery changes, built-in Find My accessories can also be a cleaner everyday alternative.
