AirTag owners should plan to replace the battery about once a year, using a standard CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery. Apple states that an AirTag battery is user replaceable and should last about a year under normal use [source: Apple].
TLDR: An AirTag uses one CR2032 coin battery, which usually lasts around 12 months. A traveler with 3 checked bags and 1 key ring should expect to buy 4 replacement batteries per year. At about $1 to $3 per battery, the yearly cost is low, but dead batteries can still cause annoying gaps in tracking. The best move is to replace weak batteries as soon as the Find My app sends a low battery alert.
An AirTag battery is easy to change, but small mistakes can waste time. The most common issue is buying the wrong CR2032 type. Some CR2032 batteries have a bitter coating meant to stop children from swallowing them. That coating can block proper contact inside the AirTag. Honestly, it feels like a tiny detail that should not matter, but it does.
What Battery Does an AirTag Use?
Each AirTag uses one CR2032 lithium 3V coin cell battery. This is a very common battery. It is used in watches, car key fobs, scales, thermometers, and small remotes.
AirTag owners should look for batteries marked:
- CR2032
- 3V or 3 volt
- Lithium
- No bitter coating, if possible
The battery size matters. A CR2025 or CR2016 may look close, but it is thinner. It may not work well. It may also lose contact if the AirTag is bumped inside a bag or pocket.
How Long Does an AirTag Battery Last?
Most AirTag batteries last about one year. That estimate assumes normal use. Normal use means the AirTag is not being pinged all day, every day.
Battery life can drop faster when the AirTag is used often. A lost luggage tag that gets checked in the Find My app many times per day may drain sooner. A key tracker that sits at home most of the week may last longer.
Cold weather can also affect coin batteries. An AirTag left in a freezing car or outdoor tool box may show shorter life. The battery may recover a little when it warms up, but it should still be watched.
How to Check the Battery Status
The Find My app shows a low battery warning when the AirTag needs attention. It no longer shows a full battery meter for every AirTag, which annoys plenty of owners. It drives many people a little crazy that there is no simple percentage, like 42% or 18%.
To check for a warning, an owner can:
- Open the Find My app.
- Tap Items.
- Select the AirTag.
- Look for a low battery message.
If no warning appears, the battery is usually fine. Still, anyone using AirTags for travel should check them a few days before leaving. Waiting until airport day is asking for trouble.
How to Replace an AirTag Battery
Replacing the battery takes less than a minute. No tools are needed.
- Hold the AirTag with the stainless steel side facing up.
- Press down on the metal cover.
- Turn the cover counterclockwise.
- Remove the old battery.
- Place the new CR2032 battery with the positive side facing up.
- Listen for the AirTag sound. That sound confirms contact.
- Line up the cover tabs.
- Press down and turn clockwise until it locks.
If the AirTag makes no sound, the battery may be upside down. It may also be coated, dirty, or empty. A quick wipe of the battery surface can help. If that fails, another CR2032 should be tried.
Best Battery Buying Tips
AirTag owners do not need fancy batteries. A trusted brand helps, but the key is fit and clean contact. Bulk packs can save money for families with several AirTags.
Good buying habits include:
- Buying from a known retailer.
- Checking the expiration date.
- Avoiding damaged packaging.
- Choosing uncoated CR2032 cells when possible.
- Keeping spares away from kids and pets.
Coin batteries can be dangerous if swallowed. They should be stored in a sealed container, far from children. Used batteries should be recycled when local rules allow it.
When Should the Battery Be Replaced?
The best time is when the low battery alert appears. For travel, replacement should happen earlier. A fresh battery before a major trip is cheap insurance.
A simple rule works well: replace AirTag batteries every 10 to 12 months if the item matters. Wallets, passports, camera bags, and luggage are worth the small cost. For less critical items, waiting for the alert is usually fine.
FAQ
- What battery does an AirTag take?
It takes one CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery. - How often does the battery need replacement?
About once per year, depending on use and conditions. - Can any CR2032 battery work?
Most can, but batteries with bitter coatings may fail to make solid contact. - Does an AirTag recharge?
No. The battery must be replaced. - Will the AirTag warn when the battery is low?
Yes. The Find My app shows a low battery message. - Is the battery hard to replace?
No. The cover twists off by hand, and no tool is needed.
