An Apple AirTag is a button-sized tracking device used for locating personal items, like keys, wallets, bags, and more. However, like any other tracker, it, too, runs on a disposable battery. This battery typically lasts about 12 to 18 months under normal use, after which you must replace it to continue using your AirTag. Thankfully, it’s easy to replace an AirTag battery. Keep reading to learn everything there’s to know about doing it yourself.
How to Verify if Your AirTag Battery Needs a Replacement?
When your AirTag battery is critically low, you typically receive a notification on your iPhone informing you that it’s time to replace it. Sometimes, though, it’s possible that you may not receive one, or you probably missed or cleared it accidentally.
If your AirTag stopped working suddenly—and you haven’t replaced its battery in a while—a dead battery could likely be the reason. You can check your AirTag’s battery percentage to confirm if it’s the issue. Here’s how:
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone and keep the AirTag close to it.
- Open the Find My app.
- Go to the Items tab and tap the AirTag whose battery charge you want to check.
If the battery is critically low, you’ll see a Low Battery text below the AirTag’s name, indicating the need for a replacement. Otherwise, it’ll show the remaining charge.
What Battery Does an Apple AirTag Use?
An Apple AirTag uses a single CR2032 lithium 3V battery. This coin-sized battery is commonly used in many electronic devices, like remote controllers, watches, key fobs, and calculators.
Apple recommends using a CR2032 battery with a bitterant coating—such as the Duracell 2032—to discourage accidental ingestion, especially by children. However, not all bitterant-coated batteries may work with an AirTag. So, if you’re getting one, look for the Compatible with Apple AirTag text on the packaging to verify it works. Alternatively, you can use a standard (non-bitterant-coated) CR2032 battery.
You can find a CR2032 battery at various online and physical stores. It typically comes in multi-unit packaging, but depending on where you live, you may be able to find it in single-unit packaging, too. A single CR2032 battery usually costs $1-$3 in the U.S. and ₹25–₹40 in India.
How to Replace the Battery in an AirTag
Apple has made it pretty easy to replace the battery on an AirTag yourself. You can do it right at home without any special equipment. Here’s what the process looks like:
- Lay your AirTag down on a flat surface with the polished stainless steel battery cover facing you.
- Press firmly on the battery cover and rotate it counterclockwise (to the left) until it stops rotating.
- Remove the cover. Then, gently lift the battery out of its compartment.
- Insert a new CR2032 battery, with the positive (+) side facing up, into the battery compartment. Your AirTag will play a sound indicating that the battery is connected.
- Put the back cover on, ensuring its three tabs align with the three slots on the AirTag.
- Press down and rotate the cover clockwise (to the right) until it stops rotating.
Source: Apple
You should’ve successfully replaced the battery on your AirTag. Unfortunately, you can’t check how much charge the newly installed battery currently has. While it was previously possible to do this via the Find My app, Apple removed that a few years back because of the inaccuracies in its charge level estimations.
Get Your AirTag Up and Running Again in No Time
Thanks to the straightforward process, you can replace your AirTag battery in no time, ensuring continuous tracking without interruption. If you rely heavily on AirTag(s) to track your belongings, you should regularly check the battery charge on your AirTag(s) and carry a few spare batteries with you. That way, you can quickly replace the battery when required to ensure your AirTag(s) are always powered to track your valuables.