Apple’s AirTag is designed to run quietly in the background, helping you keep track of everyday items like keys, bags, and luggage. Unlike many small trackers, the AirTags don’t require charging. Instead, it uses a standard replaceable coin cell battery that typically lasts about a year depending on usage.
Your iPhone will alert you when the battery is low. Replacing it is a simple process that takes just a few minutes and requires no tools. This guide explains how to tell when your AirTag battery needs replacing, which battery to use, and how to replace it safely.
How to replace the battery in your AirTag
Changing the battery takes only a few steps.
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Hold the AirTag with the polished stainless steel side facing up.
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Press the metal battery cover firmly and turn it counterclockwise. Keep turning until the cover stops moving.
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Lift the cover and remove the old battery.
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Insert a new CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side facing up. Once the battery is correctly seated, the AirTag will sound a brief chime, confirming that power has been restored.
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Place the battery cover back on the AirTag. Align the three small tabs on the cover with the matching slots on the AirTag body.
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Press gently and turn the cover clockwise until it stops. The cover should fit snugly against the AirTags and feel secure once locked into place.
No pairing or setup steps are required after battery replacement. Your AirTag will automatically reconnect to your Apple ID.
When to replace your AirTag battery
Your iPhone will automatically notify you when the AirTag’s battery is low. The alert appears as a notification and does not interfere with tracking, but it is a good idea to replace the battery immediately to avoid losing location updates.
If you’re unsure whether your AirTag battery needs replacing, open the find my apptap stuff tab and select your airtag. If a message stating “Low Battery” appears below the AirTag name, you’ll know it needs to be replaced. If no message appears, it is safe to assume that the battery level is fine for now. The AirTags don’t have a screen or any other battery indicators, but Apple does show a battery percentage for the AirTags in the FindMy app. A low battery warning is the only indication Apple provides before replacement is necessary.
What to do if your AirTag doesn’t make sounds?
If you don’t hear any sound after inserting the new battery, remove it and check that it is oriented correctly with the positive side facing up. You should also secure the back cover on the AirTag to see if the bell rings after that.
If the battery is properly oriented and still does not produce sound, try a different CR2032 battery. The AirTag uses a CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery, a common type available in most electronics stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies. Some batteries, especially those with thick coatings, may not make consistent contact. Apple suggests looking for packaging that says “Compatible with AirTags.” Once a working battery is installed, the AirTag should immediately resume normal operation.
How often should you change your AirTag battery?
Most AirTag batteries last for about a year under normal use. Frequent use of Precision Finding, sound playback, or location updates may reduce battery life. iOS will notify you before the battery drains completely, so unless you’re preparing for a long-term trip or storage, there’s no need to replace it in advance.
Used coin batteries should not be disposed of in the household trash. Many retailers and recycling centers accept lithium batteries for proper disposal. Check local recycling guidelines for battery drop-off locations. Storing used batteries in a safe container until they can be recycled helps reduce the risk of accidental contact or ingestion.
Replacing the AirTag battery is one of the simplest maintenance tasks required for Apple devices. With readily available batteries and no tools, most users can complete the process in less than a minute. As long as you pay attention to low battery notifications and follow basic safety precautions, your AirTags should continue to reliably track your belongings with minimal effort.
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