Does Your AirTag Battery Need Replacing? Signs It’s Time and How to Swap It

Your airtag battery drains over time, and knowing when and how to replace it keeps your AirTag working reliably.

Updated 29 Aug 2026 4 min read 7 sections

Your airtag battery drains over time, and knowing when to replace it keeps your AirTag working reliably. Most users swap their battery once a year, but the timing depends on how often you trigger the Find My network. We’ll walk you through the signs that it’s time, the correct battery type, and the straightforward swap process.

When Your AirTag Battery Needs Replacing

Your AirTag will notify you in the Find My app when the airtag battery is running low. The app sends an alert that says “Battery Low” or “Replace Battery Soon,” giving you a clear heads-up before it dies entirely. In real life, this usually happens about once per year for typical users, though frequent use or extreme cold can drain it faster.

You can also check manually by opening Find My, tapping Items, selecting your AirTag, and scrolling to Battery status. If you see “Low” or a red indicator, it’s time to grab a replacement. Don’t wait until it’s completely dead, since a dead AirTag can’t help you locate your keys, wallet, or luggage.

The Right Battery Type for Your AirTag

Store Shoppe AirTag battery — Airtag battery$66.19Image from the merchant

AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery, which is widely available and inexpensive. This is a standard lithium battery about the size of a dime. When shopping, make sure the package says CR2032 explicitly, because similar-looking batteries like CR2025 or CR2035 won’t fit or work correctly. The airtag battery from Store Shoppe is tested for compatibility and typically costs just a few dollars.

CR2032 batteries are common enough that you can find them at pharmacies, hardware stores, electronics retailers, and online. Buying a multi-pack is often cheaper per battery and handy if you have multiple AirTags or other devices that need them. Check grab the code for sitewide savings when you shop with us.

How to Replace Your AirTag Battery

Replacing your airtag battery takes about 30 seconds. Start by holding your AirTag with the stainless steel back facing up. Press down on the metal case and twist counterclockwise until the cover comes free (it should pop off with light pressure). The battery sits inside; lift it out gently.

Drop the new CR2032 battery in with the positive side facing up (the printed side). Press the cover back on, align it with the grooves, and twist clockwise until it clicks. You’ll feel the cover snap into place when it’s seated correctly. Apple’s official guidance has step-by-step photos if you need extra visual reference.

The process is the same across all AirTag colors and versions. You don’t need tools, special skills, or adhesive. If the cover feels stuck, twist gently rather than forcing it, since the threads are delicate.

AirTag Battery Life and Real-World Performance

Battery life for an airtag battery depends mostly on how often the AirTag communicates. If your AirTag rarely leaves home or travels with you on occasional trips, the battery lasts longer because it’s not constantly pinging the Find My network. Heavy travelers or people who trigger Bluetooth connections multiple times daily may swap batteries more frequently.

Extreme temperatures also affect battery life. Cold weather drains lithium batteries faster, so an AirTag in an outdoor gear bag or winter coat pocket may need replacement sooner than one kept indoors.

Alternatives: Rechargeable Options vs. Standard Batteries

Store Shoppe LiFePO4 battery — Lifepo4 battery$734.43Image from the merchant

Standard CR2032 batteries are disposable, but some users prefer rechargeable coin cell batteries for their AirTags. Rechargeable options have lower capacity and tend to drain faster than single-use CR2032 cells, so many people stick with the standard. Store Shoppe carries alternatives like lifepo4 battery and lithium iron phosphate battery options for other devices, though for AirTags the standard CR2032 is your best bet.

If you’re managing a fleet of devices with different battery needs, consider whether you want to maintain separate charging systems. For laptops like the hp laptop pavilion b&o or lenovo laptop battery, rechargeable solutions make more sense since they power larger devices. For small trackers, disposable batteries remain simpler and more reliable.

Where to Buy and Cost Considerations

AirTag batteries are inexpensive, typically running a dollar or two per battery when bought in multipacks. Buying online in bulk is usually cheaper than single batteries at convenience stores. Check the latest price and apply our 5% sitewide discount when ordering from Store Shoppe to stretch your budget further.

Keep a spare on hand so you’re never stuck with a dead AirTag. A multi-pack means you’ll always have a replacement ready, which is especially useful if you travel or have multiple AirTags tracking different items.

Disposing of Old Batteries Responsibly

When you remove the old airtag battery, don’t throw it in regular trash. Lithium batteries belong in battery recycling programs available at electronics retailers, hazardous waste facilities, or some municipal collection centers. Many retailers that sell batteries also accept old ones for recycling at no charge.

Taking a minute to recycle keeps batteries out of landfills and recovers valuable materials. It’s a small step that adds up when millions of people do it.

Questions

What type of battery does an AirTag use?

AirTags use a CR2032 coin cell battery. Make sure any replacement battery says CR2032 on the package, as similar-looking batteries like CR2025 won't fit or function correctly.

How often do I need to replace my airtag battery?

Most users replace the airtag battery about once per year. Frequent use and cold weather can drain it faster, while light use may extend the interval. Your AirTag will notify you in the Find My app when the battery is low.

Can I use a rechargeable battery in my AirTag?

Technically yes, but standard disposable CR2032 batteries perform better in AirTags. Rechargeable coin cells have lower capacity and drain faster, so most users stick with standard CR2032 batteries for reliable tracking.

Where can I buy CR2032 batteries?

CR2032 batteries are widely available at pharmacies, hardware stores, electronics retailers, and online. Store Shoppe carries the [airtag battery](/go/p/7013) tested for compatibility, and buying multipacks is typically more cost-effective than single batteries.

How do I know if my AirTag battery is low?

Open the Find My app, tap Items, select your AirTag, and check the battery status. You'll also receive a notification when the airtag battery is running low and needs replacement soon.

Is it hard to replace an AirTag battery myself?

No, it takes about 30 seconds. Press down on the stainless steel back, twist counterclockwise until the cover pops off, swap the battery, and twist the cover back on clockwise until it clicks. [How to replace the battery in your AirTag](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102600) has step-by-step photos if you need guidance.