If your AirTag displays a low-battery warning, replacing the battery is a straightforward maintenance task that you can complete at home. The current AirTag models use a replaceable CR2032 lithium 3V coin-cell battery, so you do not need to replace the entire tracker when its battery runs down.
Apple’s current guidance continues to use the same basic process for opening the tracker, removing the old battery, installing a new one, and securing the stainless steel cover. The process also applies to the second-generation AirTag introduced in 2026, which uses a user-replaceable CR2032 battery.
For most users, the replacement takes only a few minutes. The important part is choosing a compatible battery and installing it in the correct direction.
When You Need to Replace an AirTag Battery
You generally do not need to replace an AirTag battery on a fixed schedule. The easiest way to know when it needs attention is through the Find My app.
When the battery becomes low, your iPhone can display a notification. You can also check the AirTag manually:
- Open the Find My app.
- Select the Items tab.
- Choose the AirTag you want to check.
- Look below the AirTag’s name for a Low Battery message.
This gives you a simple way to confirm that the battery is running low before opening the device.
A low-battery warning is more useful than relying on a calendar reminder. Battery performance varies based on usage, environmental conditions, and the manufacturer of the replacement battery.
What Battery Does an AirTag Use?
AirTag uses a CR2032 lithium 3V coin-cell battery.
The battery is commonly sold in U.S. electronics stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, and other retailers that carry household batteries.
When choosing a replacement, check the package carefully. Not every CR2032 battery performs the same way in every device.
Apple specifically warns that some CR2032 batteries with bitterant coatings may not work properly with AirTag. If you choose a bitterant-coated battery, look for packaging that says it is compatible with Apple AirTag.
The positive side of the battery must face upward when you install it.
What You Need Before Starting
The replacement process does not require a screwdriver or specialized repair equipment.
Before beginning, have:
- Your AirTag
- One compatible CR2032 lithium 3V battery
- A clean, stable surface
It is helpful to keep the new battery in its package until you are ready to install it.
Coin-cell batteries also require careful handling. Keep new and used batteries away from young children. The AirTag, battery cover, and coin-cell battery can present a choking or injury hazard.
Step 1: Find the Stainless Steel Cover
Turn the AirTag over so you can see the polished stainless steel section.
This is the battery cover.
The cover is designed to come off without tools. You should not need to pry it open with a knife, screwdriver, coin, or other sharp object.
Using the correct opening technique reduces the chance of scratching the housing or damaging the cover.
Step 2: Press Down on the Cover
Place your fingers over the polished stainless steel battery cover.
Press down firmly.
The downward pressure helps release the locking mechanism inside the AirTag. Continue holding the pressure while turning the cover.
You do not need excessive force. A controlled, firm grip should be enough.
Step 3: Turn the Cover Counterclockwise
While pressing down, rotate the stainless steel cover counterclockwise.
Continue turning until the cover stops.
Once the locking mechanism releases, the cover can be removed.
This step can feel slightly different depending on how tightly the cover is seated. Keep the AirTag secure in your other hand and avoid using sharp objects to force the cover open.
Step 4: Remove the Cover and Old Battery
Lift the stainless steel cover away from the AirTag.
You can now see the CR2032 battery inside.
Remove the old battery from the compartment.
Take care not to lose the cover while you are handling the battery. It is also a good idea to place the old battery somewhere secure immediately rather than leaving it on a countertop or desk.
Used coin-cell batteries should be disposed of through an appropriate battery-recycling or disposal option available in your area.
Step 5: Install the New CR2032 Battery
Take the new CR2032 battery out of its packaging.
Place it into the AirTag with the positive side facing upward.
This is an important part of the process. The battery must make proper contact with the AirTag for the tracker to operate.
When the battery connects successfully, the AirTag should make a sound.
That sound provides a useful confirmation that the replacement battery has made contact with the device.
If you do not hear the sound, do not immediately assume the AirTag has failed. Remove the battery and check its position.
Step 6: Check the Battery Orientation
Before closing the AirTag, confirm that the positive side is facing upward.
The battery should sit properly inside the compartment.
If the AirTag does not produce the expected sound, check the battery orientation first. You can also verify that you purchased a CR2032 lithium 3V battery.
A compatible replacement battery is particularly important when using a bitterant-coated version.
Step 7: Reinstall the Stainless Steel Cover
Once the new battery is installed, place the stainless steel cover back onto the AirTag.
The cover contains three tabs.
Align those tabs with the three matching slots on the AirTag.
Proper alignment is necessary before you attempt to lock the cover. If the cover is not aligned correctly, do not force it into place.
Take a moment to position the tabs correctly.
Step 8: Lock the Cover
Press the cover down once the tabs are aligned.
While holding it down, rotate the cover clockwise.
Continue turning until it stops.
The cover should now be secured.
Once the cover is locked, the battery replacement process is complete.
How to Confirm the New Battery Is Working
After closing the AirTag, open the Find My app on your iPhone.
Go to Items and select the relevant AirTag.
The AirTag should remain associated with your account and appear in your Items list. If it previously displayed a low-battery warning, check whether that warning has disappeared.
You can also test the tracker by using an available Find My feature, such as playing a sound.
If everything works normally, no additional setup should be necessary simply because you replaced the battery.
What to Do If the AirTag Does Not Work
A battery replacement should normally restore an AirTag that stopped working because of a depleted battery.
If the tracker does not respond after the replacement, begin with the simplest checks.
First, remove the cover and confirm that the battery’s positive side faces upward.
Next, make sure the battery is properly seated.
Then check that you used a CR2032 lithium 3V battery.
If you are using a bitterant-coated CR2032 battery, verify that the packaging specifically identifies compatibility with Apple AirTag. Some coated CR2032 batteries may not work with AirTag.
If the AirTag still does not respond after these checks, the issue may not be the battery itself.
Why Some CR2032 Batteries May Cause Problems
CR2032 is the battery size and type used by AirTag, but Apple has highlighted an important compatibility issue involving bitterant coatings.
Some manufacturers add a bitterant coating to coin-cell batteries to discourage accidental ingestion by children.
Apple says some CR2032 batteries with bitterant coatings might not work with AirTag or other battery-powered products.
For that reason, users should not select a replacement solely because the package says CR2032.
Instead, check for compatibility information on the packaging.
This is especially important when buying batteries online, where product listings may show multiple versions of the same battery.
Battery Safety for Families
Coin-cell batteries require extra care because of their small size.
A loose battery can be dangerous if swallowed. Young children should not have access to either a new or used CR2032 battery.
The same applies to the AirTag battery cover.
Keep the parts together while completing the replacement and dispose of the old battery promptly.
If you have children at home, avoid leaving the replacement battery unattended, even for a short period.
Battery safety is not just part of the replacement process. It is also important when storing spare batteries.
Does the Second-Generation AirTag Use the Same Battery?
Yes.
The second-generation AirTag, introduced in 2026, uses a user-replaceable CR2032 coin-cell battery.
Its basic battery replacement procedure remains familiar. The stainless steel cover comes off through downward pressure and counterclockwise rotation. The replacement battery goes in with the positive side facing upward, followed by the cover.
Apple identifies the second-generation model as A2937. The original AirTag has model number A2187.
Users can check the model information through Find My or by looking inside the AirTag after removing the battery.
The important point for battery replacement is that both generations use the same CR2032 battery format.
How to Identify Your AirTag Model
If you want to know which generation you have, you can check the information in Find My.
Open the app and select Items. Choose your AirTag and open its details.
The model and serial information can also be found inside the AirTag.
To access that information, remove the battery cover and battery. The model number is printed inside the device.
The original AirTag is identified by model number A2187, while the second-generation model is A2937.
You do not need to identify the model before replacing the battery if you already know that you have an AirTag. Both versions use a replaceable CR2032 battery.
How Long Does an AirTag Battery Last?
Battery life is not identical for every AirTag.
Usage patterns can affect how quickly the battery loses charge. Environmental conditions and the manufacturer of the replacement battery can also influence results.
Apple’s current technical information states that actual battery performance can vary.
For that reason, it is better to use the low-battery notification and Find My status as practical indicators rather than assuming every AirTag will require a replacement at exactly the same time.
An AirTag used regularly may behave differently from one that receives less frequent use.
Do You Need to Replace the Whole AirTag?
No.
A depleted battery does not mean the AirTag itself has reached the end of its useful life.
The battery compartment is designed to allow users to replace the CR2032 cell.
This is one of the AirTag’s practical maintenance features. Instead of discarding the tracker when its battery runs down, you can install a compatible replacement and continue using the same device.
If the AirTag has other physical or electronic problems, a battery replacement may not resolve them. However, a simple low-battery warning does not require replacing the tracker.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several simple mistakes can make the replacement process more difficult.
Using the wrong battery: Make sure the replacement is a CR2032 lithium 3V coin cell.
Installing it upside down: The positive side needs to face upward.
Ignoring compatibility: Some bitterant-coated CR2032 batteries may not work with AirTag.
Forcing the cover: Press down and rotate it rather than prying it open.
Misaligning the cover: The three tabs must line up with the three slots before the cover is locked.
Leaving batteries within children’s reach: Store and dispose of coin-cell batteries responsibly.
Avoiding these mistakes makes the process much easier.
A Simple AirTag Battery Replacement Checklist
Before finishing the job, make sure you have completed each important step:
- Confirm the AirTag shows a low-battery warning.
- Purchase a compatible CR2032 lithium 3V battery.
- Keep the battery away from children.
- Press down on the stainless steel cover.
- Rotate the cover counterclockwise.
- Remove the old battery.
- Insert the new battery with the positive side facing upward.
- Listen for the connection sound.
- Align the three cover tabs with the three slots.
- Press down and rotate the cover clockwise.
- Check the AirTag in Find My.
- Dispose of the old battery safely.
This checklist covers the essential steps without requiring additional equipment.
The Bottom Line
AirTag battery replacement remains a simple task for most users. The current process involves opening the stainless steel cover, removing the old CR2032 battery, installing a compatible replacement with the positive side facing upward, and locking the cover back into position.
The second-generation AirTag introduced in 2026 also uses a user-replaceable CR2032 coin-cell battery, so the basic replacement process remains familiar.
The most important considerations are battery compatibility, correct orientation, proper cover alignment, and safe handling of the coin cell.
If Find My shows a low-battery warning, replacing the battery is generally the first step to take rather than replacing the entire AirTag.
Have you replaced your AirTag battery recently? Share your experience in the comments and stay informed about the latest AirTag tips and updates.