How to change an AirTag battery

⚡ Fast fix

• Pop in a fresh CR2032 battery—make sure the + side faces up.
• Wipe the battery and contacts with a dry cloth before closing it.
• Twist the cover back on firmly until it stops.
• If it still won’t respond, reset it by removing and reinstalling the battery five times.

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What are AirTags®? Think of them as a personal assistant responsible for tracking items you don't want to lose, such as your luggage and car keys. When you attach an AirTag to an object, you can monitor its location on your iPhone® or iPad®. However, if your AirTag isn't staying on or locating your item, it may be time to replace its battery.

Asurion Experts keep your favorite devices running smoothly. Whether you want to use AirTag bracelets for your kids or stop AirTag tracking, we have a solution. Here's how to change an AirTag battery in a few simple steps.

Know when your AirTag battery needs replacing

Have you noticed that your AirTag seems a little off? Maybe its location sharing capabilities are inconsistent, or sounds play quieter than they used to. Those performance issues could signal that it's time to change the battery on your AirTag.

AirTags connect to your iPhone or iPad through the Find My® app. In the app, you can view the current location of an AirTag and check its battery level. If you've enabled notifications for the Find My app, you may also receive an alert when the AirTag battery is low.

To view an AirTag's current battery status, take these steps:

1. Open the Find My app.
2. Tap Items.
3. Tap the AirTag that you want to check.
4. A Low Battery message appears under the AirTag name if it lacks sufficient power.

Most AirTag batteries last approximately one year with normal use. However, extreme temperatures, frequent location pings, and communication with multiple devices can affect the battery's longevity. You may need to change the battery in an AirTag more frequently if any of the following circumstances apply to you.

Choose the right replacement battery

Your Apple® AirTag gets its power from a CR2032 lithium 3V coin cell battery. This flat, circular battery fits neatly within the AirTag battery compartment. You can buy these batteries at most drugstores and electronic retailers.

You can't use any CR2032 battery with your AirTag, so read the battery's packaging to verify compatibility with AirTag before purchasing. Some coin cell batteries have a bitterant coating that's designed to prevent children from ingesting them. The coating has an unpleasant taste that discourages people from accidentally swallowing the battery. However, bitterant-coated batteries may not work properly with AirTags. The bitterant could block electrical contacts that power the device. For best results, choose a battery that doesn't include the coating, and store it safely away from children.

Replace the battery in your AirTag

The process for changing a battery in an AirTag is pretty simple. Make sure your hands are dry before taking these steps:

1. Grasp the plastic sides of the AirTag and place two fingers on the battery cover. Rotate your fingers counterclockwise until you feel the cover stop rotating.
2. Remove the battery cover and the old battery.
3. Insert the new CR2032 battery into the AirTag with the + sign facing toward you.
4. Replace the cover. Align the three tabs of the cover with the three AirTag slots.
5. Rotate the cover clockwise until it stops moving. A confirmation sound may play to alert you that the AirTag is set up.

After replacing the battery, try pinging your device through the Find My app to see if it works properly.

Fix issues after replacing the battery

Changing the battery in an AirTag usually fixes slow performance or tracking issues. But if problems continue, try these steps.

If your AirTag doesn’t turn on after you replace the battery, the battery contacts may be dirty. Remove the battery again and use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the battery and the AirTag’s contacts. Once everything is clean, reinsert the battery to see if it turns on.

If your AirTag still isn’t working, you can try resetting it. Make sure it’s within Bluetooth range of your iPhone or iPad. Then repeat the battery-replacement steps five times. Each time you close the battery cover, you should hear a confirmation sound—five sounds total. The fifth sound will be slightly different from the others, indicating that the AirTag is ready to pair with your iPhone or iPad. You can follow Apple’s support steps here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102577.

If the AirTag still won’t pair after a reset, it may need to be replaced. The device could be damaged in ways that a battery change can’t resolve.

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FAQ

How often should I replace an AirTag battery?

Most AirTag batteries last about one year with normal use. Heavy use, frequent location pings, or extreme temperatures can shorten battery life.

What type of battery does an AirTag use?

AirTags use a CR2032 lithium 3V coin cell battery. Avoid versions with bitterant coating, as they may not make proper contact.

Why won’t my AirTag turn on after replacing the battery?

The battery may be inserted incorrectly, the contacts could be dirty, or the device may need to be reset by repeating the battery insert process five times.

Do I need to re-pair my AirTag after changing the battery?

Usually no. However, if it doesn’t reconnect automatically, perform the five-time battery reset process to trigger pairing mode.