How to Change an AirTag Battery Safely

An AirTag uses a replaceable CR2032 lithium coin battery. Changing it restores power when your iPhone reports that the battery is low or the tracker stops responding. You do not need to remove the AirTag from your Apple Account or reset it. Before starting, have a compatible battery ready and work on a clear, dry surface where the small parts will not roll away.

What You’ll Need

A new CR2032 3-volt lithium coin battery. Check the packaging for the CR2032 designation and polarity. Some CR2032 cells with a bitterant coating may not make reliable contact with AirTag battery terminals; if the AirTag does not work after installation, try a compatible cell without that coating.
A clean, dry work surface with enough light to see the battery and cover.

You do not need a screwdriver or a special opener. Avoid using sharp tools, which can scratch the case or slip. Keep the loose battery and the opened AirTag away from children and pets: coin batteries can cause severe injury if swallowed. Store and dispose of the old battery safely, following local battery-recycling guidance.

Step-by-Step

Confirm the battery is low. If your iPhone shows a low-battery alert for the AirTag, or the tracker has stopped responding, prepare a replacement. You can also check the Find My app; its screens and labels may differ slightly by software version. A low-battery alert is a useful prompt, but a connection problem can also have other causes.
Remove the AirTag from any holder. Take it out of a key ring, loop, case, or other accessory so you can grip the metal back. Keep the accessory nearby, but do not let it obstruct the cover while you turn it.
Open the metal cover. Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side down and the polished stainless-steel side facing you. Place two fingers on the metal cover, press down firmly, and rotate it counterclockwise until it stops. The cover should loosen; lift it off rather than prying at its edge.
Take out the old cell. Lift the CR2032 battery out of its compartment. Note how it sits: the flat face marked with a plus sign is the positive side. Keep the old cell out of reach and do not leave it loose on the work surface.
Insert the replacement positive-side up. Place the new CR2032 in the compartment with the side marked “+” facing you. Press it down gently until it sits flat. The AirTag should play a short sound when the battery makes contact. If it does not, remove the cell and confirm its size, orientation, and fit before trying again.
Refit the cover. Align the three tabs on the metal cover with the three slots on the AirTag. Set the cover in place, press down, and turn it clockwise until it stops. Check that the cover is level and secure; do not force it if it will not turn smoothly.
Check the AirTag. Open Find My on your iPhone and look for the AirTag in your items. You can also use Find My’s available sound or location features to confirm it responds; the app’s menu names may differ slightly by version. If it does not respond, reopen it and check the battery orientation and contact.
Dispose of the old battery safely. Keep it away from children and animals while you arrange proper recycling or disposal. Do not put a loose coin cell where someone could mistake it for a small object or toy.

Common Mistakes

Installing the battery upside down: The positive face marked “+” must face up, toward the metal cover. A reversed battery will not power the AirTag correctly.
Buying the wrong cell: A CR2025 or another similar-looking coin cell is not the specified replacement. Use a CR2032 3-volt battery and check its label rather than relying on appearance.
Forgetting to press while turning: The cover is designed to turn under pressure. If you twist without pressing down, it may not release. Use steady pressure instead of a tool or excessive force.
Forcing the cover into place: The tabs need to line up with their slots. If the cover sits crooked or will not turn, lift it and realign it rather than pushing harder.
Assuming every connection issue means a dead battery: Bluetooth range, the phone’s connection, or the AirTag’s position can affect whether it appears to respond. Replace the battery if prompted, then check the app and your phone’s connection if the issue continues.
Leaving the cell accessible: A coin battery is a serious swallowing hazard. Keep both the new and used cells secured, and do not leave the opened AirTag unattended around children or pets.

Tips

Have the replacement battery out of its package before opening the AirTag, but keep it somewhere it cannot roll or be reached by a child or pet.
Handle the battery by its edges when possible. Make sure the compartment and cover are clean and dry before closing the AirTag.
Listen for the brief sound after inserting the cell. It is a helpful sign that the AirTag has made contact, although you should still confirm it appears or responds in Find My.
If a newly installed cell does not work, check whether its packaging indicates a bitterant coating. Some coated CR2032 batteries may not make reliable contact with the AirTag.
Do not try to recharge a CR2032. Use a new, compatible replacement and follow the battery maker’s handling and disposal directions.

Troubleshooting

The cover will not open: Remove the AirTag from its accessory, press down firmly on the metal cover, and turn counterclockwise. Keep your fingers dry for a secure grip. Do not wedge a knife or screwdriver under the rim; if the cover is damaged or stuck, contact Apple Support rather than forcing it.

The AirTag makes no sound after battery insertion: Remove the cell and confirm it is a CR2032, that the “+” side faces up, and that the battery sits flat. Try another compatible, fresh cell if available, particularly if the first one has a bitterant coating. Make sure the battery and compartment are dry and free of debris.

The cover will not close: Take it off and line up all three tabs with the slots before pressing and turning clockwise. Check that the battery is flat in its compartment and that no packaging material is caught inside.

Find My still shows a low battery or the AirTag is missing: Close the cover fully, then give the app a moment to update and check again. Confirm your iPhone has a working connection and that you are viewing the correct AirTag. If a fresh, correctly installed cell does not resolve the problem, contact Apple Support for further help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which battery does an AirTag use?

It uses one CR2032 3-volt lithium coin battery. Check the battery label and choose a cell that fits the AirTag’s contacts; some bitterant-coated versions may not work reliably.

Which way does the AirTag battery go?

Put it in with the side marked “+” facing up, toward the metal cover. The battery should sit flat in the compartment.

Do I need to reset or pair the AirTag again?

No. Replacing the battery does not normally require removing the AirTag from your Apple Account or pairing it again. Check Find My after closing the cover.

Can I use a different coin battery?

Use the specified CR2032 cell, not a similar-looking size such as CR2025. A different size may not fit or make dependable electrical contact.

What if the AirTag does not work with a new battery?

Recheck the battery type, positive-side-up orientation, fit, and cover alignment. If a fresh compatible cell still does not restore its response, contact Apple Support.

How should I handle the old battery?

Keep it away from children and pets and take it to an appropriate battery-recycling or disposal location. Do not leave a loose coin cell where it could be swallowed.

Further reading: Apple Support. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.