Apple’s AirTag is designed to work silently in the background, helping you track everyday items like keys, bags and luggage. Unlike many small trackers, the AirTag does not need to be charged. Instead, it uses a standard replaceable cell phone battery that lasts about a year, depending on use.
When the battery is low, your iPhone will notify you. Changing it is a simple process that takes a few minutes and requires no tools. This guide explains how to tell if your AirTag battery needs to be replaced, which battery to use and how to replace it safely.
How to change the battery in your AirTag
Changing the battery takes only a few steps.
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Hold the AirTag with the polished metal side facing up.
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Press down firmly on the metal battery cover and rotate 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. If the battery is properly seated, the AirTag will emit a short chime, confirming that power has been restored.
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Replace the battery cover on the AirTag. Align the three small tabs on the cover with the corresponding slots on the body of the AirTag.
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Press down gently and turn the cover clockwise until it stops. The cover should sit snugly with the AirTag and feel secure when locked in place.
No pairing or setup steps are required after replacing the battery. Your AirTag will automatically reconnect to your Apple ID.
When to replace your AirTag battery
Your iPhone will automatically notify you when the AirTag battery is low. The warning appears as a notification and does not interfere with tracking, but it is a good idea to change the battery immediately to avoid losing location updates.
If you are not sure if your AirTag battery needs to be replaced, open the Get my apppress the button Things tab and select your own AirTag. If a message appears under the name of the AirTag that says “Battery Low”, you will know that it needs to be replaced. If no message appears, it’s safe to assume that the battery level is fine for now. The AirTags don’t have a screen or other battery indicator, but Apple does show the AirTags’ battery percentage in the FindMy app. A low battery warning is the only signal Apple provides before it needs to be replaced.
What to do if your AirTag is not making a sound
If you don’t hear a sound after installing a new battery, remove it and check if it is correctly oriented with the positive side facing up. You should also secure the back cover to the AirTag as well, to see if the chime sounds after that.
If the battery is oriented correctly and does not make a sound, try a different CR2032 battery. AirTag uses a CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery, a common type found in most electronics stores, supermarkets and pharmacies. Some batteries, especially those with thicker shells, may not always connect. Apple suggests looking for packaging that says “AirTag Compatible.” Once a working battery is installed, the AirTag should resume normal operation immediately.
How often should you change your AirTag battery
Most AirTag batteries last about a year under normal use. Frequent use of Intuitive Discovery, audio playback or location updates may reduce battery life. iOS will notify you before the battery is fully depleted, so there is no need to replace it immediately unless you are preparing for a long trip or storage.
Used coin batteries should not be thrown in the household waste. Many retailers and recycling centers accept lithium batteries for proper disposal. Check local recycling guidelines for battery disposal sites. Keeping used batteries in a secure container until they can be reused helps reduce the risk of accidental contact or ingestion.
Replacing the AirTag battery is one of the easiest maintenance tasks Apple devices require. With a readily available battery and no tools involved, 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 AirTag should continue to track your items reliably with minimal effort.
