The battery for an Apple AirTag is the standard CR2032 lithium coin cell battery. This is a very common battery size, readily available in most stores. Replacing it is simple and doesn’t require any special tools.
Losing your keys or bag is never fun. That moment of panic when you realize something important is missing can be stressful. Apple’s AirTag is a fantastic little gadget designed to help you find those lost items. But like any electronic device, it needs power to work. When your AirTag’s battery runs low, you might wonder what kind of battery it uses and how to replace it. The good news is, it’s a straightforward process, and you don’t need to be a tech expert to handle it. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the battery size for your Apple AirTag, ensuring you’re always ready to track down your valuables.
Understanding the AirTag Battery: Size and Type
When we talk about the “battery size for Apple AirTag,” we’re really talking about a very common and easily obtainable battery type. Apple has made it simple for users by selecting a battery that you can likely find at your local grocery store, pharmacy, or electronics shop.
The CR2032: Your AirTag’s Power Source
So, what exactly is this battery? It’s a CR2032 lithium coin cell battery. Let’s break that down:
- CR: This prefix indicates it’s a primary battery (non-rechargeable) and specifically a lithium-based chemistry battery.
- 20: This refers to the diameter of the battery in millimeters. In this case, it’s approximately 20mm across.
- 32: This indicates the height of the battery in tenths of a millimeter. So, 32 means 3.2mm thick.
This specific size (CR2032) is incredibly common and is used in many small electronic devices, from remote car key fobs to digital scales and even some small computer components like CMOS batteries. This means you won’t have trouble finding a replacement.
Why CR2032? Practicality and Availability
Apple chose the CR2032 for several good reasons:
- Compact Size: It’s small enough to fit neatly inside the AirTag without adding bulk.
- Longevity: These batteries typically offer a good lifespan, lasting around a year or more with typical use.
- Wide Availability: As mentioned, it’s a standard battery size, making replacements easy and affordable worldwide.
- Safety: Lithium coin cells are designed for low-drain devices and are generally safe when handled correctly.
How Long Does an AirTag Battery Last?
One of the most frequent questions people have is about battery life. Apple states that a CR2032 battery inside an AirTag can last for about one year. Of course, this is an estimate, and your actual battery life might vary.
Factors Affecting Battery Life
Several things can influence how long your AirTag’s battery will last:
- Frequency of Use: If your AirTag is constantly moving or being pinged to find its location, it will use more battery than one that has been stationary for a while.
- Network Activity: The more your AirTag interacts with the Find My network (meaning it’s being located by other Apple devices), the more power it consumes.
- Environmental Conditions: Extreme temperatures (very hot or very cold) can sometimes affect battery performance, though modern batteries are quite resilient.
- Battery Quality: While most CR2032s perform similarly, there can be slight variations in performance between different brands and batches.
Apple provides battery health information for your AirTag. You can check this within the Find My app on your iPhone or compatible Apple device. When the battery is running low, you’ll typically receive a notification, giving you ample warning to get a replacement.
Replacing Your AirTag Battery: A Step-by-Step Guide
Replacing the battery in your AirTag is designed to be user-friendly. You don’t need special tools, just a bit of a delicate touch.
What You’ll Need
You only need one thing:
- One new CR2032 lithium coin cell battery.
It’s a good idea to have the new battery ready before you start, just in case the notification comes through unexpectedly.
The Replacement Process
Here’s how to swap out the battery:
- Locate the Battery Cover: On the back of your AirTag, you’ll see a polished stainless steel cover.
- Press and Twist: With the AirTag face down on a soft surface, place two fingertips on the silver battery cover. Gently but firmly press down and simultaneously twist the cover counter-clockwise. You may need to apply a good amount of pressure. It might feel like it’s not budging at first, but keep steady pressure.
- Remove the Cover: Once you feel a click or it starts to loosen, continue twisting to fully remove the cover. You’ll see the coin cell battery nestled inside.
- Remove the Old Battery: The battery usually sits snugly. You might be able to gently tip the AirTag to let it slide out, or use a fingernail or a non-metallic tool (to avoid damage) to carefully pry it out. Be careful not to touch the internal components with anything conductive.
- Insert the New Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery. Note the positive (+) side, which is usually the side with the text and markings. Place the new battery flat into the compartment with the positive side facing up.
- Replace the Cover: Align the notches on the battery cover with the corresponding markings on the AirTag body. Press the cover down and twist it clockwise until it feels secure and clicks into place.
- Confirmation: You should hear a small sound from the AirTag, indicating the new battery has been detected and is powering the device.
If you’re having trouble opening it, ensure you’re pressing down firmly enough while twisting. Sometimes a slightly rougher surface (like a silicone mat) can give your fingers the grip they need.
Choosing the Right CR2032 Battery: Brands and Considerations
While any CR2032 battery will technically work, there are a few things to consider when picking one up to ensure good performance and safety.
Major Brands to Consider
Most major battery manufacturers produce reliable CR2032 batteries. Some of the well-regarded brands include:
- Duracell
- Energizer
- Panasonic
- Sony
- Energizer Ultimate Lithium (though for a CR2032, the standard versions are usually fine)
You can find these at most drugstores, supermarkets, and electronics retailers. Often, they are sold in packs of two or more, which is convenient if you have multiple AirTags or other devices that use this battery type.
Important Safety Notes for Coin Cell Batteries
Coin cell batteries, especially lithium ones like the CR2032, can be dangerous if swallowed. They are small and can easily be mistaken for candy by children or pets. Always refer to safe handling and disposal guidelines.
Crucially, always buy batteries from reputable sources. Counterfeit or low-quality batteries might not perform as well, could have a shorter lifespan, or in rare cases, could pose a safety risk.
Furthermore, be aware of “child-resistant” CR2032 batteries. Some newer CR2032 batteries have a bitter coating on the outside or a secure film on the positive side to deter swallowing. While an excellent safety feature, this coating can sometimes interfere with the electrical contact inside certain devices, including some versions of the AirTag. Apple specifically advises against using CR2032 batteries that have a bitter coating or are designed to be non-child-accessible for this reason. For your AirTag, opt for standard CR2032 batteries without these safety features.
You can find more information on battery safety from official sources like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Troubleshooting Common AirTag Battery Issues
While replacing the battery is usually straightforward, sometimes users encounter minor hiccups. Here are a few common issues and how to resolve them.
AirTag Not Making a Sound After Battery Replacement
If you replace the battery and don’t hear the confirmation sound, it could be due to a few reasons:
- Battery Orientation: Double-check that the positive (+) side of the battery is facing up.
- Battery Contact: Ensure the battery is seated firmly and making good contact with both the positive and negative terminals. Sometimes, a slight wiggle can help.
- Battery Charge: Although unlikely with a brand-new battery, there’s a slim chance the new battery is faulty. Try a different new CR2032 battery.
- Cover Not Secured: Make sure the battery cover is properly aligned and twisted clockwise until it clicks. If it’s not fully secured, the AirTag won’t power on.
Low Battery Notification Appears Too Soon
If you’re getting low battery warnings shortly after replacing the battery, consider these points:
- Battery Age: Even new batteries can sit on shelves for a while. If the battery was old when you bought it, its remaining lifespan might be shorter.
- Intensive Use: As discussed, if your AirTag has been in constant use (e.g., tracking a frequently moved item), it might drain faster than average.
- Environmental Factors: Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures could have degraded the battery.
In most cases, using top-quality batteries from reputable brands will offer the best performance and longevity.
AirTag Not Showing Up in Find My App
If your AirTag isn’t appearing in the Find My app, and you’ve just replaced the battery, ensure the AirTag itself is properly paired with your Apple ID. If it’s a new AirTag, you’ll need to pair it. If it’s an old one, the battery replacement should ideally not unpair it, but sometimes a reset process might be needed.
Consult Apple’s official support pages for the most up-to-date troubleshooting steps regarding pairing and device recognition:
- For pairing issues: Set up your AirTag
- For general troubleshooting: About lost AirTag
Battery Size Comparison: AirTag vs. Other Trackers
It’s helpful to see how the AirTag’s battery choice stacks up against other popular item trackers on the market. While the CR2032 is ubiquitous, some brands opt for different battery types or even rechargeable solutions.
| Device | Battery Type | Battery Life (Approx.) | Rechargeable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple AirTag | CR2032 Lithium Coin Cell | ~1 year | No (Replaceable) |
| Tile Pro (2022) | CR2032 Lithium Coin Cell | ~1 year | No (Replaceable) |
| Tile Mate (2022) | CR2032 Lithium Coin Cell | ~1 year | No (Replaceable) |
| Chipolo ONE / CARD | CR2032 Lithium Coin Cell (ONE) / Non-replaceable battery (CARD) | ~1 year for ONE / Up to later for CARD | No (Replaceable for ONE) |
| Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+ | CR2032 Lithium Coin Cell | ~1 year | No (Replaceable) |
| Apple AirTag (with Qi-certified charger, unofficial testing) | CR2032 Lithium Coin Cell | ~1 year | No (Replaceable) |
As you can see, the CR2032 is a popular choice among many tracker manufacturers due to its balance of size, power, and cost. The main difference lies in whether the battery is intended to be user-replaceable. Apple, like many other brands, sticks with the easily replaceable CR2032, prioritizing convenience and extended device usability.
Maximizing Your AirTag’s Battery Life
While you can’t directly control the battery life beyond replacing it, understanding how your AirTag works can help you manage expectations and get the most out of each battery.
Understand “Find My” Network Activity
Your AirTag uses Bluetooth to beacon its location. When your iPhone or another Apple device is nearby, it uses that direct connection. When your AirTag is out of your direct Bluetooth range, it anonymously and securely sends its location data to the Find My network. This network consists of hundreds of millions of Apple devices worldwide. The more often your AirTag needs to report its location through this network, the more battery it will consume.
Manage Location Sharing Settings (Indirectly)
While there aren’t specific settings to reduce an AirTag’s battery consumption, consider the items you’re tracking:
- Frequently Moved Items: If you attach an AirTag to something that is constantly being moved (like keys that you’re always grabbing), it will be pinged more often than an item that stays put.
- “Lost Mode”: When you put an AirTag in Lost Mode, it will report its location more actively when it detects movement or is found.
The battery life is generally excellent for its intended purpose, so unless you notice consistently short battery life, you likely won’t need to worry much about optimizing it.
Disposal of Old AirTag Batteries
When it’s time to replace your AirTag’s CR2032 battery, it’s important to dispose of the old one responsibly. Lithium coin cell batteries can be harmful to the environment if not handled correctly.
Recycling Options
Many retailers that sell batteries also have collection bins for recycling them. Look for battery recycling drop-off points at:
- Electronics stores
- Home improvement stores
- Some supermarkets
- Local recycling centers
You can often find more information about local battery recycling programs through your city or county’s waste management website. For instance, you can check resources from the Call2Recycle program, which offers battery recycling solutions across North America.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the battery size for an Apple AirTag?
The “battery size” for an Apple AirTag refers to the type of battery it uses, which is a standard CR2032 lithium coin cell battery. This is a very common size found in many small electronic devices.
Can I use any brand of CR2032 battery?
Yes, you can use CR2032 batteries from reputable brands like Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, or Sony. Apple advises against using CR2032 batteries with bitter coatings or those designed to be child-resistant, as these features can sometimes interfere with the electrical contact.
How often do I need to replace the AirTag battery?
Apple estimates the CR2032 battery in an AirTag lasts about one year. Battery life can vary depending on usage frequency and environmental conditions.
How will I know when my AirTag battery is low?
Your iPhone or compatible Apple device will send you a notification when the AirTag’s battery is low. You can also check the battery status within the Find My app.
Is it difficult to replace the AirTag battery?
No, replacing the battery is quite simple. You just need to press down on the back cover of the AirTag and twist it counter-clockwise to open it, swap the battery, and then twist it back clockwise to close.
What do I do with the old battery?
It’s important to dispose of old CR2