Quick Summary: Apple AirTags use a standard CR2032 3-volt lithium coin cell battery. This readily available battery is the only size that fits and works correctly. Replacing it is a simple, DIY process that ensures your AirTag keeps tracking your belongings.

What Size Battery for Apple AirTag: Your Essential Guide

Losing track of your keys, wallet, or bag can be a real headache, right? That’s where Apple AirTags shine, offering peace of mind by helping you find your important items. But what happens when the battery on your AirTag runs low? The good news is, it’s usually a straightforward fix! Many people worry about finding the right battery, thinking it might be a special, hard-to-find part. We’re here to tell you that it’s simpler than you might imagine. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the battery your AirTag uses, making replacement easy and stress-free. Let’s get your tracker powered up and ready to go!

Understanding Your AirTag’s Power Source

At its heart, the Apple AirTag is a small, smart device designed to be discreet and long-lasting. Its primary function is to use Bluetooth technology to communicate its location to your Apple devices. To do this reliably, it needs a consistent power source. Apple designed the AirTag with simplicity in mind, which extends to its battery. This means you won’t need to hunt for obscure parts.

The Official Battery: CR2032 is King

The single most important piece of information you need is the battery type. For all Apple AirTags, the correct battery is a CR2032 lithium coin cell battery. This is a very common, off-the-shelf battery found in countless electronic devices.

• Type: Lithium Coin Cell
• Voltage: 3 volts
• Model: CR2032

You might see other coin cell batteries, but the CR2032 is specifically what the AirTag is designed for. It’s the perfect size and provides the necessary voltage to power the AirTag’s Bluetooth transmitter and speaker.

Why CR2032? The Benefits of This Standard Battery

Apple chose the CR2032 for several good reasons, which ultimately benefit you as a user:

• Availability: This is arguably the biggest advantage. You can find CR2032 batteries at almost any supermarket, pharmacy, electronics store, and online retailer. No need to order special parts.
• Affordability: Compared to proprietary batteries, the CR2032 is very cost-effective. You can usually buy them in multi-packs for a good price.
• Standard Voltage: The 3-volt output is ideal for the AirTag’s low-power electronics, allowing it to last for a significant amount of time.
• Size and Fit: The dimensions of a CR2032 battery are precisely what the AirTag’s internal compartment is made to hold. It ensures good contact and a secure fit.

This standardized approach means that once you know it’s a CR2032, you’re set. It removes a potential layer of complexity that can often come with tech accessories.

How to Tell If Your AirTag Battery Needs Replacing

Apple makes it pretty easy to know when your AirTag is running low on power. You won’t be left guessing!

• On your iPhone or iPad: Open the “Find My” app. Navigate to the “Items” tab and select your AirTag. If the battery is low, you’ll see a battery icon with a red fill or a specific “Low Battery” notification next to your AirTag’s name.
• Audible cues: While less common for just a low battery, it’s worth noting that AirTags do have a speaker for playing sounds to help you locate them. If you ever hear a faint beep from the AirTag itself, it could indicate an issue or simply that it’s trying to connect.
• Loss of connection: If your AirTag suddenly stops appearing in your “Find My” network or shows as “No Signal” more often than usual, a dead battery is a primary suspect.

The “Find My” app is your best friend here. Keep an eye on that battery indicator!

Replacing Your AirTag Battery: A Step-by-Step Guide

Replacing the CR2032 battery in your Apple AirTag is designed to be a simple, tool-free process. Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and AirTag

Find a clean, flat surface to work on. This will prevent small parts from getting lost. Ensure your AirTag is accessible.

Step 2: Access the Battery Compartment

The AirTag has a polished stainless steel back. You’ll need to press down on this shiny surface and twist it counter-clockwise, much like you would open a medicine bottle cap. Use your thumb and index finger to grip the metal back.

Safety Tip: If you have trouble getting a good grip, you can use a soft cloth between your fingers and the AirTag. Avoid using sharp tools like knives or screwdrivers, as they can scratch the AirTag or your fingers and are not necessary for this process.

You should feel a slight click as the battery cover unlocks.

Step 3: Remove the Old Battery

Once the cover is unlocked, gently lift it off. The old CR2032 battery will be sitting inside. You can then carefully tip the AirTag over or use your finger to slide the old battery out.

Step 4: Insert the New CR2032 Battery

Take your new CR2032 battery. Notice that it has a positive (+) side and a negative (-) side. The positive side is usually the one with text and branding on it, and it’s typically a flat, silver surface. The negative side is the underside.

When inserting the battery, make sure the positive (+) side is facing UP, towards the polished stainless steel cover you just removed. The negative (-) side will be facing down into the AirTag.

Step 5: Secure the Battery Cover

Place the battery cover back onto the AirTag. Align the three small prongs on the cover with the three corresponding slots on the AirTag. Once aligned, press down gently and twist the cover clockwise until it clicks into place and feels secure.

Confirmation: You might hear a small chime or sound from the AirTag after inserting the new battery and securing the cover. This indicates that the AirTag has powered on and recognized the new battery.

Step 6: Verify in the Find My App

Open the “Find My” app on your iPhone or iPad. Your AirTag should now show a full battery icon, and its connection status should be normal. If it doesn’t reconnect or show a full battery, try re-seating the battery and cover, ensuring it’s locked properly.

Tools You Might (But Likely Won’t) Need:

• None! The AirTag is designed for a tool-free battery replacement.

Choosing the Right CR2032 Battery: Brands and Considerations

While the CR2032 is a standard, not all batteries are created equal. Since the AirTag relies on this battery for months, choosing a reliable brand can make a difference.

Recommended Battery Brands

When buying CR2032 batteries, look for well-known and reputable brands. These brands often have better quality control and manufacturing processes, leading to more consistent performance and battery life.

• Energizer: A very popular and widely available brand known for reliable batteries.
• Duracell: Another household name that offers dependable coin cell batteries.
• Panasonic: Often considered a top-tier choice for lithium coin cells, known for long shelf life and performance.
• Sony: A trusted electronics brand that also produces quality batteries.
• Amazon Basics: A cost-effective option that can be surprisingly good, especially for frequent users.

Important Notes for CR2032 Batteries

When purchasing CR2032 batteries, keep these points in mind:

• Child Safety: Some CR2032 batteries come with a bitter coating to discourage children from swallowing them. This coating is generally safe and does not affect the battery’s performance in devices like the AirTag. However, it can sometimes make the battery slightly harder to handle. For opening the AirTag, this is usually not an issue as you’re pressing and twisting.
• Lithium vs. Alkaline: Always ensure you are getting a lithium CR2032. While there might be slightly cheaper “alkaline” versions of similar-looking coin cells, they are not suitable for devices needing the stable, higher voltage of lithium.
• Expiration Dates: Lithium coin cells have a long shelf life, but it’s still wise to check the expiration date on the packaging if possible, especially if buying in bulk.
• Avoid Cheap, Unbranded Batteries: While tempting, extremely cheap, unbranded batteries from questionable sources can be unreliable, have shorter lifespans, or even leak. Sticking to established brands is a safer bet for your valuable AirTag.

Battery Life Expectations for Your AirTag

Apple states that a single CR2032 battery should last “about a year.” This is a general estimate and can vary based on a few factors:

• Frequency of location updates: If your AirTag is constantly on the move (e.g., attached to a frequently lost item like keys), it will use more power than an AirTag that’s largely stationary.
• Environmental conditions: Extreme temperatures (very hot or very cold) can affect battery performance and lifespan.
• Network activity: While Bluetooth Low Energy is efficient, constant communication with the Find My network, especially in areas with many Apple devices, can contribute to battery drain.

Even with these variables, one year is a very practical and impressive lifespan for such a small device running on a single coin cell battery.

Troubleshooting Common AirTag Battery Issues

Most of the time, replacing the battery solves any issues. However, if you encounter problems, here are a few things to check:

• AirTag not turning on:
  • Ensure the CR2032 battery is installed with the positive (+) terminal facing UP.
  • Make sure the battery cover is securely twisted clockwise until it clicks.
  • Try a brand new, reputable CR2032 battery – sometimes a battery can appear new but be dead.
• AirTag not showing in Find My:
  • As above, check installation and ensure the cover is locked.
  • You may need to “Remove Item” from your Find My app and then re-add it after replacing the battery.
  • Verify your iPhone/iPad’s Bluetooth is enabled and that you are signed into iCloud.
• Battery draining too quickly:
  • If a brand new battery seems to be draining in just a few weeks, there might be an issue with the AirTag itself, or the battery may have been faulty from the start. Try another reputable battery.
  • If the problem persists, consider reaching out to Apple Support.

Remember, the CR2032 is a simple piece of tech. Problems are usually down to installation, battery quality, or a rare device fault.

What About Other Battery Types?

It’s essential to be clear: Apple AirTags are designed only for the CR2032. You might find other round, coin-shaped batteries, but they won’t work correctly or safely:

• Different Sizes (e.g., CR2016, CR2025): These have different diameters or thicknesses. A CR2016 is thinner, and a CR2025 is the same diameter but slightly thicker. They won’t fit properly, and the contact points won’t align, preventing the AirTag from powering on.
• Different Voltages: While most common coin cells are 3V, using a battery with a different voltage could damage the AirTag’s delicate electronics.
• Rechargeable Batteries: CR2032 batteries are non-rechargeable. While rechargeable battery technology is advancing, standard CR2032s are designed for single use and replacement.

Stick to CR2032. Any deviation means it’s not the correct battery for your AirTag.

Where to Buy CR2032 Batteries

As mentioned, CR2032 batteries are everywhere! Here’s a quick rundown of common places to pick them up:

Location Type	What to Expect	Pros	Cons
Supermarkets/Grocery Stores	Usually in the checkout lanes, electronics aisle, or battery section.	Convenient if you’re already shopping.	Might have fewer brand options, potentially slightly higher prices.
Pharmacies (e.g., CVS, Walgreens)	Often found with other small electronics or in the general merchandise aisles.	Very accessible.	Similar to supermarkets, selection might be limited.
Electronics Stores (e.g., Best Buy)	Dedicated battery sections.	Wide variety of brands and pack sizes.	May require a specific trip.
Big Box Stores (e.g., Walmart, Target)	Typically in the electronics or battery aisle.	Good selection, competitive pricing, often sell multi-packs.	Can be a large store to navigate.
Online Retailers (e.g., Amazon, eBay)	Search for “CR2032 batteries.”	Best prices, widest selection, bulk purchasing options, convenience of delivery.	Requires shipping time, need to ensure you’re buying from reputable sellers.
Dollar Stores	Sometimes available, often in multi-packs.	Very low price.	Quality can be questionable; consider brand names if possible. Stick with known brands here too.

For the best value and convenience, buying a multi-pack online from a trusted brand is often the way to go. This ensures you’ll have spares for your next battery change without needing to make a special trip.

Safety and Handling of Lithium Coin Cells

While CR2032 batteries are generally safe when used as intended, it’s important to handle them properly, especially with children around.

• Keep Away From Children: These batteries are particularly dangerous if swallowed. They can cause severe internal burns and chemical reactions in as little as two hours. If you suspect a child has swallowed a battery, seek immediate medical attention.
• Do Not Disassemble: Never attempt to take apart or puncture the battery.
• Proper Disposal: While small, lithium batteries should be disposed of properly. Many electronics stores and hazardous waste facilities have recycling programs for batteries. Check with your local municipality for proper battery disposal guidelines. Avoid throwing them in regular household trash. For more information on safe handling and disposal, see resources from organizations like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Avoid Short-Circuiting: Do not allow the positive and negative terminals of the battery to come into contact with metal objects (like keys or coins) simultaneously, as this can cause a short circuit, leading to heat and potential damage.

Remember, the AirTag itself is designed to contain the battery securely during normal use. The main risk is when batteries are loose or being handled by small children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)