When your AirTag’s battery is running low, your iPhone will notify you, or you’ll see “Low Battery” under the specific AirTag in the Find My app. Replacing the battery is easy and only takes a few minutes.
Steps to replace the battery:
-
Flip the AirTag so that its shiny metal back (the side with the Apple logo) is facing you.
-
Press down firmly on the metal cover, then rotate it counterclockwise until the cover loosens and stops.
-
Remove both the cover and the old battery.
-
Insert a fresh CR2032 3-volt coin battery, making sure the “+” (positive) side is facing up. You’ll hear a small tone when the new battery makes contact.
-
Realign the three tabs on the cover with the three slots on the AirTag case.
-
Rotate the cover clockwise until it’s locked back in place.
Additional tips & warnings:
-
If you use batteries with a “bitter coating” (designed to discourage swallowing), check the packaging. Some bitter-coated batteries may interfere with how the AirTag recognizes them.
-
Avoid holding the battery compartment cover loosely or using sharp tools—just two fingers pressing and turning are enough.
-
After replacing the battery, if the AirTag doesn’t connect or beep: clean the metal contact surfaces (inside the compartment and on the battery) gently, perhaps with a bit of alcohol and a soft cloth.
-
Dispose of the old battery properly; coin batteries can be hazardous if ingested. Keep batteries away from children, and follow local recycling rules for battery disposal.
How long to expect the battery to last:
Under typical usage—which might include occasional sound alerts and using the precision-finding features—the battery usually lasts around a year. But actual lifespan depends on how often you trigger alerts, how much you move it, environmental conditions (extreme temperatures can shorten battery life), and the quality of the battery you use.
With just a quick swap, your AirTag will be ready for another year of keeping track of your belongings.
