Trackers
Apple AirTag battery
1 × 3V lithium coin cell
Battery type: one CR2032 lithium coin cell (not CR2025). To replace the AirTag battery, press the polished steel cover and rotate it counterclockwise, swap the cell, then twist clockwise until it stops — you should hear a sound when the new cell connects. Apple recommends a bitterant-coated CR2032 labelled compatible with AirTag.
How to replace it
| Compartment | Stainless-steel rear cover |
|---|---|
| How to open | Press down on polished stainless-steel battery cover and rotate counterclockwise until it stops; remove cover and battery |
| Orientation | Positive (+) side facing up |
| Low battery indicator | iPhone notification and Find My Items tab shows Low Battery |
| Notes | You will hear a sound when the new battery connects. Align three cover tabs with three slots; rotate clockwise until it stops. |
| Access | Tool-free |
Important
- Apple recommends a bitterant-coated CR2032 labelled Compatible with Apple AirTag; some coatings may not work depending on alignment.
- Keep batteries away from children (coin-cell ingestion hazard).
- Generation: 1st and 2nd gen use user-replaceable CR2032
Sources
Helpful for this device
Optional tools for opening, testing or charging — separate from the battery answer.
- Coin cell / button cell battery tester
Quick check of CR / LR / SR button and coin cells before fitting
- Fluke 101 Digital Multimeter
Accurate open-circuit voltage and basic electrical checks
- Digital multimeter
Measure open-circuit voltage and general electronics checks
New battery but still not working?
A fresh 1 × CR2032 should restore Apple AirTag if the battery was the problem. Work through the checks below before replacing the device.
- Check orientation
Confirm the cell is seated correctly: Positive (+) side facing up
- Check the contacts
Apple recommends a bitterant-coated CR2032 labelled Compatible with Apple AirTag; some coatings may not work depending on alignment.
- Check the battery type
This device needs 1 × CR2032 (lithium). Rechargeable cells are not supported for this device. Same size does not always mean the same battery.
- Check known model-specific issues
Keep batteries away from children (coin-cell ingestion hazard). Generation: 1st and 2nd gen use user-replaceable CR2032
- Confirm the battery itself
For most coin cells, fitting a known-good fresh cell of the correct code is simpler than capacity testing.
- Still not responding?
If a correct, fresh battery installed properly does not restore the device, the fault may be elsewhere — the device may need service or replacement.
Replacing the device?
Apple AirTag is still sold new. Only consider a replacement if the checks above did not help.
Need to replace the device?
Apple AirTag is still sold new. Only buy another if a fresh battery and the checks above did not help.