To replace an AirTag battery, twist the cover counter-clockwise, insert a CR2032 (flat side up), then close until you hear the confirmation chime.
When a tracker starts to drop off your iPhone or shows “low battery,” a quick coin-cell swap brings it back to form. The process is simple, takes under a minute, and needs one part: a fresh CR2032. This guide walks you through the swap step by step and clears up the gotchas that trip people up.
The goal is clean contact, correct polarity, and a tight seal. Do that, and you’ll hear a chime and see the battery meter refresh in the Find My app. Miss any of those and the tag won’t wake, the cap may bind, or range will be erratic.
What You Need And Why
You don’t need tools. You do need the right cell and a clean work area. Lay a towel down so the polished cap doesn’t get scuffed. Keep tiny parts out of reach of kids and pets.
| Item | Purpose | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| CR2032 3V coin cell | Powers the tag for months | Pick a reputable brand; avoid rechargeable LIR2032 cells |
| Lint-free cloth | Wipes dust and skin oils | One quick buff prevents poor contact |
| Isopropyl alcohol (70%+) | Degreases contacts if they look dull | Use a tiny drop; let it flash dry |
| Small container | Holds the old cell safely | Label it so nobody mistakes it for fresh |
| Child-safe storage spot | Keeps button cells away from kids | Store up high in a latched box |
Replace An AirTag Battery The Right Way
Follow these short steps. The cap only needs a gentle twist; don’t force it. If it’s slick, wrap the cap with the cloth for grip.
Open The Stainless Cap
Place thumbs on the steel disc with the Apple logo. Press down. Twist left about a quarter turn. The cap lifts free with a small click. Set it face-up on the towel to avoid scratches.
Remove The Old Cell
Lift the battery from the tray. If it sticks, tip the tag into your palm instead of prying with anything sharp. Check the tray for dust or fibers.
Check The New CR2032
Look for a clean, uncoated top face. Some makers add a bitter taste coating to deter ingestion; that layer can block contact on this device. If the brand lists a coating and your tag won’t wake, try a different brand without the coating.
Insert The Cell With Correct Polarity
Flat side faces you (+ side up). Drop it into the tray. Don’t bend the spring contact. If the battery is seated, you’ll feel a snug fit.
Close And Listen For The Chime
Align the cap tabs with the slots. Press down and twist right until the tabs stop. You should hear a chirp. That sound confirms the tag is powered.
Confirm In The Find My App
Open Find My on your iPhone, tap Items, pick your tag, and check the battery icon. Give it a few seconds if you just heard the chirp; Bluetooth may take a moment to refresh.
Know Your Coin Cell: CR2032 Basics
CR2032 means a lithium coin cell that’s 20 mm across and 3.2 mm thick. The chemistry is 3-volt primary lithium. Don’t use rechargeable look-alikes like LIR2032; the voltage curve and dimensions differ. A high-quality primary cell tends to outlast bargain packs and is less likely to leak.
Brand-new packaging matters. Cells age on shelves. Pick a blister pack with a recent lot code. If you’re stocking spares, keep them in the sealed pack until needed, and store them at room temperature away from heat and humidity.
If you want Apple’s factory guide and the note about coated cells, see the official battery replacement steps. It pairs well with this hands-on walk-through.
Prep, Clean, And Handle With Care
A smudge of skin oil can lift contact resistance. That’s enough to cause random dropouts. Before you close the tag, wipe the new cell’s flat face with the cloth. If contacts look dull, dab a bit of alcohol on the cloth, wipe the brass pads, and wait ten seconds for it to dry.
Check the rubber sealing ring around the inner rim. It should sit flush with no twists. If grit sits on the rim, the cap won’t seat and tiny gaps let moisture creep in. A single hair can be the culprit. Take a breath, scan the rim, and wipe it clean.
When The Chime Doesn’t Play
No sound? Walk through these quick checks in order. One of them almost always fixes it.
- Flip the cell. The plus side must face up.
- Try a non-coated CR2032 from a different brand.
- Reseat the cap. Tabs must line up before you twist.
- Clean the pads and the cell’s face.
- Reboot your iPhone, then recheck the battery icon in Find My.
Troubleshooting At A Glance
Use this quick table to match symptoms to fixes. Work down the list, testing after each step.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No startup chime | Wrong polarity or coated cell | Flip battery; swap to a brand without bitterant |
| Cap won’t lock | Tabs not aligned; grit on rim | Realign tabs; wipe the seal and rim |
| Battery drains fast | Cheap cell; old stock; extreme temps | Use a fresh name-brand pack; avoid heat |
| Find My shows “low” after swap | Stale Bluetooth state | Wait a minute; toggle Bluetooth; reboot phone |
| Range feels short | Obstruction; holder pressing the cap | Remove the holder; verify the cap sits flat |
| Won’t pair after reset | Not fully removed from your Apple ID | Remove the item in Find My, then pair again |
Safety Notes You Should Follow
Button cells are small and shiny. They are hazardous if swallowed. Keep new and spent cells out of sight and reach of kids. Tape both sides of the old cell before you store or recycle it. If you suspect ingestion, call emergency services right away. For general guidance, read the CPSC’s page on button battery safety.
Pets chew bag charms and collars. If your tag lives on a pet’s collar, check the holder frequently. A cracked holder can let the cap rotate and pop off during play.
Buying Better Batteries
All CR2032 cells are the same size, but performance varies by brand and storage history. Pick a maker with tight quality control. Look for crisp packaging, clear lot codes, and a realistic shelf life claim. Skip loose bulk bags. Stick with sealed blisters only.
Mind coatings and chemistry. A child-deterrent bitterant layer can stop contact on this device, so keep a pack from a brand that skips coatings. Also skip rechargeables labeled LIR2032 for this use case. They sit at a lower voltage under load and can confuse the device’s meter.
If you buy online, order from the brand’s store or a trusted retailer. Counterfeit coin cells exist. They look the part but fade fast, and some leak. Price that seems too low usually points to trouble.
Holders, Cases, And Fitment
Some holders put pressure on the steel cap. That pressure can rotate the disc during daily bumps. After any swap, put the tag back in the holder, then press and try a tiny twist on the cap. If it moves freely, the holder is fine. If it feels tight, change to a clip or loop that leaves the cap clear.
Leather loops can shrink with sweat and sun. Silicone loops stretch over time. Both can pull on the disc in pockets and bags. A quick monthly check keeps surprises away.
Care, Storage, And Disposal
Expect months of life from a quality CR2032. High-traffic items, loud chimes, and frequent Precision Finding can shorten that window. When a tag shows “low,” don’t wait for a trip day to swap it. Do the swap at home where you can hear the chirp and verify in the app.
Store spare cells in the original blister. A loose cell in a drawer can short against coins or foil gum wrappers. That heats up, drains the cell, and can cause leaks. Keep the pack flat, cool, and dry.
Don’t toss the old cell into the regular trash. Many cities run battery take-back bins at supermarkets and hardware stores. If you’re in doubt, search your city’s waste website for “household batteries” and follow their rules.
Pro Tips That Save Time
- Mark the swap date on the blister card. Now you have a quick reference.
- Buy two name-brand packs each year and keep one sealed. You’ll always have a fresh cell.
- If the tag rides in a tight ring holder, test the cap after you put it back. Press and twist gently to confirm it’s locked.
- Traveling? Pack one spare CR2032 in a coin sleeve and a tiny zip bag. Keep it away from metal objects.
- Have multiple tags? Swap all low ones in one sitting so your Find My list stays tidy.
Quick Reset After A Swap (If Needed)
You rarely need a reset. If the tag acts odd after the swap, remove it from Items in Find My, then re-add it. To do that, take off the cap, remove and reinsert the cell, and quickly repeat that press-and-twist cycle five times until you hear a different tone. Then pair again by holding it near your iPhone.
Final Checks Before You Head Out
Give the device a shake next to your iPhone and watch the signal animate in Find My. Walk a few steps away and use Precision Finding to confirm strong response. If all looks good, you’re done. If not, revisit the quick table above and start with polarity and a fresh non-coated cell.