If you’re using AirTags to track your keys, bags, luggage, or pets’ collars, keeping them powered is essential. And sooner or later, every AirTag owner asks the same question: what battery does AirTag use?
Despite AirTags being extremely simple to operate, battery compatibility is a slightly technical topic, and choosing the wrong one can cause pairing issues, connection drops, or no power at all.
As someone who has tested dozens of AirTags across different environments, I’ve learned that understanding the right battery type helps you avoid frustration, extend device life, and ensure accurate tracking.
What Battery Does AirTag Use?
Apple AirTag uses a CR2032 3V lithium coin battery. This is a standard, widely available battery used in small electronics like remotes, fitness devices, medical sensors, and toys.
Here are the essential details:
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Voltage: 3 volts
- Battery Chemistry: Lithium
- Shape: Coin cell
- Availability: Electronics stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, and online retailers
- Replaceable: Yes
- Orientation: Positive side (+) facing up
Apple designed AirTags to run on a battery type you can find almost anywhere. Even better, AirTags don’t require any Apple-specific battery model.
CR2032 Battery Specifications at a Glance
The table below offers a quick comparison to help you understand the CR2032 and how it differs from similar batteries.
| Battery Type | Voltage | Size (Diameter x Thickness) | Works in AirTag? | Notes |
| CR2032 | 3V | 20mm x 3.2mm | Yes | Officially recommended and supported |
| CR2025 | 3V | 20mm x 2.5mm | No | Too thin; poor contact with AirTag terminals |
| CR2016 | 3V | 20mm x 1.6mm | No | Insufficient size and power |
| LR2032 (alkaline) | 1.5V | 20mm x 3.2mm | No | Lower voltage; significantly shorter lifespan |
| CR2032 w/ bitterant coating | 3V | 20mm x 3.2mm | Sometimes | Must be labeled AirTag-compatible |
This table should be easy to reference when comparing battery types at the store or online.
Battery Lifespan: How Long Does an AirTag Battery Last?
On average, an AirTag battery lasts around 12 months.
This can vary depending on how often you:
- Trigger sound alerts
- Use Precision Finding
- Move the AirTag through different environments
- Ping the AirTag from your phone
However, Apple’s design is efficient enough that most users can expect a stable year of performance from a single battery.
When Does an AirTag Tell You the Battery Is Low?
AirTags don’t show percentage levels, but your iPhone will display:
- A Low Battery alert in the Find My app
- A warning banner when you open the AirTag’s details page
Once you see the alert, you typically have several days to replace the battery before it stops working entirely.
Special Note on Bitterant-Coated CR2032 Batteries
Many modern CR2032 batteries include a bitterant coating to prevent children from swallowing them. When AirTags were first released, these coatings caused contact issues, making some batteries incompatible.
Apple has since updated its guidance:
- Some bitterant-coated CR2032 batteries now work,
- BUT only if they are specifically labeled as AirTag-compatible.
So, before buying, check the packaging. If you’re unsure, choose a standard CR2032 without a coating from a reputable brand like:
- Energizer
- Duracell
- Panasonic
- Sony
These brands typically offer the most reliable performance.
How to Replace an AirTag Battery Correctly
Replacing an AirTag battery is simple, but you need to position the battery correctly and listen for a confirmation sound.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Hold the AirTag with the stainless-steel side facing you.
- Press down and rotate the cover counter-clockwise until it stops.
- Remove the cover and take out the old CR2032 battery.
- Insert the new battery with the positive (+) side facing up.
- You should hear a chime, confirming a successful power connection.
- Re-align the three tabs on the cover.
- Twist the cover clockwise to lock it in place.
If you don’t hear the chime, remove the battery and repeat the installation.
Where Can You Buy CR2032 Batteries for AirTag?
You can find CR2032 batteries almost anywhere. Popular places include:
Physical stores
- Apple Store
- Walmart
- Target
- Best Buy
- Walgreens
- CVS
- Local electronics shops
Online retailers
- Amazon
- Apple online store
- Best Buy Online
- Major pharmacy websites
Always buy from reputable sellers to avoid counterfeit, weak, or expired batteries.
Tips to Extend AirTag Battery Life
Even though AirTags are energy efficient, a few habits can extend battery life:
- Avoid repeatedly triggering sound alerts when not needed
- Keep AirTags in stable temperature environments
- Minimize rapid movement between wide Bluetooth ranges
- Ensure firmware updates are installed automatically
While these optimizations won’t double the lifespan, they help maintain battery stability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing AirTag Batteries
Here are some issues users run into:
Using the wrong battery
A CR2025 or CR2016 may look similar, but they won’t work.
Installing the battery upside down
Always keep the + side up.
Buying low-quality, no-name batteries
Cheap batteries often leak, swell, or fail early.
Using incompatible bitterant-coated batteries
Select only packages stating AirTag compatible.
Not locking the cover properly
If the cover isn’t sealed, the AirTag may lose power intermittently.
Is It Safe to Use Generic CR2032 Batteries?
Generic batteries are technically compatible, but as an expert recommendation:
- Avoid extremely cheap bulk packs
- Stick to trusted brands
- Look for expiration dates of 5+ years
- Ensure the packaging says 3V lithium CR2032
Your AirTag’s performance depends entirely on this tiny battery, so it’s worth choosing a reliable one.
FAQs About AirTag Batteries
1. What battery does an AirTag use?
A CR2032 3V lithium coin battery, widely available and user-replaceable.
2. How long does the battery last?
About one year under normal usage.
3. Can I use a CR2032 battery with a bitter coating?
Yes, only if it is marked as AirTag-compatible. Some coated versions may not make proper contact.
4. Do I need an Apple-branded battery?
No. AirTags use a standard battery you can buy anywhere.
5. How do I know if my AirTag battery is low?
You’ll get a Low Battery alert in the Find My app.
6. Can I recharge an AirTag battery?
No, CR2032 batteries are not rechargeable.
7. Is replacing an AirTag battery safe?
Yes, as long as you keep old and new batteries away from children and pets.
Final Thoughts
Now you know exactly what battery an AirTag uses, how to choose the right one, and how to replace it confidently. A simple CR2032 coin cell keeps the AirTag running for a full year, and with the right installation technique, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted tracking across all your essentials.
By choosing a high-quality, AirTag-compatible CR2032 battery, you ensure your tracker performs at its best and stays reliable when you need it most.
