Apple’s AirTag designed to run silently in the background, helping you keep track of everyday items such as keys, bags and luggage. Unlike many small trackers, an AirTag does not need to be paid for. Instead, it uses a standard replaceable coin cell battery that usually lasts for a year, depending on use.

When the battery is low, your iPhone will alert you. Replacing it is a simple process that takes only a few minutes and does not require any tools. This guide explains how to tell when your AirTag battery needs to be replaced, which battery to use and how to replace it safely.

How to change the battery in your AirTag

Changing the battery only takes a few steps.

1. Hold the AirTag with the polished stainless steel side facing up.

2. Press firmly on the metal battery cover and rotate it counterclockwise. Continue turning until the lid stops moving.

3. Remove the cover and remove the old battery.

4. Enter a new one CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side facing up. When the battery is properly seated, the AirTag will emit a short beep, confirming that power has been restored.

5. Place the battery cover back onto the AirTag. Align the three small tabs on the cover with the corresponding slots on the body of the AirTag.

6. Gently press and rotate the cover clockwise until it stops. The cover should sit flush with the AirTag and feel secure when locked in place.

No pairing or setup steps are required after battery replacement. Your AirTag will automatically reconnect to your Apple ID.

When to replace your AirTag battery

Your iPhone will automatically notify you when the AirTag’s battery is low. The alert appears as a notification and does not interfere with tracking, but it is a good idea to replace the battery immediately to avoid losing location updates.

If you’re not sure if your AirTag battery needs to be replaced, open the Find My apptap the Things tab and select your AirTag. If a message appears under the name of the AirTag stating “Low Battery”, you will know that it needs to be replaced. If no message appears, it is safe to assume that the battery level is good for now. AirTags don’t have a screen or any other battery indicator, but Apple does show the battery percentage for AirTags in the FindMy app. The low battery warning is the only signal Apple gives before replacement is required.

What to do if your AirTag doesn’t sound

If you do not hear a sound after inserting the new battery, remove it and check that it is correctly oriented with the positive side facing up. You also need to secure the back cover of the AirTag, to see if the chime will sound after that.

If the battery is oriented correctly and still does not trigger a sound, try another CR2032 battery. The AirTag uses a CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery, a common type available in most electronics stores, supermarkets and pharmacies. Some batteries, especially those with thick layers, may not be able to make consistent contact. Apple suggests looking for packaging that says “AirTag Compliant.” Once a working battery is installed, the AirTag should immediately resume normal operation.

How often should you replace your AirTag battery

Most AirTag batteries last about a year under normal use. Frequent use of Precision Finding, sound playback or location updates may reduce battery life. iOS will notify you before the battery is completely drained, so there’s no need to replace it preemptively unless you’re preparing for long-term travel or storage.

Used coin batteries should not be disposed of in the household waste. Many retailers and recycling centers accept lithium batteries for proper disposal. Check local recycling guidelines for battery drop-off locations. Keeping used batteries in a safe container until they can be recycled helps reduce the risk of accidental contact or ingestion.

AirTag battery replacement is one of the simplest maintenance tasks required on Apple devices. With an easy-to-use battery and no tools involved, most users can complete the process in less than a minute. As long as you pay attention to low battery notifications and follow basic safety precautions, your AirTag should continue to track your items reliably with minimal effort.