7 Crucial Steps To Replace Your AirTag Battery In 2025 (And Fix The Annoying 'Low Battery' Warning)

The Apple AirTag is a powerful, discreet tracker, but like any electronic device, it relies on a battery that will eventually need replacing. As of December 2025, knowing the precise steps and the latest safety warnings is essential to keep your tracker running smoothly and your items secured. This comprehensive, up-to-date guide will walk you through the entire process, from the initial low-battery notification to troubleshooting common issues like a persistent warning or a stuck cover, ensuring your AirTag is back to its full, year-long tracking capacity.

The good news is that the AirTag uses a standard, user-replaceable coin cell battery, meaning you can perform this maintenance yourself in under a minute. Forget about charging—you only need a fresh battery and this simple, step-by-step procedure to restore your tracker's functionality for another 12 months.

The Essential AirTag Battery Profile (What You Need to Know)

Before you begin the replacement process, it’s vital to understand the specifications of the battery and the expected lifespan. Using the correct battery type is non-negotiable for optimal performance and to maintain the AirTag's water and dust-resistant seal.

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• Battery Type: The AirTag requires a standard CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery. This is the same type of battery found in many small electronics, like car key fobs and watches.
• Expected Lifespan (Battery Longevity): Apple estimates the battery will last for approximately one year under normal usage conditions. This longevity is one of the AirTag's key selling points, eliminating the need for frequent charging.
• Low Battery Notification: You will be alerted via a notification on your iPhone through the Find My app when the AirTag battery is running low. This gives you ample time to purchase a replacement before the device stops tracking.
• Battery Replacement Cost: CR2032 batteries are widely available and relatively inexpensive, often sold in multi-packs at electronic stores or drugstores, keeping the annual maintenance cost very low.

Step-by-Step: The 7-Point Guide to AirTag Battery Replacement

Replacing the battery is a tool-free process designed for simplicity. Follow these steps precisely to ensure the cover is removed and replaced correctly, maintaining the device’s integrity and seal.

1. Prepare Your AirTag and New Battery

Ensure you have a new CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery. Before starting, wash your hands to avoid transferring oils or dirt to the battery or the AirTag's internal components. Place the AirTag on a soft, non-abrasive surface with the polished stainless steel cover facing up.

2. Press and Rotate the Cover

Use two fingers (typically your thumb and index finger) to press down firmly on the polished stainless steel battery cover. While pressing down, rotate the cover counterclockwise until it stops turning. You should feel a slight click or release.

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3. Remove the Cover

Once the cover has stopped rotating, you can lift it off. The cover will expose the battery compartment. Be careful not to lose the cover or the small internal components.

4. Remove the Old Battery

The old CR2032 battery will now be visible. The positive side (+) will be facing up. Simply tip the AirTag to let the battery fall out, or use a non-metallic tool (like a plastic toothpick or a fingernail) to gently pry it out. Avoid using metal tools that could short-circuit the battery contacts.

5. Insert the New CR2032 Battery

Insert the new CR2032 lithium battery into the compartment. It is crucial to insert the battery with the positive side (+) facing up. You should hear a small chime or tone from the AirTag, indicating that the new battery has been successfully installed and the device is powered on.

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6. Reattach and Lock the Cover

Place the stainless steel cover back over the battery compartment, aligning the three small tabs on the cover with the corresponding slots on the AirTag body. Press down firmly on the cover and rotate it clockwise until it stops. You should feel it lock securely into place. This step is essential for maintaining the AirTag's water and dust-resistant rating.

7. Verify the Status in the Find My App

Open the Find My app on your iPhone and navigate to the Items tab. Check the AirTag's status. The low battery notification should disappear, confirming a successful replacement. If the warning persists, refer to the troubleshooting section below.

Crucial Safety and Troubleshooting Tips for AirTag Batteries

The AirTag battery replacement process comes with important safety considerations, especially regarding child safety, and a few common technical glitches that users encounter.

The CR2032 Child Safety Warning

A critical update to be aware of is the heightened focus on child safety concerning coin cell batteries. Apple has updated the instructions that appear in the Find My app when prompted to change the battery, now including a warning about the hazards of these small batteries if ingested by children. Always keep CR2032 batteries out of the reach of children.

Troubleshooting: Why the 'Low Battery' Warning Persists

In rare cases, you might replace the battery, but the Find My app still shows a low battery warning. This is a common point of confusion but is usually easily resolved:

• The Battery Type: Ensure you are using a standard CR2032 battery. Some CR2032 batteries are coated with a bitterant (a safety coating to deter swallowing). While this is a positive child-safety feature, some anecdotal reports suggest this coating can interfere with the AirTag's battery contacts, leading to performance issues or a false low-battery reading. Try a different brand of CR2032 battery.
• The Contact Reset: Sometimes, the AirTag needs a moment to fully reset its battery sensor. Remove the new battery, wait 30 seconds, and then reinsert it. This can sometimes force a reset of the internal resistance reading.
• The Battery Quality: Use a reputable, fresh battery. Batteries, even new ones, can sometimes be old or have increased internal resistance, which the AirTag's Bluetooth transmission uses to gauge battery life.

What to Do If the AirTag Cover is Stuck

If you find the stainless steel cover is stuck and won't rotate:

1. Increase Pressure: Apply more firm, downward pressure while rotating counterclockwise. The mechanism requires a deliberate press to disengage the internal locking tabs.
2. Use Grip Enhancers: If your fingers are slipping, try using a rubber glove or a piece of rubber (like a jar opener) to get a better grip on the polished surface.
3. Avoid Tools: Do not use metal tools like screwdrivers or pliers, as this will scratch the polished surface and potentially damage the internal waterproofing seal.

Maximizing Your AirTag's Battery Life and Performance

While the battery is rated for a year, a few maintenance tips can help you track your AirTags more effectively and efficiently.

Labeling Your AirTags with Replacement Dates

A smart, proactive tip from the AirTag community is to rename your AirTag in the Find My app to include the battery replacement date (e.g., "Luggage Tag (251218)"). This simple measure provides a clear, immediate reminder of when the battery was last changed, allowing you to anticipate the next replacement and avoid a sudden loss of tracking.

Understanding Tracking Technology

The AirTag utilizes several technologies, including Bluetooth for proximity finding and the U1 chip for Precision Finding (Ultra-Wideband or UWB), all powered by the CR2032 battery. The battery's lifespan is a testament to the efficiency of these components and the global Find My network, which passively relays the AirTag's location without requiring constant, high-power communication.

Proper Disposal of Old Batteries

Do not throw old CR2032 batteries in the regular trash. Coin cell batteries contain materials that should be recycled. Check with your local waste management services or electronic stores for designated battery recycling drop-off points.