Here's how to replace your AirTag's battery so that your stuff never goes missing

CNN

7 hours ago

It's easy to forget, but your AirTag can actually run out of juice, so knowing how to replace your AirTag battery is key. Apple's trackers are designed to last more than a year on a fresh battery, but you'll eventually have to swap yours out in order to keep tracking your stuff. And while you might not see an obvious way to open your AirTag just by looking at it, doing so is actually pretty easy.
Whether you're using AirTags for school, for travel or just to keep tabs on a handful of valuables, the last thing you want is for your tracker to suddenly die at the worst possible moment. Here's how to swap out your AirTag battery to make sure that doesn't happen.
Replacing your AirTag battery is super simple, though there are a few small quirks you'll have to keep in mind. Before you get to swapping, remember that AirTags run on a single CR2032 lithium 3-volt (3V) coin battery. These type of batteries kind of look like nickels and can be found at pretty much any nearby drugstore.
While you can't check your AirTag's exact battery level at any time, you will see a low battery warning for your tracker in the Find My app once it's starting to get close to running out of juice. Once you're ready to make the swap, doing so is as simple as squeezing your AirTag, rotating the cover off, changing the battery and putting the cover back on. Here are some basic steps to follow, as outlined on Apple's website.
Press down on your AirTag's stainless steel cover (i.e., the shiny silver part) and rotate it counterclockwise. Once the cover stops moving, you're free to take it off.
Remove the cover and pop out the battery.
Pop in a new CR2032 battery. You should hear a physical clicking sound once it's placed properly.
Put the cover back on, making sure the three tabs on the cover align with the three slots on the AirTag.
Rotate clockwise until the cover is securely in place.
Duracell 2032 Lithium Battery, 6-Pack
The most popular AirTag batteries around, this Duracell set features childproof packaging and coating, and comes in multiple quantity options.
Energizer CR2032 Color Alert+ Lithium Battery
Another popular option, Energizer's coin batteries are also designed to be kid-safe with its 3-in-1 Child Shield and can run a bit cheaper than the Duracell.
LiCB CR2032 3-Volt Lithium Battery, 10-Pack
If you can live without a name brand (and child-safe protections), this package gets you the most batteries for your money. While most CR2032 lithium batteries will do the job, there are a few trusted and extra-popular models worth keeping in mind for those looking to get the best value for the price. Duracell's lithium batteries are the ones that come with your AirTag, and based on a quick look at Amazon (as well as looking at what CNN Underscored readers are buying), they are just about the most frequently bought replacement out there.
Energizer's coin batteries are another well-loved option, and like Duracell's batteries, have a child-safe bitter coating to deter any little ones in your life from putting them in their mouths, as well as a Color Alert feature that will dye little mouths blue once the batteries comes in contact with saliva. If sheer bang for your buck is a priority, these frequently purchased LiCB batteries come in packs of 10, usually for just over five bucks.
How long does it take to replace an AirTag battery?
How long does it take to replace an AirTag battery?
Swapping an AirTag battery is very simple. Once you figure out how to open and close yours properly, it rarely takes more than a minute.
What batteries do AirTags use?
What batteries do AirTags use?
AirTags use CR2032 3-volt lithium coin batteries, which are small, circular batteries about the size of a nickel that you can find at most drugstores, grocery stores and electronics stores.
How long do AirTag batteries last?
How long do AirTag batteries last?
According to Apple, AirTags are designed to last for more than a year on a single battery. However, this number may fluctuate a bit based on what brand of battery you're using. If you track lots of valuables or rely on AirTags for baggage recovery while traveling, keep this timeline in mind.
CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. Senior tech editor Mike Andronico has been reviewing the latest tech products for more than a decade and currently has AirTags attached to everything from his musical instruments and Nintendo Switch case to his dog's harness.