To replace an AirTag battery, press down and twist the cover counterclockwise, remove the old battery, insert a CR2032 lithium 3V battery positive (+) side up, then align the cover’s three tabs with the slots and twist clockwise until it stops. The same replacement procedure works for the original AirTag and AirTag (2nd generation).
The short version
- Battery choice: Use a CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery marked compatible with Apple AirTag.
- Open the cover: Press down on the stainless-steel cover and twist counterclockwise until it stops.
- Battery direction: Insert the new battery positive (+) side up and listen for the connection sound.
- Close securely: Align the three tabs with the three slots and twist the cover clockwise until it stops.
- Reset only when needed: Routine battery replacement does not require a reset, and pairing resets differ between generations.
| Task or option | When to use it | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Physical battery replacement | Either AirTag generation needs a new battery | Insert a compatible CR2032 lithium 3V battery positive side up |
| Compatible battery selection | Before buying a replacement | Choose packaging marked compatible with Apple AirTag |
| Automatic iPhone notification | Your associated iPhone reports a low battery | Replace the AirTag battery |
| iPhone battery warning on iOS 27 | You want to check replacement need | Open Find My > Items, select the AirTag, then tap More |
| iPhone battery warning on iOS 26 | Your iPhone still runs iOS 26 | Open Find My > Items and select the AirTag |
| iPad battery warning | You use iPadOS 27 | Check Items in Find My, then select the AirTag and tap More |
| Mac battery warning | You use macOS 27 | Look beside the AirTag’s name in Find My > Items |
| Generation identification on iPhone | You need the model before a pairing reset | Select the AirTag in Items, tap More, then tap its address |
| Generation identification under the battery | You need to identify the AirTag physically | Read the model number inside the battery compartment |
| Optional sound check | You want to confirm the AirTag responds | Select the nearby AirTag in Find My, tap More, then choose Play |
| Original AirTag reset | An original AirTag still will not connect during setup | Use the original model’s battery removal and reinsertion sequence |
| Second generation AirTag reset | A second generation AirTag still will not connect during setup | Use its timed sequence with a 12-second wait after battery removal |
Choose a compatible replacement battery
You need a CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery for either AirTag generation. Apple recommends a bitterant-coated battery with packaging marked “Compatible with Apple AirTag.” Some coated CR2032 batteries are incompatible, so check that wording as well as the battery type.
Keep the AirTag, its loose cover, and both new and used batteries away from children throughout the replacement. If your replacement battery is incompatible, choose one marked compatible with AirTag rather than modifying its coating.
Open the AirTag and remove the old battery
Press down on the AirTag’s stainless-steel cover and turn it counterclockwise until it stops. Lift off the cover, then remove the old battery. Set the cover aside so you can align its tabs when you close the AirTag.
Insert the new battery and close the cover
Place the new CR2032 lithium 3V battery in the AirTag with the positive (+) side facing up. Listen for the sound that indicates the battery has connected. If you do not hear it, check that the positive side is up and that the replacement battery is compatible with AirTag.
Align the cover’s three tabs with the three slots on the AirTag. Replace the cover and turn it clockwise until it stops. That completes the physical replacement; you do not need to reset or re-pair the AirTag for a routine battery change.
Confirm the AirTag responds
For an optional check after replacement, keep the AirTag nearby and open Find My on your iPhone or iPad. Select Items, tap your AirTag, then tap More and choose Play or Play Sound. Successful sound playback confirms that the AirTag is responding.
Check when the battery needs replacing
Your associated iPhone displays a notification when the AirTag battery runs low. You can also open Find My > Items and look for a low-battery indicator beside the AirTag’s name. The replacement warning reads Low Battery.
On an iPhone running iOS 27, select the AirTag and tap More to see the low-battery message below its location when the battery is low. On iOS 26, select the AirTag directly in Items to see that message. You do not need the More button for this iOS 26 path.
On an iPad running iPadOS 27, open Find My and tap Items at the bottom-left. Look beside the AirTag’s name for the low-battery indicator, or select it and tap More for the message below its location. On a Mac running macOS 27, open Find My > Items and look for the low-battery icon beside its name.
Identify your AirTag before a pairing reset
If your AirTag still will not connect during setup, Apple recommends a reset. Check the model first because the reset timing differs between generations. On an iPhone running iOS 27, open Find My > Items, select your AirTag, tap More, then tap its address. The details show the model, serial number, and firmware version.
You can also check inside the battery compartment if an exhausted battery prevents app communication. Press down on the cover and twist counterclockwise until it stops, then remove the cover and battery. Read the model number inside: A2187 is the original AirTag, and A2937 is AirTag (2nd generation).
If you are only checking the model, reinsert the battery positive side up. Align the cover’s three tabs with the slots, press down, and twist clockwise until it stops. If you need a pairing reset, use the matching procedure below.
Reset an original AirTag for a setup connection problem
Use this procedure for an original AirTag with model number A2187 that still will not connect during setup. Remove the cover and battery, then reinsert the battery and press it for about two seconds until it makes a sound. Wait until the sound finishes before removing the battery again.
Repeat the removal, reinsertion, and pressing sequence four more times, allowing each sound to finish. The fifth sound must differ from the earlier sounds; continue the sequence if necessary until you hear that different sound. Align the cover’s tabs with the slots, press down, and twist clockwise until it stops.
Reset a second generation AirTag for a setup connection problem
For an AirTag (2nd generation), model A2937, that still will not connect during setup, remove the cover and battery. Reinsert the battery and press it for about two seconds until it sounds, then keep pressing for another two seconds. After the sound finishes, remove the battery and wait 12 seconds.
Repeat the process of replacing and removing the battery four more times. You should hear a sound each time you press the battery, for a total of five sounds. The fifth sound must differ; continue if necessary, pressing for up to 12 seconds to obtain it. Once you hear the different sound, align the cover’s tabs with the slots, press down, and twist clockwise until it stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you replace an AirTag battery without an iPhone?
You can replace the battery without a phone or app. Both AirTag generations use the same physical replacement procedure.
Do you need to remove the AirTag from your account or reinstall anything?
You do not need to remove the AirTag from your account for a routine battery replacement. You also do not need to uninstall an app or download any software.
Can you check or manage an AirTag through iCloud.com/find?
You cannot use iCloud.com/find as an AirTag management alternative. Apple limits AirTag locating to its device apps.
Why do older instructions show a battery-level icon below the AirTag’s location?
You may see that interface in Apple’s historical iPod touch instructions. On current iPhone and iPad software, look for low-battery messages and indicators instead.
What software does a second generation AirTag need for setup?
Use iOS or iPadOS 26.2.1 or later for setup and locating. Although Apple’s specifications list 26.0, its newer setup and locating instructions require 26.2.1.
