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How to Replace an AirTag Battery & Stop Tracking Alerts

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

This guide walks you through replacing the CR2032 coin battery in an Apple AirTag and explains why you might get unwanted tracking alerts, how to stop them temporarily, and how to permanently disable an AirTag you own. You’ll need a new CR2032 battery (with a bitter coating, which Apple recommends) and a firm surface to work on.

What You’ll Need

  • New CR2032 3V lithium coin battery (Apple recommends batteries with a bitterant coating to prevent swallowing)
  • Your AirTag
  • A flat, non-slip surface (optional but helpful)

Step-by-Step

  1. Press down and twist the polished cover counterclockwise. Hold the AirTag with the white side facing down and the shiny metal cover facing up. Press down firmly on the cover and rotate it counterclockwise (to the left) until it stops. You should feel a slight click or resistance.
  2. Lift the cover off. Once it has rotated about a quarter turn, release pressure and lift the cover straight up. Set it aside.
  3. Remove the old battery. The battery sits inside the AirTag with the positive (+) side facing up. You can simply tip the AirTag over your palm to let it fall out, or gently pry it out with a non-metallic tool like a plastic spudger or a fingernail. Do not use a metal tool that could scratch the contacts.
  4. Insert the new battery positive side up. Place the new CR2032 into the compartment with the “+” symbol facing up. You should hear a faint click or feel it seat into place. If it doesn’t sit flat, press gently on the edges until it does.
  5. Align the cover and press down. Place the metal cover back on top, aligning the three small tabs on the cover with the three slots on the AirTag body. Press down firmly.
  6. Rotate the cover clockwise. While pressing down, turn the cover clockwise (to the right) until it stops. You’ll feel a distinct click when it locks into place.
  7. Confirm the AirTag is working. Your iPhone should show a notification within a few seconds that the AirTag has been reconnected. If not, open the Find My app, tap the Items tab, and select your AirTag. If it shows a low battery icon, repeat the steps or check the battery orientation.

Common Mistakes

  • Installing the battery upside down. The positive (+) side must face up. If you put it in negative side up, the AirTag won’t power on.
  • Forcing the cover. If the cover doesn’t turn easily, you’re probably not pressing down hard enough. Pressing down is essential to disengage the locking tabs.
  • Using a worn or incorrect battery. Only use a fresh CR2032. Reusing an old battery from another device may not provide enough power.
  • Not hearing the click when closing. If you don’t feel or hear a click when turning the cover clockwise, it may not be fully locked, and the AirTag could open accidentally.

Tips

  • Apple states that a CR2032 with a bitter coating helps prevent accidental ingestion by children. Many standard CR2032 batteries do not have this coating, so look for one that explicitly mentions it.
  • Keep the old battery out of reach of children and pets. Dispose of it properly at a battery recycling location.
  • If you’re replacing the battery in an AirTag that has been lost for a while, it may take a few minutes for the Find My network to update its location.
  • You can check the battery level in the Find My app under Items. A low battery warning appears when the charge is below about 20%.

Troubleshooting

AirTag doesn’t beep or appear in Find My after replacement.
Remove the battery again, wait 10 seconds, and reinsert it firmly. Make sure the positive side is up. Then close the cover and try again. If it still doesn’t work, try a different new battery.

Cover won’t turn.
You are likely not pressing down hard enough. Place the AirTag on a hard surface and press down with your thumb firmly before twisting. If it still won’t turn, check that the cover is not misaligned.

AirTag shows “Unsupported Battery” in Find My.
Some CR2032 batteries have a slightly different chemistry or a coating that interferes with contact. Remove the battery and try a different brand. Apple specifically recommends batteries with a bitterant coating.

You receive a tracking alert from an AirTag you own.
If you see an alert on your iPhone that an AirTag is traveling with you, but it’s your own AirTag, it may be because the AirTag is separated from its paired iPhone for a while. Move it back near your iPhone and unlock it. If the alert persists, you can reset the AirTag by removing the battery and reinserting it five times (see FAQ).

You receive a tracking alert from an unknown AirTag.
If the AirTag isn’t yours, you can disable it by removing the battery. To do this, press down on the cover and twist counterclockwise. Remove the battery and dispose of the AirTag responsibly (or hand it to authorities if you suspect malicious tracking). If you’re concerned about safety, contact local law enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop unwanted tracking alerts from an AirTag I don’t own?

If you receive an alert that an AirTag is moving with you, you can play a sound from it using the Find My app, or you can disable it by removing the battery. If you feel unsafe, go to a public place and contact law enforcement.

Can I replace the AirTag battery with any CR2032?

Yes, any CR2032 3V lithium coin cell will physically fit, but Apple recommends using a battery with a bitterant coating to reduce the risk of children swallowing it. Some generic batteries may cause a “Unsupported Battery” warning, so if that happens, try a different brand.

How often should I replace the AirTag battery?

Apple says the battery lasts about one year under normal use. You’ll get a low battery notification in the Find My app when it’s time to replace it.

How do I reset an AirTag to factory settings?

Press down on the cover and twist counterclockwise to remove it. Remove the battery. Then reinsert the battery and press down until you hear a sound. Repeat this four more times (five times total). After the last sound, the AirTag will reset. You can then pair it again with your iPhone.

Will removing the battery stop tracking alerts permanently?

Yes, removing the battery disables the AirTag completely. It will no longer send its location or trigger tracking alerts. However, if you don’t own the AirTag, you should consider contacting authorities if you suspect malicious tracking.

Why am I getting a tracking alert from my own AirTag?

This can happen if the AirTag is separated from your iPhone for a prolonged period, or if your iPhone’s Bluetooth is off. It can also happen if you’re borrowing an AirTag that is registered to someone else. Make sure your AirTag is near your iPhone and that you’re signed into iCloud with the same Apple ID.

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