I remember the first time I held an AirTag and flipped it around like a mini detective. I kept thinking, “Where’s the charging spot? Did Apple hide it under the logo or something?”
Turns out… I was overthinking it.
If you’re wondering how do you charge an AirTag, here’s the real answer:
You don’t. There’s no charging at all.
No cables.
No wireless pad.
No hidden port.
Nothing.
AirTags run on a tiny replaceable battery, and once it dies, you just swap in a new one. That’s the whole deal — simple and kind of refreshing in a world full of gadgets that constantly need charging.
Let me walk you through everything so you never have to search again.
Table of Contents
Do AirTags Really Not Charge?
Nope — not even a little.
AirTags use one battery type:
✔ CR2032 coin cell battery
You’ve probably seen the same type inside watches, little gadgets, or remote controls. Apple chose it because it lasts long and doesn’t need daily charging.
How Long Until the AirTag Battery Runs Out?
On average:
Around one full year
But here’s what can drain it faster:
- Using Precision Finding often
- Making the AirTag beep repeatedly
- Tracking something constantly on the move
- Extreme hot or cold environments
My own AirTag on my keys lasts almost a year. The one I keep in my backpack? Nearly a year and a half.
How Your iPhone Lets You Know the Battery Is Low
You don’t need to guess. Your iPhone will alert you with:
- A low battery warning
- A small battery icon inside the Find My app
There’s no exact percentage, but once that alert pops up, it’s time to grab a new battery within a week or two.
So… How Do You “Charge” an AirTag?
Here’s the part most people don’t realize:
➡️ You don’t charge it. You replace the battery.
And the best part?
It takes about 10 seconds.
How to Replace an AirTag Battery (Super Simple Guide)
1. Flip the AirTag Over
Keep the Apple logo facing down.
2. Press on the Stainless Steel Side
Use your thumb — firm pressure.
3. Twist Counterclockwise
Just a small turn, nothing complicated.
4. Remove the Cover
Set it aside.
5. Drop in a New CR2032 Battery
Make sure the + side faces you.
If you hear a chime, you did it perfectly.
6. Twist the Cover Back On
Turn it clockwise until it locks.
That’s literally the whole process.
Which Battery Works Best for AirTags?
Choose any CR2032 battery, but avoid the “bitter-coated” ones — some don’t fit well.
The most reliable brands I’ve personally used:
- Energizer
- Panasonic
- Duracell (non-bitter)
- Maxell
They’re cheap and easy to find anywhere.
Where You Can Buy AirTag Batteries
You can grab CR2032 batteries from:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Pharmacy stores
- Local electronics shops
- Supermarkets
I usually buy a small multipack so I always have one ready.
How to Check Your AirTag Battery Anytime
If you’re curious about battery health:
- Open Find My
- Go to Items
- Tap your AirTag
If no battery icon shows, the battery is fine.
What Happens If You Don’t Replace the Battery?
Your AirTag becomes basically invisible. It will:
- Stop updating location
- Stop beeping
- Stop showing on the map
Once the battery dies, the AirTag does nothing.
Why Didn’t Apple Make AirTags Rechargeable?
At first, I wondered the same thing. But Apple’s choice makes sense:
- A rechargeable battery would drain quickly
- The device is tiny — fitting a charging system is hard
- People don’t want more chargers
- Coin batteries last longer
Replacing a battery once a year is way easier than remembering to plug something in every week.
If Your AirTag Still Doesn’t Work After Changing the Battery
Try this checklist:
- Flip the battery to ensure + side is up
- Re-seat the battery firmly
- Twist the cover until it clicks
- Wipe any dust off the contacts
- Try a non–bitter-coated battery
This fixes almost every issue.
Tips to Make an AirTag Battery Last Longer
Here’s what I do to keep mine alive longer:
✔ Don’t spam the sound alert
✔ Keep the AirTag away from extreme heat
✔ Use a secure holder if it’s on a pet collar
✔ Swap the battery before trips
Little habits extend battery life a lot.
Final Answer: How Do You Charge an AirTag?
You don’t.
There’s no charging cable, no charging dock, nothing to plug in.
You just replace the CR2032 battery once a year — and that’s all AirTags ever need.
Simple, quick, and honestly kind of refreshing.
How do you charge an AirTag?
You don’t. You swap the battery and keep going.