Do AirTags Have Lithium Batteries? (Solved)

image of an AirTag and a woman with 5 lithium cr2032 batteries in her hand and a title that reads do AirTags have lithium batteries

If you’re an Apple user and want to keep track of all your stuff, owning an AirTag is a must. But what makes them phenomenal is their long-lasting battery life.

If you’re new to AirTags, or perhaps considering buying some, one question you might be curious about is, do AirTags have lithium batteries? Fear not, because I have the answer in this article.

AirTags come with a Panasonic CR2032 3V lithium coin cell battery out of the box. The CR2032 lithium-ion battery is the go-to choice when powering small electronic devices such as car key FOBs, calculators, watches, fitness trackers and medical devices.

In this article, I explore topics like does an AirTag have a lithium battery, whether you can charge an AirTag battery, and much more.

image of an AirTag and a woman with 5 lithium cr2032 batteries in her hand and a title that reads do AirTags have lithium batteries
AirTags have an integrated CR2032 lithium battery.

Does An AirTag Come With A Battery?

When you buy an AirTag, it comes with a pre-installed Panasonic CR2032 battery. It comes with some user and warranty documentation in the box too.

image of what is inside an AirTag box
New AirTags come with a battery installed.

If you decide to shell out $29 for a new glossy white and polished stainless steel AirTag, here’s what you can expect for your hard-earned cash. 

Upon opening the sleek packaging, it will reveal a few informational documents. Pushing those to one side, you will find the AirTag all neatly wrapped in plastic. Removing the plastic serves two functions, first, it exposes the stainless steel face (which can easily be scratched), and second, it activates the pre-installed lithium battery that comes with an AirTag – and that’s it.

Unfortunately, an AirTag does not come with an extra battery included in the box, nor any accessory for attaching the AirTag to something.

How Long Will An AirTag Battery Last?

Apple has said that you can expect an AirTag battery to last about one year before needing to replace it. That said, an AirTag’s battery life will vary depending on its use.

How you use an AirTag and the features you use can affect an Apple AirTag’s battery life. Frequently pinging its location in the Find My app will affect how long the battery will last. Other things like environmental conditions and the battery brand also play a part in how long a battery will last.

How To Check The Charge Of An AirTag Battery

Knowing how much charge your Apple AirTag battery has is essential when tracking your stuff. Imagine how annoyed you would be only to find that the battery has died. Checking an AirTag’s battery charge is easily done in four simple steps.

image of an AirTag's battery life within the Find My app
AirTag battery life icon in the Find My app.

Below I highlight four simple steps on how to check the charge of your AirTag battery. Checking the charge of your AirTag’s battery is an easy task, here’s how:

  1. Open the Find My app.
  2. Tap on the Items tab.
  3. Next, tap on the AirTag’s name.
  4. Next, check the battery icon level under the AirTag’s name.

Can I Recharge My Lithium AirTag Battery?

Unlike many of Apple’s other products, you can’t recharge the lithium battery within an AirTag.

The absence of a charging port means your only option is to replace the battery in an AirTag when it dies. Those familiar with Apple’s Watch charger might think it can charge an AirTag’s battery, but despite being of similar size, and shape, it’s unable to recharge the battery.

The good news is that changing an AirTag’s battery is very easy – you don’t even need to visit your nearest Apple Store! Here’s how you do it:

How to remove and replace your lithium AirTag battery.

  1. Ensure the silver stainless steel battery cover is facing up.
  2. Next, press down on the cover and rotate counterclockwise.
  3. Next, remove the cover and battery.
  4. Next, insert a new CR2032 battery positive side facing up.
  5. Next, replace the cover making sure that it aligns with the AirTag.
  6. Lastly, rotate the cover clockwise until it stops.

Note: If you do not hear a sound indicating that the new battery is connected, repeat step 4.

How Much Do Replacement AirTag Batteries Cost?

Even though AirTag lithium batteries last about one year, the cost to replace one is still very cheap. AirTag batteries are available in many popular large box stores, grocery stores, and online retail stores and only cost a few bucks each.

image of an open AirTag so you can see the Panasonic CR2032 battery inside
Replacing an AirTag’s lithium CR2032 battery is inexpensive.

Let’s dig a little deeper into what a CR2032 lithium battery is. A lithium coin battery is typically identified with a C. Next up is its shape. A round battery is typically identified with the letter R. Next is the battery diameter in millimeters, in our case 20. And lastly, there is the battery height again in millimeters 3.2 or our case 32 – giving us CR2032.

If you need to replace your AirTag’s battery or want extra batteries, below you’ll find the most popular CR2032 lithium battery choices for your AirTag.

Panasonic CR2032 Batteries

Frequently Asked Questions

Hopefully, I have answered all of your questions on, do AirTags have lithium batteries. However, you may still have other questions surrounding Apple AirTags. If you do, below, I answer some common frequently asked questions.

What it a bitterant coating?

A bitterant coating is a chemical used to make things taste and smell bitter, some small batteries like a CR2032 have them.

Can you fly with an AirTag?

You can fly with an AirTag since the battery only contains 0.1 grams of lithium, which falls below the FAA’s limit.

When should I replace my AirTag battery?

You should replace your AirTag battery every year.

Final Thoughts On Do AirTags Have Lithium Batteries

So, in conclusion. Do AirTags have lithium batteries? Yes. An AirTag is powered by a single, user-replaceable CR2032 lithium battery. A CR2032 battery typically only contains 0.1 grams of lithium, making AirTags safe for flying. After activating an AirTag, you can expect the battery to last around one year before it needs replacing. Replacing a battery is easily and doesn’t require a trip to the Apple store.


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