Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

How long do AirTags last? Here’s what you need to know

Let us walk tyou through how to replace an AirTag battery

By
Apple AirTag on white table
Jonas Elia / Unsplash

If you travel often, have a knack for misplacing things, or just like the convenience of smart tech, you’ve likely heard of Apple AirTags. These small, button-shaped tracking devices can be life savers when it comes to keeping track of your personal items. But how long do AirTags last? Keep reading for the answers.

How long do AirTags last?

Apple AirTags are powered by standard CR2032 coin cell batteries, which you might already be familiar with if you’ve used other small electronic gadgets. According to Apple, the battery life of an AirTag should last more than one year under normal use. But what does “normal use” really mean? Essentially, this means using your AirTag to ping your items occasionally and having it emit a signal when nearby devices on Apple’s Find My network detect it.

Recommended Videos

Factors that affect battery life

  • Frequency of use: If you frequently use the AirTag’s precise location feature or trigger the built-in speaker to find lost items, your battery life will be shorter. The more you interact with your AirTag, the faster the battery wears down.
  • Find My network activity: AirTags work by tapping into Apple’s Find My network, which anonymously leverages the millions of iPhones, iPads, and Macs around the world. If your AirTag is in a busy area with lots of interactions, it might use up battery more quickly than one tucked away in a drawer most of the time.
  • Environmental conditions: Just like any battery-operated device, temperature and weather can play a role in how well the AirTag performs. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can affect battery life, sometimes leading to premature battery depletion.

How do you know it’s time to replace your AirTag battery?

Apple AirTag on a dark grey table
Daniel Romero / Unsplash

Thankfully, Apple has made it pretty straightforward to keep track of your AirTag’s battery so you know know when it is time to replace it. Once your AirTag’s battery starts running low, you’ll receive a notification on your iPhone alerting you to replace it. This warning usually comes with enough of a heads-up that you won’t be caught off guard with a completely dead tracker.

Related

How to check battery status manually

  1. Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the Items tab.
  3. Select your AirTag from the list of items.
  4. You’ll see a battery icon beneath the AirTag’s name, which indicates the battery’s current status.

How to replace the battery on your Apple AirTag

Apple AirTag on table
Jonas Elia / Unsplash

Luckily you don’t need to be a tech pro to replace the battery. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Press and twist the stainless steel cover of the AirTag counterclockwise until it releases.
  2. Remove the cover and take out the old battery.
  3. Insert a new CR2032 battery, making sure the positive side (marked with a +) is facing up.
  4. Replace the cover and twist it clockwise until it locks into place.

And that’s it! Your AirTag is ready to go for another year. 

FAQs

person holding airtag and smartphone
Đức Trịnh / Unsplash

How do AirTags compare to other trackers?

While a one-year battery life might sound impressive, it’s not exactly an outlier in the tracker market. Competitors like Tile and Chipolo also offer similar battery longevity, although not all of their models have user-replaceable batteries. Some compact trackers, for instance, are meant to be disposable after their battery dies. AirTags, however, provide that extra convenience of easy battery swaps, adding to their long-term value.

When should I consider buying a replacement AirTag?

AirTags themselves are designed to last well beyond a year, with the replaceable battery ensuring their longevity. However, if you start noticing that your AirTag’s battery life seems to be draining faster than expected despite minimal use, it could be due to a hardware defect or interference. In such cases, reaching out to Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store for a check-up could be a smart move.

Can I extend the battery life of my AirTag?

You can extend battery life by limiting the use of energy-intensive features like sound alerts and precision finding, and by keeping your AirTag in a temperature-controlled environment.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Kelly Baker
Kelly Baker
Kelly is a writer who loves good books, baking homemade bread, playing the piano, and spending time with her family.
Is Costa Rica safe for tourists? Here’s what you need to know
Here's how to stay safe when visiting this incredible country
Costa Rica

Are you planning a trip to Costa Rica and wondering, "Is Costa Rica safe?" You’re not alone! Costa Rica is one of Central America’s most popular destinations, known for its gorgeous beaches, beautiful rainforests, and diverse wildlife, drawing in millions of visitors every year.

While it’s generally safe for most travelers, like any destination, there are a few things to keep in mind -- like areas to avoid and precautions for outdoor adventures and healthcare. Let’s break down everything you need to know to make sure your Costa Rican adventure is a safe one.
Crime in Costa Rica

Read more
Seeing bear poop on the trail? Here’s what you should do
Bear poop: what it looks like and what to do about it
what to do if you see bear poop daniele levis pelusi wxmzt3sie4g unsplash

While hiking in the woods, it's not uncommon to come across a pile of animal waste. It's gross, to be sure, but identifying scat is actually one of the easiest ways to keep yourself safe from dangerous wild animals. These telltale signs can mean the difference between you charging through into a bear's territory or not, so knowing what to look for can help keep you safe. Here is everything you need to know about bear poop and what it means if you come across it in the middle of the woods.
What does bear poop look like?

Bear poop can vary in appearance. This is because bears may have different diets, or they might even be different kinds all together. Generally, bear scat is larger and more cylindrical than human or dog feces. Segments can be several inches long and about 1-2 inches in diameter, but the size of the scat does not always directly correlate to the size of the bear. The contents of the bear’s recent diet play a larger role in determining scat size and appearance. For instance, a bear that recently ate a lot of berries may produce more, but smaller, scat compared to a bear that consumed a large animal or fish.

Read more
Can you take non-prescription medication on a plane? Here’s the travel guide
What to know about taking medication on a plane
person rolling luggage through airport

Traveling can be stressful, and sometimes, a familiar over-the-counter medication is just what you need to stay comfortable during your flight. For headaches, motion sickness, or allergies, non-prescription medications are commonly packed essentials for many travelers. But can you take non-prescription medication on a plane? And are there specific guidelines you should be aware of? 
Is non-prescription medication allowed on planes?

The short answer is yes – most non-prescription medications are allowed on planes, whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally. However, there are some rules on how they should be carried, particularly if they’re liquid, gel, or aerosol. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, and similar authorities globally, generally allow medications that help with common travel issues, as long as you follow specific guidelines.
TSA guidelines for over-the-counter medications

Read more