If you’re using an AirTag wallet, one of the first questions you’ll have is: How long does the AirTag battery last? In most cases, you can expect an AirTag battery to last about one year with regular use. Apple designed AirTags to be energy-efficient, sending short bursts of signals rather than constant ones, to conserve power while maintaining tracking reliability.
Here’s what you need to know about the AirTag’s battery life, when to replace it, and tips to make it last even longer.
What Determines the Lifespan of an AirTag Battery?
The typical AirTag wallet battery lifespan is around 12 months. However, a few factors can influence how quickly the battery drains:
- Frequency of location updates: Frequent use of the Find My network can reduce battery life.
- Signal strength: If your AirTag struggles to connect (for instance, in remote areas), it uses more power.
- Use of features: Playing sounds or using Precision Finding often will drain the battery faster.
- Environmental factors: Extreme cold or heat can negatively impact battery performance.
Apple uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery in AirTags, a type that’s widely available and inexpensive to replace.
How Will You Know When the Battery Is Low?
Fortunately, you won’t be left guessing. Your iPhone will send a low battery alert when the AirTag’s power is running low. This notification appears automatically in the Find My app, ensuring you have plenty of time to replace it before losing tracking ability.
It’s worth noting that while there’s no exact battery percentage displayed, the warning usually appears when the AirTag has about 20–25% battery life left.
How Do You Replace an AirTag Battery?
Replacing the battery in your AirTag wallet accessory is a quick, DIY-friendly process:
- Press and twist: Gently press down on the stainless-steel back cover of the AirTag and rotate it counterclockwise.
- Open and remove: Once the back cover comes off, take out the old battery.
- Insert the new battery: Pop in a fresh CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side facing up.
- Reassemble: Line up the cover and rotate it clockwise until it clicks into place.
One important tip: avoid CR2032 batteries with a bitterant coating, as they can sometimes interfere with battery contacts.
Can You Extend the Life of Your AirTag Battery?
While AirTag batteries are designed to last about a year, you can follow a few habits to stretch their lifespan:
- Minimise sound alerts: Only trigger the AirTag’s sound when necessary.
- Limit Precision Finding: Using this feature sparingly helps conserve power.
- Keep AirTags in good signal areas: A weak connection forces the AirTag to work harder.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Store your AirTag wallet away from direct sunlight or freezing conditions.
Small habits like these, when practiced consistently, can make a real difference — a perfect example of Robert Cialdini’s Consistency Principle in action.
What Happens If You Don’t Replace the Battery?
If you ignore the low battery notification, your AirTag will eventually lose its ability to update its location. In a worst-case scenario, you might misplace your AirTag wallet and not be able to track it at all.
That’s why regular maintenance — checking your AirTag’s battery status every few months — is such a smart move for anyone relying on AirTags to protect valuables.
FAQs About AirTag Battery Life
1. Can an AirTag battery last longer than a year?
In some cases, yes. If you don’t use features like sound alerts often and keep the AirTag in strong-signal areas, the battery might stretch to 14 months. But one year is the general expectation.
2. How much does it cost to replace an AirTag battery?
A single CR2032 battery typically costs between $2–$6 AUD depending on the brand. It’s a small price to keep your AirTag wallet secure and trackable.
3. Can you recharge an AirTag battery?
No. AirTags use disposable coin cell batteries that aren’t rechargeable. When the battery is flat, you’ll need to swap it out manually.
Summary: What You Should Remember About AirTag Battery Life
To put it simply: an AirTag wallet battery will last around 12 months with everyday use. Thanks to smart design choices like low-energy Bluetooth and minimal power consumption, it’s a reliable, low-maintenance tool. Replacing the battery is cheap, easy, and doesn’t require any tech skills.
By staying proactive — checking your AirTag’s battery status now and again — you’ll avoid surprises and keep your valuables secure.
If you’re interested in finding stylish options that make carrying your tracker easier, explore the best wallets with AirTag slots for everyday use.
For additional guidance on optimising your AirTag usage, Apple’s official support page offers a detailed resource.