Short answer: yes, it fits. A rechargeable LIR2032 is exactly the same size as the CR2032 an AirTag takes. Apple specifies a CR2032 and doesn't mention rechargeable cells, so it's your call rather than Apple's recommendation. Here's what we've found and what to expect.
What we've seen in our own testing
In our own testing, a TagCharge LIR2032 ran an Apple AirTag for around 11 weeks before it needed a charge. A generic Find My-compatible tag lasted about 5 weeks. Treat those as examples rather than promises: your settings, how often you're near the tag and the temperature where it lives all change the result.
When it runs down, you put it in the charger instead of buying another battery. Keep a second charged cell and the swap takes seconds.
What Apple says
Apple's support page for replacing an AirTag battery specifies a CR2032 lithium coin battery, and warns that some CR2032s with a bitter coating may not work in AirTag. It says nothing either way about rechargeable cells. Other tag makers, such as Samsung for the Galaxy SmartTag2, also specify a CR2032.
TagCharge is not affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by Apple or any other device maker.
CR2032 vs LIR2032 at a glance
| CR2032 (single-use) | LIR2032 (rechargeable) | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 20mm × 3.2mm | 20mm × 3.2mm (same) |
| Reusable | No, it's binned when flat | Yes, it's recharged in an LIR2032 charger |
| Time per charge | Longer | Shorter, so it needs topping up more often |
Rechargeable cells run at a slightly higher voltage than single-use ones. Most small devices handle this fine, but if your device's documentation says to use single-use cells only, follow that. You may also notice the battery percentage in your app reads oddly. Go by how the tag behaves rather than the number.
Getting the most from each charge
Left-behind alerts and other always-on features use the most power. Our guide to getting more life from rechargeable coin cells covers what helps most.
How to swap it in
- Fully charge the LIR2032 in a charger made for rechargeable coin cells.
- Fit it positive (+) side up, the same way as the original cell.
- Check the tag responds normally in your app.
- Keep a second charged cell ready so a swap takes seconds.
New to rechargeable coin cells? The TagCharge Starter Kit has five LIR2032 cells and a USB-C charger. See also CR2032 vs LIR2032: what's the difference?
Safety
Never try to charge a CR2032. Only charge cells marked rechargeable, in a charger made for them. Coin batteries are hazardous if swallowed and can cause severe internal injury or death, particularly to young children. Keep them out of reach and keep spares in their child-resistant packaging. If a battery is swallowed, seek immediate medical attention or call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. When a cell reaches the end of its life, see our battery disposal guide.
AirTag and Find My are trademarks of Apple Inc. Galaxy SmartTag is a trademark of Samsung. They are used here only to describe compatibility.