AirTags are Apple's answer to Tile-type trackers that you can affix to your luggage, keys, and other items. They work with the Find My network to make it easy to locate or track items that are misplaced. But like any item tracker, they require battery power to operate and communicate with the iPhone. So, do you have to charge airtags?
AirTags don't come with charging ports or wireless connectivity, but they do rely on user-replaceable CR2032 lithium coin batteries that need to be replaced about once per year. To change the battery, flip the AirTag over to its polished metal side, push down, and twist clockwise to remove it. Then, simply replace it with a new one.
While AirTags are moderately water-resistant, repeated exposure to moisture can shorten battery life and even damage the unit. The good news is that a low-battery warning from the Find My app typically gives you plenty of time to replace your battery before the AirTag goes dark.
If you're concerned about someone tracking you, remember that AirTag locations are encrypted and anonymous. Additionally, only the owner of a given AirTag can see its location in the Find My app—even when that person's iPhone is in Bluetooth range. The only exception to this is if the AirTag is using a feature called Precision Finding, which uses Apple's U1 chip and the iPhone's accelerometer and gyroscope to pinpoint a lost item down to the exact location.
