Unlocking the Secret: How I Extended My AirTag’s Life to a Decade with This Ingenious Device!

Key takeaways from ZDNET

• It extends battery longevity to a decade.
• It is resistant to water and dust.
• However, it does make the sleek AirTag bulkier.

Apple AirTags have altered every facet of my daily routine. From locating my keys and wallet in the morning to monitoring my luggage during trips, I cannot go a day without accessing the Find My app to discover something I’ve misplaced or verify that an item remains in its rightful place.

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Nonetheless, I have two annoyances regarding AirTags. Firstly, the shape is unusual and does not easily allow for direct attachment to items. Secondly, the one- to two-year battery duration is disappointing. This battery concern is particularly vexing, and I often find several AirTags needing replacements. I’ve resorted to purchasing CR2032 coin batteries in bulk.

However, a company named ElevationLabs has addressed both of these problems with the TimeCapsule 10-year battery case. As the title implies, this is a case for an AirTag capable of powering it for an entire decade.

Durable and rated IP69

The case consists of a robust, fiber-reinforced composite material, outfitted with a gasket that grants it an IP69 rating (entirely dust-tight and capable of enduring high-pressure water jets and steam cleaning), accompanied by high-quality CNC-machined fasteners. An Allen wrench is even provided for assembly.

You only need to insert an AirTag and a couple of AA batteries.

Regarding the batteries, ElevationLabs advocates the use of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries, which I also recommend. These batteries provide outstanding longevity, consistent power output, and during my extensive usage, I’ve never encountered a leak. Avoid low-cost alkaline batteries for this purpose, as they pose a risk of damaging both the AirTag and the case if the battery bursts and spills corrosive material everywhere.

Assembly is straightforward

Prepare everything, open the AirTag, and set the battery and cover aside. Place the batteries inside the case, position the AirTag on the metal power plate, secure the cover, and fasten it.

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A note regarding the screws: They only need to be tightened enough to gently compress the gasket. I recommend proceeding slowly, tightening one screw at a time until they are snug. There’s no need to apply excessive force.

Impressive quality

I was intrigued about the overall quality of the TimeCapsule, its resistance to dust and water, and whether enclosing the AirTag in a case diminishes its effectiveness.

The craftsmanship is superb, and the fit and finish are remarkable. The case is robust, completely water- and dust-proof. I’ve dropped it and stepped on it without any worries.

As for the range of the AirTag, whether in or out of the case, I tested this in the narrow alleys of Marrakesh and observed no difference in detection range or location precision. I did notice that the case slightly muffles the speaker, but it remained audible amidst the chaos of the surroundings.

Buying guidance from ZDNET

Apple AirTags are impressive, but the ElevationLabs TimeCapsule 10-year battery case enhances their capability for various uses. While the AirTag is excellent for attaching to keys or hiding in a wallet or handbag, the TimeCapsule is perfect for applications in luggage, camera bags, toolboxes, vehicles, or similar circumstances where additional size is not a concern.

A single TimeCapsule retails for $20, while a four-pack is priced at $40, making the larger pack a far more sensible choice.

My sole concern is that Apple may alter the design of the AirTag in the near future. Consequently, my suggestion is to keep AirTags on hand for every TimeCapsule case you purchase and perhaps maintain a few extras in reserve.