Prolonging Your AirTag's Battery Life to a Decade

Introducing the Elevation Lab Time Capsule

Key Insights from ZDNET

AirTags have become indispensable in my everyday routines, helping me locate everything from misplaced keys to ensuring my suitcase is right where it should be on trips. Every day, I rely on the Find My app to keep tabs on my belongings and ensure they’re in the right place.

However, AirTags present two main points of frustration: their design doesn’t easily attach to objects, and their batteries require frequent changing—typically lasting only about a year or two. This battery issue mandates constant replacements, an inconvenience I have had to adapt to.

ElevationLab offers a solution to both problems with their TimeCapsule, which stretches the AirTag's operation to a remarkable ten years by housing it in a specialized case.

ZDNET Recommendations

The 10-Year ElevationLabs TimeCapsule

This ingenious solution replaces the small CR2032 button battery in your AirTag with two AA lithium batteries, allowing it to function for an impressive ten years instead of the usual annual replacement.

Durability and Waterproof Rating

Built from a tough fiber-reinforced composite and sealed with a gasket for an IP69 rating, this case is fully resistant to dust and capable of withstanding high-pressure water jets and even steam cleaning. Tools, including an Allen key, are included for assembly.

The installation process requires simply adding your AirTag alongside two AA batteries.

For optimal performance, use Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries, known for their longevity and power stability. Unlike cheaper alkaline alternatives, these lithium batteries are less prone to leakage, which could otherwise harm both the AirTag and the case.

Assembling the Device

Begin by preparing all components: open the AirTag to remove its original battery cover, then position the AA batteries inside the case. Secure the AirTag onto the metal plate, attach the case's cover, and tighten it.

It's vital to fasten the screws just enough to compress the gasket gently—avoid overtightening as this could damage the assembly.

Having evaluated the TimeCapsule for quality, waterproof functionality, and whether it affected the AirTag's signal, I found it highly durable and fully protective against dust and water. Even under stress, such as being dropped or stepped on, it held up commendably.

Testing its effective range in the bustling streets of Marrakesh showed no reduction in tracking capability. While the casing slightly muffles the sound, it remains audible even amid city noise.

Buying Advice from ZDNET

While AirTags alone serve various tracking needs for small items like keys, the TimeCapsule expands their utility to larger items like luggage, camera equipment, or vehicles, where its bulkier size is acceptable.

At $20 for one or $40 for a four-pack, the latter is clearly more economical.

Be mindful that Apple may update the design of AirTags, potentially affecting compatibility. Hence, having AirTags ready for all purchased TimeCapsules, along with a few spares, is advisable.