What You Will Need
- Eve Door & Window contact sensor
- CR2032 coin cell battery (pre-installed)
- iPhone or iPad with the Eve app installed
- Apple Home hub (Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad) for remote notifications and automations
- Adhesive strips (included) or small screws for permanent mounting
Step 1: Choose a Door or Window
The Eve Door & Window sensor detects whether a door or window is open or closed using a two-piece magnetic contact design. Select a door or window where you want to monitor access or automate actions. Common use cases include:
- Front or back door — to know when someone enters or leaves
- Garage side door — for security monitoring
- Windows — to trigger automations when opened for ventilation
- Medicine cabinets or safes — for access tracking
Step 2: Add the Sensor to HomeKit
- Pull the battery activation tab from the sensor if it has one, or ensure the pre-installed CR2032 battery is making contact.
- Open the Eve app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap Add Accessory.
- Scan the HomeKit setup code on the sensor or the included card.
- The app will pair with the sensor via Bluetooth.
- Assign the sensor to a room and give it a name like "Front Door" or "Bedroom Window."
Step 3: Mount the Sensor and Magnet
- Clean the mounting surfaces with a dry cloth to remove dust and ensure good adhesion.
- Attach the larger piece (the sensor body) to the door or window frame using the included adhesive strip.
- Attach the smaller piece (the magnet) to the door or window itself, aligned directly next to the sensor body.
- Ensure the two pieces are within one-half inch (12 mm) of each other when the door or window is closed.
- Press both pieces firmly for at least 30 seconds to secure the adhesive bond.
For a more permanent installation, you can use small screws instead of adhesive. This is recommended for exterior doors where adhesive may weaken over time due to temperature changes.
Step 4: Test the Sensor
- Open the door or window.
- Check the Eve app to confirm the sensor reads "Open."
- Close the door or window.
- Verify the status changes to "Closed."
If the sensor does not register the change, the magnet may be too far from the sensor body. Reposition the magnet so it is closer when the door or window is fully closed.
Step 5: View History and Status
The Eve app records a detailed history of every open and close event, including the exact time and duration. This is useful for tracking patterns like how often a door is used during the day or whether a window was left open overnight. The data is stored locally on your Apple Home hub for privacy.
Step 6: Create Automations
The Eve Door & Window sensor becomes much more powerful when combined with HomeKit automations. In the Eve app or Apple Home app, create automations such as:
- Turn on the hallway light when the front door opens after sunset.
- Turn off the air conditioner when a window is opened.
- Send a notification when the back door opens while you are away.
- Lock the smart lock automatically when the front door closes.
Navigate to the Automations tab in the app to create these rules.
Tips for Best Performance
- The CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year. The Eve app will notify you when the battery is running low.
- If the sensor supports Thread, it will connect to a Thread border router (HomePod Mini or Apple TV 4K) for faster communication and extended range compared to Bluetooth alone.
- For sliding doors, mount the sensor and magnet on the door track and door edge so they are close together when the door is fully closed.
- Avoid mounting on metal surfaces, as this can interfere with the magnetic detection mechanism.
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