Eve Door & Window: Does It Track Open/Close?
Yes, Eve Door & Window (now Eve Door & Window with Thread) tracks opening and closing. It reports each state change to the Home app, logs the time of each open and close, and can trigger automations based on those changes. This article explains exactly what the sensor records, how it works in Apple Home, and what its limitations are.
What the Eve Door & Window Sensor Actually Does
The Eve Door & Window is a contact sensor with two parts: a main body and a small magnet. When the gap between them changes (door opens or closes), the sensor instantly updates its state in Apple Home. In the Home app, you see the accessory tile flip between “Open� and “Closed.� That state is the core of what it tracks.
Beyond the live state, the sensor keeps a local history of every open and close event. That history is stored on the sensor itself (or on an Apple TV/HomePod when using Thread) and can be viewed in the Eve app. The Home app itself does not show a timeline of past events, but the Eve app does, and that timeline is what most people mean by “tracks opening and closing.�
How It Works: Contact Sensor + Thread
The sensor uses a reed switch (a magnetic switch) inside the main body. When the magnet moves away, the switch opens, and the sensor reports “open.� When the magnet returns, it reports “closed.� The current model uses Thread, a low-power mesh networking protocol, which gives faster response and longer battery life than older Bluetooth-only versions.
To read the history, you need the Eve app (free for iOS). The app connects to the sensor via HomeKit and pulls the event log. The log shows each open and close with a timestamp. You can filter by day, week, or month, and export the data as a CSV file if you want to analyze it elsewhere.
What “Tracking� Means in Practice
For most users, tracking means three things:
- Live state: The Home app shows whether the door/window is currently open or closed.
- Event history: The Eve app shows a list of every open and close with exact times.
- Automations: You can trigger scenes or notifications when the state changes (e.g., “If front door opens, turn on the porch light�).
It does not track how long the door was open (though you can infer that from the timestamps), nor does it track partial opening (it’s binary – open or closed).
How to View the History
- Install the Eve app from the App Store and sign in with your Apple ID (or use the Home app’s “Home Settings� to link the accessory).
- In the Eve app, tap on the Eve Door & Window accessory.
- Tap the “History� tab (clock icon). You’ll see a list of events with timestamps.
- Use the filter buttons to view by day, week, or month, or tap the share icon to export a CSV.
The history is stored locally on the device (and on your home hub if you have one), so it works even without an internet connection.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
“The Home app doesn’t show history.� That’s correct. Apple’s Home app only shows the current state. You need the Eve app (or a third-party HomeKit app like Home+ or Controller) to see the log.
“The sensor is slow to update.� Older Bluetooth-only versions could take a few seconds. The Thread version updates almost instantly, but only if you have a Thread border router (Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini, or HomePod 2nd gen). Without a border router, it falls back to Bluetooth, which is slower.
“It doesn’t track if the door is left open.� It does track that, but not as a separate “left open� state. You can create an automation: “When the door opens, start a timer; if it’s still open after X minutes, send a notification.� That’s a workaround, not a built-in feature.
How to Choose: Eve vs. Other HomeKit Sensors
If you’re comparing Eve Door & Window to other HomeKit contact sensors, consider these factors:
- Thread support: Eve’s current model uses Thread, which is more reliable and faster than Bluetooth-only sensors (like the older Eve or some Aqara models).
- No hub required: Eve works directly with HomeKit; you don’t need a separate bridge. Some sensors (like Aqara) require a hub.
- History: Eve has built-in history in its app, which many other sensors lack.
- Price: Eve is typically more expensive than Aqara or Onvis, but you pay for the Thread and the history feature.
If you don’t care about history and just want a cheap sensor, a $15 Aqara might be fine. But if you want the log without extra apps or hubs, Eve is the easiest.
Battery Life and Maintenance
The Eve Door & Window uses a CR2450 battery (coin cell). Battery life is typically 1-2 years depending on usage and connection type. Thread is more power-efficient than Bluetooth, so the Thread version lasts longer. You’ll get a low-battery notification in the Home app when it’s time to replace it.
To replace the battery, slide the back cover off the main body (not the magnet part). The battery is a standard CR2450, available at most stores. No tools needed.
Alternatives and Limitations
If you need more than open/close tracking, consider:
- Eve Motion – for motion detection in a room.
- Eve Weather – for temperature, humidity, and pressure.
- Aqara Door/Window Sensor – cheaper, but requires an Aqara hub and doesn’t have built-in history in the Home app.
Limitations to keep in mind:
- No tamper alarm – if someone removes the sensor, it won’t notify you.
- No “open duration� in the log – you have to calculate it from timestamps.
- Only works with Apple Home – no native Alexa or Google support (though you can use Homebridge for that).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Eve Door & Window sensor work without a HomeKit hub? Yes, it can work as a Bluetooth device without a hub, but you’ll lose remote access and automations. For full functionality (especially Thread), you need an Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad as a home hub.
Can I see the history in the Apple Home app? No, the Home app only shows the current state. You need the Eve app (or a third-party HomeKit app) to view the event log.
How long does the battery last? Typically 1-2 years. The Thread version is more efficient than the older Bluetooth-only version.
Does it track partial opening (e.g., a window cracked open)? No, it’s a binary sensor – it only reports open or closed. If the gap is less than about 1 cm, it may not trigger.
Can I export the history data? Yes, in the Eve app, tap the share icon in the History tab and choose “Export CSV.� You get a file with timestamps and states.
Is the Eve Door & Window compatible with HomeKit Secure Video? No, that’s for cameras. This is a contact sensor only.
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