There’s a specific kind of low-grade panic that sets in when you’re standing at your front door, arms full of groceries, with rain starting to fall, and your house keys have decided to play hide-and-seek at the bottom of a cavernous bag. We’ve all been there. It’s the same feeling you get miles from home when the nagging question pops into your head: “Did I remember to lock the door?” For years, we’ve accepted this daily friction as a part of life. But in an age of smart everything, the humble door lock has been overdue for a revolutionary upgrade—one that promises not just convenience, but a new level of security and peace of mind. The transition to a keyless life isn’t just about ditching a piece of metal; it’s about reclaiming control, simplifying daily routines, and integrating our home’s first line of defense into a seamless, intelligent ecosystem.
- Apple Home Support: The eufy Smart Lock E31 is designed to work directly with your existing hub, offering seamless integration with Apple Home, Google...
- Unlock for the Whole Family's Needs: Unlock in less than 0.3 seconds using the fingerprint, APP control, the keypad, physical key, or voice commands via...
What to Consider Before Buying a Smart Deadbolt
A smart deadbolt is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for modernizing your home’s security and accessibility. It addresses the fundamental vulnerabilities and inconveniences of traditional keys, which can be lost, stolen, or copied. With features like biometric fingerprint access, keypad codes, and remote app control, smart deadbolts provide flexible, secure entry for family members, guests, and service providers without ever needing to hand over a physical key. The main benefits are threefold: enhanced security through activity logs and tamper alerts, unparalleled convenience with multiple keyless entry methods, and powerful remote management that allows you to control your door from anywhere in the world.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily juggle of a busy household—parents who need to grant access to kids after school, homeowners who frequently have guests or use services like dog walkers, or tech enthusiasts looking to build a fully integrated smart home. It’s also a perfect fit for anyone who values the peace of mind that comes from being able to check their door’s status and lock it remotely. On the other hand, it might not be suitable for those who are uncomfortable with technology, live in a rental property with strict rules against modifying locks, or have a front door exposed to extreme weather without any overhead protection, as some electronic components may be sensitive over time. For these individuals, a high-security mechanical deadbolt might be a more straightforward, albeit less flexible, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The first step is always to measure your door. Check the thickness, the backset (the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the borehole), and the borehole diameter to ensure compatibility. The eufy Security E31 Fingerprint Keyless Smart Lock is designed to fit most standard doors, but a quick measurement can save you a significant headache during installation.
- Connectivity & Ecosystem Integration: How will the lock talk to your other devices? Consider whether you need Wi-Fi for remote access or if Bluetooth is sufficient. More importantly, check its compatibility with your smart home ecosystem, be it Apple Home, Google Home, or Alexa. The promise of Matter is to make this universal, but as we found, the real-world performance can vary significantly between brands and firmware versions.
- Power Source & Battery Life: Most smart locks run on disposable batteries, which can become a frequent and costly replacement chore. The E31’s massive 10,000mAh rechargeable battery, promising up to 14 months of use, is a major performance differentiator. Always consider the stated battery life and whether the lock provides low-battery warnings or emergency power options.
- Access Methods & Security: A good smart lock offers multiple ways in. Fingerprint sensors provide the quickest access, keypads offer easy-to-share codes, and a physical key serves as a crucial failsafe. Evaluate the security of the keypad (does it resist smudges?) and the reliability of the biometric sensor. The E31’s self-learning fingerprint algorithm is designed to improve accuracy over time.
Keeping these factors in mind, the eufy Security E31 Fingerprint Keyless Smart Lock stands out in several areas, particularly its power solution and access flexibility. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.
While the eufy Security E31 Fingerprint Keyless Smart Lock is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- KEYED DEADBOLT: Use on doors requiring a high level of security, turn piece interior locking, exterior locking using a key. Recommended for exterior-facing...
- ANYWHERE ACCESS: With built-in WiFi compatibility, you can easily and securely connect your Schlage Encode Deadbolt to your home WiFi network to control...
- Ansi Grade-3 Security Single Cylinder Deadbolt With Decorative Turn-Piece.Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find...
First Impressions: Sleek Design, Substantial Build
Unboxing the eufy Security E31 Fingerprint Keyless Smart Lock, the first thing we noticed was the reassuring heft of its components. This isn’t a flimsy piece of plastic; both the exterior keypad and the interior housing feel substantial and well-built, with a sleek matte black finish that looks modern without being ostentatious. Eufy, an Anker brand, has a reputation for quality design, and that heritage is evident here. The package contains everything needed for installation, laid out logically. The centerpiece is the exterior unit, where the fingerprint reader is integrated seamlessly above the backlit keypad. The interior unit houses the impressive 10,000mAh battery pack, which is easily removable for charging via a USB-C port—a thoughtful, modern touch. Compared to older, bulkier smart locks we’ve tested, the E31 has a relatively slim profile that doesn’t overwhelm the look of the door. Our initial impression was of a premium, thoughtfully engineered device ready to deliver on its promises.
Key Benefits
- Blazing-fast and reliable fingerprint recognition (<0.3 seconds)
- Exceptional battery life from a 10,000mAh rechargeable pack
- Extremely straightforward and quick physical installation process
- Multiple, flexible access methods including keypad, app, and physical key
Potential Drawbacks
- Highly unreliable and frustrating Apple HomeKit and Matter integration
- Occasional Wi-Fi connectivity issues requiring resets
A Deep Dive into the eufy E31’s Real-World Performance
A smart lock can have all the features in the world, but it all comes down to performance in three key areas: installation, daily use, and smart integration. We put the eufy Security E31 Fingerprint Keyless Smart Lock through its paces for several weeks to see where it excels and, more importantly, where it falls short.
Installation and Setup: A 15-Minute Promise Put to the Test
Eufy claims a 15-minute, drill-free installation, and for the most part, we found this to be accurate. If you are replacing an existing deadbolt on a standard door, the process is incredibly simple and requires nothing more than a Philips head screwdriver. The included paper template and clear, step-by-step instructions in the manual and app make aligning the components foolproof. The lock felt secure and solid once mounted, with no wiggle or play. However, we did run into one minor but annoying snag mentioned by another user: the rubber padding on the interior mounting plate wasn’t fully cut out, partially obscuring the screw holes. It was a simple fix with a small pair of scissors, but it’s a small quality control oversight that slightly marred an otherwise flawless physical setup. Once installed, pairing the lock with the eufy Security app via Bluetooth was immediate. The app then guides you through connecting it to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network, which was also a smooth process initially. Within about 20 minutes, we had the lock physically installed, connected to Wi-Fi, and had set up our first keypad code and fingerprint.
Day-to-Day Operation: Biometrics and Battery Brilliance
This is where the eufy Security E31 Fingerprint Keyless Smart Lock truly shines and becomes a joy to use. The fingerprint sensor is, without exaggeration, magnificent. It registers and unlocks in what feels like an instant—the sub-0.3-second claim feels accurate. Throughout our testing with multiple registered users, including adults and children, the success rate was nearly 100%. We confirmed what other users found: it “works every time,” and the self-learning algorithm seems to improve its speed and accuracy even further over the first few days. It fundamentally changes how you approach your front door; you simply walk up, place your thumb, and hear the satisfying whir of the deadbolt retracting. It’s a seamless experience that makes fumbling for keys feel archaic.
The other access methods are equally robust. The touchscreen keypad is bright, responsive, and doesn’t hold onto fingerprint smudges, preventing would-be thieves from guessing your code. We did note, as one user did, that heavy rain can sometimes require you to wipe the screen before it registers a touch, but it never failed to work. The Auto-Lock feature is another highlight, providing peace of mind by automatically securing the door after a customizable period. But the true game-changer is the 10,000mAh rechargeable battery. While many competitors require you to swap out AA batteries every few months, the E31 is on a different level. After weeks of heavy testing (far more than 10 unlocks per day), our battery level had barely budged. The promise of over a year of battery life on a single charge eliminates the biggest maintenance headache of smart locks. This combination of lightning-fast access and set-it-and-forget-it battery performance makes the eufy Security E31 Fingerprint Keyless Smart Lock a top-tier performer for daily, real-world use.
The Smart Home Conundrum: Matter, Apple HomeKit, and Connectivity Woes
While the physical hardware and direct-use features of the E31 are exceptional, its performance within the broader smart home ecosystem is, frankly, a mess. This lock is heavily marketed with Matter and Apple Home support, promising universal compatibility and seamless integration. In our experience, and confirming the reports of numerous users, it fails to deliver on this promise. The problems are not with the hardware but are clearly rooted in software and firmware.
Connecting the lock to Apple Home via the Matter protocol was an exercise in frustration. Following the instructions, which require you to first enable “Pair Mode” in the eufy app, we made several attempts. The initial pairing would sometimes succeed, and the lock would appear in the Home app. We could even lock and unlock it for a few minutes. Then, inevitably, it would fall into a “No Response” or “Updating…” state, becoming completely unresponsive. This mirrors the exact experience of multiple users, one of whom noted that both of their E31 locks exhibited the same issue. We tried factory resets (which frustratingly wipes all fingerprints and codes), restarting our HomePod hubs, and rebooting our Wi-Fi network, all to no avail. The connection remains profoundly unstable. While the lock works perfectly within the eufy app over Wi-Fi, its flagship smart home integration feature is currently broken for Apple users.
We also saw reports of general Wi-Fi instability, with some users finding their locks went completely offline after a couple of weeks, connecting only via Bluetooth. While our unit didn’t disconnect from Wi-Fi entirely, the recurring HomeKit issue suggests underlying connectivity problems that eufy needs to address with urgent firmware updates. For advanced users, one person did report success connecting it to Home Assistant via Thread, but for the average consumer expecting a plug-and-play Apple Home experience, the E31 is a major disappointment in its current state.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings are strongly reflected in the broader sentiment from other owners. There’s a clear divide in user satisfaction based on how they intend to use the lock. On the positive side, many users are thrilled, calling it a “huge upgrade” over competing brands like Schlage, which they found had their own persistent connectivity and firmware issues. One happy customer stated, “The fingerprint is awesome, works every time!” and declared themselves a “forever a eufy buyer.” The ease of installation and sleek design are also frequently praised, with one reviewer calling it “well-designed and simple to install.”
However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and centers almost exclusively on the smart home integration. One user summed it up perfectly: “This door lock works great, except for the Apple HomeKit integration, which is spotty.” This sentiment is echoed repeatedly. One frustrated owner detailed their weeks-long struggle with customer service and a firmware update that ultimately failed to fix the problem, leading them to return the lock. Another reported that after a failed HomeKit setup, the lock would lose all settings upon being reset. This recurring theme of software-related failures, particularly with Matter and Apple Home, is the single largest issue holding the eufy Security E31 Fingerprint Keyless Smart Lock back from greatness.
How Does the eufy E31 Stack Up Against the Competition?
The eufy Security E31 Fingerprint Keyless Smart Lock operates in a crowded market. While its battery and fingerprint reader are top-class, different users may have different needs, making one of its competitors a better fit.
1. KUCACCI Keypad Smart Door Lock with Handle
- 🔥【Easy DIY Installation】Easily upgrade your front door, experience hassle-free installation with just a screwdriver in 10 mintues– no additional...
- 🔥【Multiple Keyless Access】Enjoy fingerprint + pin code + smartphone app + key fob + mechanical keys, what's more, you still can use Alexa voice...
The KUCACCI smart lock is an all-in-one solution that includes both a deadbolt and a matching door handle. This makes it an ideal choice for a new door installation or for someone wanting a perfectly coordinated look without buying separate hardware. While it offers similar access methods like a keypad and physical keys, it lacks the advanced biometric fingerprint reader and the forward-looking Matter support found in the E31. Its primary appeal is aesthetic and convenience for those needing a full hardware set. If you prioritize a unified look and don’t need fingerprint access or deep smart home integration, the KUCACCI is a compelling and often more affordable alternative.
2. ULTRALOQ Latch 5 Smart Lock Fingerprint Keyless Entry
- 【Multiple Ways to Unlock】World's first built in WiFi keyless entry door lock, App + Fingerprint + Code + Mechanical Key.
- 【Ideal for Rental Homeowners and Homeowners】Built-in WiFi allows you to share temporary passwords to your guests via smartphone app remotely. No WiFi...
The ULTRALOQ Latch 5 is a direct competitor in terms of features, offering a 5-in-1 keyless entry system that includes a fingerprint sensor. The key difference is its form factor: the Latch 5 is a latch lock (a direct handle replacement) rather than a deadbolt. This makes it suitable for doors that don’t have a separate deadbolt, such as interior office doors, garage entry doors, or certain apartment doors. It boasts built-in Wi-Fi without needing a separate bridge, which can simplify setup. For users who need to secure a door with a handle lock rather than a deadbolt, the ULTRALOQ Latch 5 is the more appropriate and feature-rich choice.
3. Sifely Fingerprint Smart Lock with Handle
- 【Homeowners & Rental Hosts】Perfect for homeowners, short-term rental hosts, and property managers. Share passcodes remotely without internet and sync...
- 【Multiple Access Methods】Unlock in 0.3s with this 6-in-1 smart lock: fingerprint, passcode, fob, card, app, or key. BHMA/ANSI certified and IP65...
Similar to the KUCACCI, the Sifely lock is another integrated solution that combines a deadbolt, handle, and fingerprint reader into a single unit. It’s a strong contender for users who want biometric access and a complete handle set. However, its smart features typically require an optional Wi-Fi gateway for remote access, whereas the E31 has Wi-Fi built-in. The Sifely lock is often praised for its reliability and is a great option for those who want a robust, all-in-one biometric system and are less concerned with the cutting-edge (and currently problematic) Matter ecosystem that eufy is targeting.
Final Verdict: A Superb Lock Hampered by Smart Home Stumbles
The eufy Security E31 Fingerprint Keyless Smart Lock is a product of two extremes. As a piece of physical hardware, it is absolutely outstanding. The fingerprint reader is among the fastest and most reliable we have ever tested, the build quality is solid, and the rechargeable battery life is nothing short of revolutionary for the category. For anyone whose primary goal is to eliminate keys and enjoy fast, reliable, and flexible access through biometrics or a keypad, this lock is a phenomenal choice that will simplify your daily life.
However, we cannot recommend it to anyone for whom seamless and stable Apple HomeKit or Matter integration is a primary requirement. The software is simply not ready, leading to a frustrating and unreliable experience. If you are a user who will live primarily within the excellent eufy app and use the physical access methods, you will likely love this lock. But if you’re an Apple Home user dreaming of integrating this into your smart home scenes and automations, you should wait for significant firmware updates or look elsewhere. It’s a premium smart lock with a currently broken smart ecosystem link.
If you’ve decided the eufy Security E31 Fingerprint Keyless Smart Lock is the right fit for your keyless ambitions, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API