The SONOFF Basic/RF is a smart home device designed to provide remote control and automation capabilities for your electrical appliances. It integrates with the "eWeLink" app, allowing users to manage their devices from anywhere, provided they have an internet connection. The device supports both Wi-Fi connectivity for app control and, for specific models, 433MHz RF remote control, offering versatile operation methods.
Function Description
The primary function of the SONOFF Basic/RF is to enable smart control over connected electrical loads. Once integrated into your home's electrical system, it acts as an intermediary switch that can be toggled on or off remotely via the eWeLink app or, for RF-enabled models, through a 433MHz RF remote controller. This allows users to turn lights, fans, or other appliances on or off without physically interacting with the switch.
The device supports various operational modes and features through the eWeLink app:
- Wi-Fi Remote Control: Users can switch the device on or off by tapping its icon within the eWeLink app. The app provides real-time feedback on the device's current state (on/off), ensuring that the displayed status always matches the actual state of the connected appliance.
- 433MHz RF Remote Control (Sonoff RF module): For models equipped with the RF module, the device can be paired with 433MHz RF remote controllers. This provides an alternative, local control method that does not rely on Wi-Fi or internet connectivity. The pairing process involves a simple sequence of button presses on both the Sonoff RF device and the RF remote. Older models (delivered before June 1st, 2018) have a specific learning procedure where the black button is pressed twice, followed by a button press on the RF controller. Newer models (delivered on or after June 1st, 2018) simplify this by requiring a 3-second press of the black button, then a press on the RF remote. Each Sonoff RF device can learn multiple RF remote buttons (up to 14 for newer models), allowing for flexible control setups.
- Share Control: The device supports sharing control with other eWeLink accounts. This feature is particularly useful in multi-user environments, such as families or shared workspaces. The owner of the device can invite other eWeLink users to control it, granting specific permissions like editing, deleting, changing, or enabling timers. Both the owner and the invited user must be online on eWeLink to facilitate the invitation and acceptance process. Once accepted, the invited user gains access to control the device.
- Timing Schedules: The eWeLink app allows users to set up various timing schedules for automated operation. This includes single-event timers, repeat schedules, and countdown timers. Each device can support a maximum of 8 enabled timing schedules, offering flexibility for automating daily routines, such as turning lights on at sunset and off at sunrise.
- Scene/Smart Scene: This feature enables advanced automation by allowing users to create "scenes" or "smart scenes." A scene can trigger multiple devices simultaneously or based on specific conditions. For example, a "Good Morning" scene could turn on the bedroom light and the coffee maker at a set time. Users define the conditions (e.g., "Click to execute") and actions, add existing devices to the scene, and then save it. This provides a powerful way to integrate multiple smart devices into cohesive automation routines.
- Set Default Power On Status: Users can configure the default state of the device when it receives power. In the Device Setting section of the app, one can choose whether the device should be ON or OFF immediately after a power outage or when it is first powered on. This ensures that appliances behave predictably even after power interruptions.
Usage Features
The SONOFF Basic/RF is designed for ease of use, from installation to daily operation.
- Simple Installation: The device requires basic wiring to integrate into an electrical circuit. The manual provides clear instructions for connecting the input (N-N, L-L) and output wires.
- App Download and Setup: The first step for app-based control is downloading the "eWeLink" app, available on both the Apple App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android. Users search for "eWeLink" and install the application.
- Device Pairing: After installation, the device needs to be paired with the eWeLink app. This involves powering up the device and then pressing its physical button for 7 seconds until the green LED blinks rapidly. The eWeLink app offers different pairing modes, primarily "Quick Pairing Mode (TOUCH)" and "Compatible Pairing Mode (AP)," depending on the device's firmware version.
- For devices with firmware 1.6.0 or higher, "Quick Pairing Mode (TOUCH)" is recommended.
- For devices with firmware lower than 1.6.0, "Compatible Pairing Mode (AP)" is used. In this mode, iOS users may need to manually connect to a specific Wi-Fi network (ITEAD-******) broadcast by the device before returning to the app.
- During pairing, users input their home Wi-Fi SSID and password. It's crucial to note that eWeLink currently supports only 2.4G Wi-Fi networks; 5G-Wi-Fi is not supported.
- Device Naming: Once successfully paired, users can assign a custom name to the device within the app, making it easy to identify and manage.
- Offline/Online Status: After pairing, the device may initially appear "Offline" in the app as it establishes a connection with the router and server. This process typically takes about 1 minute. A green LED on the device indicates an "Online" status. If the app still shows "Offline," restarting the eWeLink app can resolve the display issue.
- RF Remote Learning and Clearing: For RF-enabled models, the process of learning an RF remote button involves a specific sequence of presses on the Sonoff RF device and the remote. Similarly, clearing learned codes from the device also follows a distinct button-press sequence. For older models, pressing the black button three times clears the codes. For newer models, pressing and holding the black button for 5 seconds clears the codes. This allows users to reconfigure or remove remote controls as needed.
Maintenance Features
The SONOFF Basic/RF incorporates features and guidelines to ensure reliable operation and user support.
- Security Mechanism: Each device is designed to have a single owner. Once a device is added to an eWeLink account, it cannot be added by another user without being explicitly deleted from the original account first. This prevents unauthorized access and ensures secure control.
- Firmware Updates: The eWeLink app automatically notifies users of new firmware or software versions. Users are encouraged to update their devices as soon as possible to benefit from new features, bug fixes, and improved performance.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual provides a dedicated section for common problems and solutions.
- Device Stays "Offline": If a device is added but remains offline, the manual suggests checking the green LED status for diagnostic clues.
- Rapid blinking (one time and repeats) indicates a failure to connect to the router, possibly due to an incorrect Wi-Fi password, weak signal (device too far from router), or an unsupported 5G-Wi-Fi network. It also advises ensuring the router's MAC filter is open.
- Slow blinking (one time and repeats) suggests the device connected to the router and server but failed to be added to the device list. Power cycling the device and re-adding it is recommended.
- Rapid blinking (twice and repeats) means the device connected to the router but failed to connect to the server, prompting users to check their Wi-Fi router's normal operation.
- App Not Finding Device in Pairing Status: This issue is often attributed to the phone's cache. The solution involves toggling the phone's Wi-Fi off and on after a minute, and if possible, power cycling the Sonoff device.
- LAN Control (Historical Note): While the manual mentions LAN control, it clarifies that this function was stopped as of October 15, 2017. This indicates that current models primarily rely on cloud-based control via Wi-Fi.
- Green LED Off, Device Not Working: If the green LED remains off even when powered, and the device is unresponsive, it suggests a potential circuit malfunction. In such cases, users are advised to send the device back for testing. The manual specifies that return shipping and packaging costs are borne by the buyer, and additional repair costs may apply if the damage is user-induced.
- Customer Support: For issues not covered in the troubleshooting section, users are directed to the Itead Smart Home Forum FAQ or encouraged to submit feedback directly through the eWeLink app. This ensures that users have avenues for assistance when encountering complex problems.
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