What is eWeLink-Remote?
eWeLink-Remote is an innovative protocol developed by eWeLink that enables devices to be remotely controlled without using Wi-Fi or Zigbee. Instead, devices communicate locally and directly via a custom-developed protocol called eWeLink-Remote, based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
How does eWeLink-Remote work?
There are always two components:
a Host or Parent Device: a smart switch/relay modeul, capable of receiving eWeLink-Remote signals (e.g., Basic R4, Dual R3, Mini R4, M5 wall switch, NSPanel Pro, etc),
and
a Sub-Device or Child Device: which is typically wireless device, such as a remote controller (e.g., R5 scene switch, S-MATE2 module, etc,) that sends signals to the Host.
The Sub-device must be paired to the Host device, not directly to the eWeLink app.
Pairing eWeLink-Remote devices is usually simple, but if you have a problem, here's a comprehensive troubleshooting guide to help you resolve pairing problems effectively.
General Troubleshooting Steps
Are you using a wireless device that actually uses eWeLink-Remote?
If you're having trouble pairing a smart device that supports both Wi-Fi and eWeLink-Remote — e.g., Sonoff Mini R4, Basic R4, or M5 wall switch — you should refer to the eWeLink Wi-Fi pairing guide.
This guide is only intended for wireless eWeLink-Remote devices, such as the Sonoff S-MATE2, Sonoff R5, or SmartWise BEREM / TEREM wireless switches.
Are you pairing to another eWeLink device that has an eWeLink-Remote receiver?
The ( + ) button in the top-right corner of the eWeLink app only adds Wi-Fi devices.
eWeLink-Remote (Bluetooth) devices cannot be added there, as they don’t connect to your Wi-Fi router, but to another device featuring an eWeLink-Remote receiver.
Correct Pairing Steps:
Make sure you've already paired a Wi-Fi smart device (that supports eWeLink-Remote) with your Wi-Fi router, using the eWeLink app.
Locate the "Parent" (Host) device in the eWeLink app.
Open the device’s detailed view, choose (...) in the top right corner of the screen to open settings menu, and
find "eWeLink-Remote Sub-device" and then "Add Sub-device" to enter pairing mode.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Is the Host device compatible with the Sub-device?
There are two different eWeLink-Remote implementations:
Sonoff system – The Sub-device connects to the Host’s built-in eWeLink-Remote (Bluetooth) gateway and can control the Host or other devices via this gateway.
SmartWise system – The Sub-device directly controls the Host device via local remote commands directly (e.g., ON/OFF).
Key Differences:
Sonoff devices (e.g. R5, S-MATE2) can only be paired with Sonoff HOST devices that support the eWeLink-Remote gateway function
(e.g. Mini R4, Dual R3, Basic R4, M5 Matter switch).SmartWise wireless devices only work with SmartWise HOST devices, and are not compatible with Sonoff products.
As a consequence, a Sonoff eWeLink-Remote wireless device (such as S-MATE2 or R5) can only pair with another Sonoff device featuring eWeLink-Remote gateway (such as Sonoff Mini R4, Dual R3, Basic R4, M5 switch etc), and is not compatible with other eWeLink brands devices.
Similarly, SmartWise eWeLink-Remote wireless switches and remote controllers are only compatible with SmartWise Wi-Fi + eWeLink-Remote devices, but not with Sonoff devices.
Sub-device is paired but doesn’t control the Host?
In the SmartWise system, the wirless switch can immediately switch the host after pairing.
In the Sonoff system, you must create a Scene in the eWeLink app as an extra step:
Pairing steps of Sonoff eWeLink-Remote devices:
Pair the Sub-device with the Host’s eWeLink-Remote gateway.
In the eWeLink app, create a Scene:
IF the Sub-device button is pressed,
THEN turn any other device ON or OFF.
The controlled device can be:
The Host device itself (via local control), or
any other eWeLink devices (via the cloud).
Is the distance too far or signal obstructed?
eWeLink-Remote uses radio-frequency-like signals that may be affected by:
Distance
Thick walls
Metal obstacles
Solution:
During pairing, place the SUB-device 1–2 meters from the HOST device.
Avoid physical obstructions: metal doors, reinforced concrete walls, microwave ovens, etc.
Sub-device battery issues?
Wireless eWeLink-Remote devices (e.g. Sonoff R5, S-MATE2, TEREM, BEREM switches) are all battery-powered.
A low battery or incorrectly installed battery can cause malfunctions and can preent pairing.
Solution:
Replace the battery with a fresh one.
Check for correct polarity.
Is the HOST device's firmware outdated?
Old firmware on the Host device may cause issues during eWeLink Sub-devoce pairing.
Solution:
Open the eWeLink app.
Go to the Host device’s settings.
Check if a firmware update is available and update if needed.
Have you reached the maximum number of Sub-devices?
Host devices can only manage a limited number of paired Sub-devices (e.g., Mini R4 can typically pair up to 8 sub-devices).
Solution:
Check how many Sub-devices are currently paired.
If you’ve reached the limit, remove unused devices before adding new ones.