If your Sonoff smart switch or plug won't connect to the eWeLink app, keeps going offline, or isn't responding to commands, this guide will help you troubleshoot and fix these common issues.
Device Won't Enter Pairing Mode
When the Sonoff device won't go into pairing mode:
- Press and hold the button for 5-7 seconds until the LED flashes rapidly
- For Touch mode pairing, hold for 7 seconds (slow flash = Touch mode)
- For Compatible mode pairing, hold for 5 seconds (fast flash = Compatible mode)
- Try Compatible mode if Touch mode fails - it works with more routers
- Power cycle the device and try again
- Some devices have a small reset button - use a pin to press it
WiFi Connection Fails During Setup
If the device won't connect to your WiFi network:
- Sonoff devices only support 2.4GHz WiFi, not 5GHz
- Ensure your phone is connected to the 2.4GHz network during setup
- Move the device closer to your router
- Check that your WiFi password is correct and doesn't have special characters
- Temporarily disable 5GHz band on your router if setup keeps failing
- Try Compatible (AP) mode instead of Touch (Quick) mode
Device Goes Offline Frequently
When the device keeps disconnecting:
- Check WiFi signal strength at the device location
- Add a WiFi extender if signal is weak
- Ensure your router isn't overloaded with too many devices
- Check for firmware updates in the eWeLink app
- Restart your router to refresh connections
- Some routers have AP isolation enabled - disable it for IoT devices
Device Not Responding to Commands
If the device shows online but won't respond:
- Force close the eWeLink app and reopen it
- Check if the device responds to the physical button
- Verify your internet connection is working
- Try controlling from another phone with eWeLink installed
- Power cycle the device
- Remove and re-add the device to the app
Voice Assistant Integration Issues
When Alexa or Google won't control Sonoff devices:
- Link your eWeLink account in the Alexa/Google Home app
- Discover devices after linking
- Ensure the device name is simple and easy to pronounce
- Check that the device is online in eWeLink first
- Unlink and re-link the eWeLink skill if issues persist
- Try renaming the device to something unique
Schedules and Timers Not Working
If automated schedules don't trigger:
- Verify the schedule is enabled in the app
- Check that the time zone is set correctly
- Ensure the device is online at the scheduled time
- Delete and recreate problematic schedules
- Check for conflicts with other automation rules
- Update the eWeLink app to the latest version
Inching/Interlock Mode Issues
For special relay modes:
- Access Inching settings in device settings menu
- Set the appropriate delay time (0.5s to 3600s)
- Interlock mode requires devices to be grouped
- Ensure firmware supports the mode you're trying to use
- Some modes require specific Sonoff models
Factory Reset
For persistent issues:
- Press and hold the button for 10+ seconds
- Wait for the LED to flash indicating reset
- Remove the device from eWeLink app
- Set up the device again as new
- Reconfigure all settings and automation