FAQ
TL;DR: Use a Sonoff Mini for Wi‑Fi doorbell alerts; 2 devices need internet; "you can set up PUSH notifications." Works anywhere via cloud. For homeowners wanting phone alerts without replacing the gong. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19170239]
Why it matters: You’ll stop missing visitors and can grant access even when you’re away.
Quick Facts
- Sonoff Mini can be wired only to its control inputs (via a relay, if needed) to trigger PUSH notifications. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19170239]
- Potential‑free Sonoff units provide 1 or 2 channels and include NO/NC relays for signaling. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19170322]
- GSM notification is the easiest alternative but requires maintaining a SIM; alarm GSM modules can notify at no extra cost. [Elektroda, Daro1003, post #19170219]
- Supla does not offer direct PUSH notifications; workarounds exist to approximate the function. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19170705]
- eWeLink offers cloud and remote access for control and notifications. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19171132]
How do I get Wi‑Fi phone notifications when the doorbell rings?
Use a Sonoff Mini as a sensor. Wire its control inputs to a relay driven by the bell circuit. In eWeLink, enable PUSH notifications for that device. The phone and the Sonoff both need internet access. It doesn’t matter if they’re on different networks. “The downside is cloud operation.” [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19170239]
Is GSM more reliable for notifications than Wi‑Fi?
GSM is the simplest reliable path for alerts. Use a GSM dialer or an alarm panel’s GSM module. You must maintain an active SIM card. If your alarm already has GSM notification, hook into its module at no extra cost. Wi‑Fi notifications can be trickier in some setups. [Elektroda, Daro1003, post #19170219]
Can a Sonoff Mini just sense the bell without switching anything?
Yes. It doesn’t have to control a load. Connect its control inputs to a relay that mirrors the bell signal. Enable PUSH notifications on input change in the app. Your existing bell and gong continue to work normally. Both the device and phone need internet. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19170239]
Which Sonoff should I buy for a dry‑contact doorbell?
Pick a potential‑free Sonoff. It provides isolated inputs and NO/NC relay contacts. Choose 1Ch or 2Ch models if you need one or two monitored circuits. A second channel can track another sensor, like a mailbox flap. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19170322]
Can I flash eWeLink onto a Wemos D1 mini or bare ESP8266?
No. eWeLink firmware comes with Sonoff hardware and isn’t provided for generic ESP8266 boards. The guidance is to upload to Sonoff, not other devices. Use Sonoff if you want eWeLink with PUSH out of the box. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19170427]
I only have an ESP8266—what’s the easiest way to get push alerts from a reed switch?
Avoid coding by using a Sonoff with the stock eWeLink app for PUSH. This sidesteps writing and maintaining custom firmware. “You will bypass programming in this way.” If you still want ESP, you’ll need to build your own software stack. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19170378]
Does Supla support PUSH notifications today?
No native PUSH. Supla does not offer direct PUSH notifications at this time. There are workarounds that approximate alerts, but they are indirect. For doorbell events, built‑in PUSH apps are simpler. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19170705]
Will it work if my phone and the gate are on different networks?
Yes. The Sonoff and your phone only need internet access. They do not need the same network. They can even be on different continents. The cloud handles delivery of the alert. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19170239]
Does eWeLink provide cloud and remote access?
Yes. eWeLink includes cloud and remote access for control and notifications. You can receive alerts and check status while away from home. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19171132]
Are eWeLink notifications fast, or do they lag?
Users report solid performance for this price tier. The app supports local operation and PUSH with no noticeable delays. That suits doorbell alerts well. “No noticeable delays” sums up the experience shared. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19170988]
How do I wire this without changing my existing gong?
Leave the bell circuit unchanged. Add a small relay across the bell line to sense rings. Connect the relay’s dry contacts to the Sonoff Mini control inputs. Enable notifications on input change in the app. Your gong continues to ring as before. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19170239]
Can I use the existing 12 V supply in my intercom box?
Yes. Your setup includes a 12 V supply near the gate. You can use it to power a small sensing relay that feeds the Sonoff inputs. Plan placement and wiring cleanly within the box. [Elektroda, fantomek, post #19169473]
How do I set it up in three steps?
- Add a sensing relay across the bell circuit.
- Wire the relay’s dry contacts to the Sonoff Mini control inputs.
- In eWeLink, enable device PUSH notifications and test a ring. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19170239]
Can one device monitor two events, like mailbox drop and take‑out?
Yes. Use a 2Ch potential‑free Sonoff. One channel can monitor the drop‑in flap and the second the take‑out flap. You get two independent alerts. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19170322]
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