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Sonoff Mini R2 - device disappears from eWeLink app, is it a coverage issue?

pioooo9999 1119 11
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  • #1 21325437
    pioooo9999
    Level 10  
    Posts: 11
    Rate: 1
    Board Language: polish
    Hello.
    Sonoff mini R2 - I have a couple of these devices but I have a problem with one. The question is whether it is a matter of distance from the router....
    Generally it works ok but often it is not visible in the ewelink app and manually it is then impossible to switch on or off. From the set schedule it works as it should.
    Please advise.
    AI: How far from the router is the Sonoff Mini R2 device disappearing from the app? .
    Approximately 15 metres
    AI: Can you provide information about the Wi-Fi network, such as signal strength and frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)?
    2.4
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  • #2 21325874
    Erbit
    Level 39  
    Posts: 5332
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    Board Language: polish
    If this is the furthest device of all then the answer is obvious.

    You can still stand next to this device with the WifiMonitor app installed (or any other) and show the signal levels. Hold your phone close to the device. Such a test as here #1 -> https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic3158772.html

    Screen upload to the forum.
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  • #3 21326091
    pioooo9999
    Level 10  
    Posts: 11
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    Board Language: polish
    Shows -79 dB. Sonoff Mini R2 - device disappears from eWeLink app, is it a coverage issue? .
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  • #4 21326136
    Erbit
    Level 39  
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    pioooo9999 wrote:
    Shows -79 dB.



    -80 dB is the limit for devices using the 'internet' but simple IoT devices that transmit little data should work on such a weak signal.

    However, I'm assuming that the R2 itself is in the box and it would be rather difficult to put a phone in there but presumably the wall is an additional restriction on the signal and it's more likely to be weaker there and since the signal is weak at the R2 I'm betting that's what's causing the problem.

    Also show the "channels" tab.
  • #5 21327287
    pioooo9999
    Level 10  
    Posts: 11
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    Board Language: polish
    R2 is in a small switchboard, also separated by only thin plastic.
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    • Sonoff Mini R2 - device disappears from eWeLink app, is it a coverage issue? Screenshot_20241201_081950_WiFi Monitor.jpg (123.57 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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  • #6 21327543
    Erbit
    Level 39  
    Posts: 5332
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    Board Language: polish
    No channel information. You took the screen too quickly.
  • #7 21327559
    pioooo9999
    Level 10  
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    This is what it looks like...
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    • Sonoff Mini R2 - device disappears from eWeLink app, is it a coverage issue? Screenshot_20241201_122737_WiFi Monitor.jpg (192.06 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #8 21327758
    Erbit
    Level 39  
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    There are many networks on the same channel. Move yours away from the scope of the current networks. There's a chance it will stop breaking (at least until someone comes up with the same idea).

    If all the nets are yours then make sure they don't overlap and most take care of the one the problematic R2 is strapped to.
  • #9 21327773
    pioooo9999
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    How do I move them away?
  • #10 21327782
    Erbit
    Level 39  
    Posts: 5332
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    pioooo9999 wrote:
    How do I move them away?


    In the WiFi configuration, change the channels. What kind of device is this ?

    Is R2 strapped to the SSID luteklan or to the SSID IoT ?
    Is the SSID "SOLAR..." is the reapeter ?
  • #11 21328134
    pioooo9999
    Level 10  
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    It is a Huaweii router.
    My network is luteklan while solar is an inverter from photovoltaic.
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    • Sonoff Mini R2 - device disappears from eWeLink app, is it a coverage issue? 20241201_185456.jpg (281.45 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #12 21328223
    Erbit
    Level 39  
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    Networks should not overlap channels. If you have access to the configuration of this Huawei then you need to go into the WLAN settings and change the channel, preferably somewhere on 9.
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Topic summary

✨ A Sonoff Mini R2 device located approximately 15 meters from a Huawei router on a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network intermittently disappears from the eWeLink app and cannot be manually controlled, although scheduled commands execute correctly. Signal strength measured near the device is around -79 to -80 dBm, which is weak but potentially still functional for low-data IoT devices. The device is installed inside a small switchboard behind thin plastic, which may further attenuate the Wi-Fi signal. Multiple Wi-Fi networks overlap on the same channel, causing interference. It is recommended to access the Huawei router's WLAN settings and change the Wi-Fi channel, preferably to channel 9, to reduce channel overlap and improve connectivity stability for the Sonoff Mini R2.
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FAQ

TL;DR: “−80 dB is the limit” for app‑stable Wi‑Fi; that’s a hard borderline. To fix a Sonoff Mini R2 that disappears from eWeLink, change your 2.4 GHz channel, reduce overlap, and improve placement. [Elektroda, Erbit, post #21326136]

Why it matters: This keeps your smart switch reliably controllable from the app while your automations keep running.

Quick Facts

  • Target RSSI: aim ≥ −67 dBm at the switch; below −80 dBm is unstable for control. [“Wi‑Fi Signal Strength Requirements”]
  • Use only 2.4 GHz channels 1, 6, or 11; they’re the three non‑overlapping choices. [“Channels 1, 6, and 11: Why They’re Important”]
  • SONOFF MINI R2 supports 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n only; it cannot join 5 GHz SSIDs. [“SONOFF MINIR2 - Two Way Smart Switch”]
  • Check channel congestion with a Wi‑Fi analyzer and pick the least‑busy channel. [“How to Choose the Best Wi‑Fi Channel”]
  • Single‑radio repeaters halve throughput; prefer wired APs or mesh with Ethernet backhaul. [“The Truth About Wi‑Fi Range Extenders”]

Is −79 dBm enough for a Sonoff Mini R2 to stay online?

It’s borderline. “−80 dB is the limit” for app‑reliable Wi‑Fi. Simple IoT can still pass tiny bursts, but app presence and manual toggles will drop intermittently at that level. Improve RSSI by changing channels and placement to restore stability. “IoT devices that transmit little data should work on such a weak signal.” [Elektroda, Erbit, post #21326136]

My channel graph shows many networks overlapping. What should I do?

Move your SSID to a less congested 2.4 GHz channel. Overlapping networks compete for airtime and cause dropouts. Shifting away from the busiest channels often stops the breaks in app visibility, especially at weak signal levels. [Elektroda, Erbit, post #21327758]

How do I change the 2.4 GHz channel on my Huawei router?

  1. Log in to the router’s admin page.
  2. Go to WLAN/Wi‑Fi settings, open 2.4 GHz Advanced, and locate Channel.
  3. Set a fixed channel (not Auto), save, and reboot if prompted. This moves you out of the crowded channel range. [Elektroda, Erbit, post #21328223]

Which 2.4 GHz channel should I pick: 1/6/11 or 9?

Use channels 1, 6, or 11. They are the only non‑overlapping options in 2.4 GHz with 20 MHz width. Channel 9 overlaps adjacent channels and increases interference risk. Pick the least congested among 1, 6, or 11. [“Channels 1, 6, and 11: Why They’re Important”]

How do I measure Wi‑Fi signal right where the Mini R2 sits?

  1. Install a Wi‑Fi analyzer app on your phone.
  2. Hold the phone next to the switch box to read RSSI and channel.
  3. Screenshot the signal and channel view to compare after changes. This shows the actual conditions the device sees. [Elektroda, Erbit, post #21325874]

Does a small plastic switchboard hurt Wi‑Fi?

Thin plastic adds minimal attenuation, but nearby wiring and any metal can disrupt or block signals. If the enclosure or surroundings include metal, expect much greater loss versus plastic or drywall. Relocating the device or antenna path can help. [“Wi‑Fi Signal Attenuation by Materials”]

Why do timers still run when the device looks offline in eWeLink?

eWeLink Schedule/Timer is stored on the device, so it can execute without continuous app connectivity. The app may show offline, yet scheduled actions still occur on time. [“eWeLink Help Center: Do timers work offline?”]

Should I add a repeater or move/add an access point instead?

Try channel optimization first. If signal remains weak, prefer a wired access point or a mesh node with Ethernet backhaul. Single‑radio repeaters typically halve throughput, which can worsen contention on crowded 2.4 GHz. [“The Truth About Wi‑Fi Range Extenders”]

What RSSI should I aim for at the switch?

Target −67 dBm or better at the Mini R2 for stable control. −70 dBm is a minimum for basic connectivity; below −80 dBm becomes unreliable for app presence and manual toggles. [“Wi‑Fi Signal Strength Requirements”]

Does Sonoff Mini R2 support 5 GHz, and could that cause pairing issues?

No. It supports only 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n. Ensure your SSID offers 2.4 GHz and that the phone’s pairing process uses that band. If your router merges bands under one name, enable separate SSIDs or lock the 2.4 GHz during pairing. [“SONOFF MINIR2 - Two Way Smart Switch”]

How can I reduce interference from my solar inverter’s Wi‑Fi?

Place the inverter’s SSID on a different 2.4 GHz channel than your smart‑home SSID. Set channel width to 20 MHz to limit adjacent‑channel overlap. Avoid 40 MHz in 2.4 GHz; it stomps over neighbors and hurts reliability. [“40 MHz in 2.4 GHz Is Bad”]

Is 15 meters too far for 2.4 GHz indoors?

Distance alone isn’t decisive; obstacles and congestion dominate. Brick walls can add roughly 8–15 dB each, which, combined with busy channels, can push the link into dropout territory. Improve line‑of‑sight and channel selection to stabilize. [“Wi‑Fi Signal Attenuation by Materials”]
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