Sonoff Mini R3 – small WiFi + eWeLink-Remote (Bluetooth) smart relay switch with DIY mode (REST API)

Sonoff Mini R3 is a new product from smart home manufacturer released early 2022. In fact, it is much more like a new product than just the new version of Sonoff Mini R2. Sonoff Mini R3 is not just yet another smart WiFi smart relay, but the first gateway (or hub) of Sonoff's new new wireless technology called "eWeLink-Remote".

The high quality of the device is confirmed not only by the usual must-have CE certificate, but also by the certificate issued by the German TÜV Rheinland laboratory.

What is the difference between the Sonoff Mini R2 and the Sonoff Mini R3?
At first glance, the first major difference is that Sonoff Mini R2 supports wired external switches but Sonoff Mini R3 no longer input slots for switches. The reason for the change is that while Sonoff Mini R2 is primarily intended for installation behind wall switches and wall sockets, the new Sonoff Mini R3 version is normally installed at the controlled device (like lights) where phase and neutral wires are normally available. Also, it’s good to know that the performance of the Sonoff Mini R3 has been increased to 16A compared to the max. 10A performance of the R2 version.
However, the main novelty is that the somewhat larger Sonoff Mini R3 includes the "eWeLink-Remote" technology, which allows you to remotely control the Sonoff Mini R3 wirelessly, for example from the new Sonoff S-MATE module (sold separately).

So Sonoff Mini R3 has an "eWeLink-Remote" receiver which doesn't use the 433MHz RF technology, common to Sonoff devices, but a new Sonoff-specific technology that probably uses a Bluetooth Low Energy technology for the wireless remote control. According to the manufacturer's description, the wireless remote control of the eWeLink-Remote is capable of a much longer range than RF, up to 150 meters in open field, which can be up to 3-5 times the RF range.

How to use a Sonoff Mini R3?

So Sonoff Mini R3 has a built-in eWeLink-remote receiver and its companion product Sonoff S-MATE (sold separately) has an "eWeLink-remote" transmitter. Sonoff Mini R3 must be wired to the electric device (e.g. a lamp), with live and neutral wiring, which shall be available at the device anyway. And the Sonoff S-MATE can be placed behind a wall-mounted conventional switch, for example, in the wall flush mounting junction box, and it can detect switching. It is compatible with toggle and momentary switches.

As Sonoff S-MATE has 3 switch inputs, it can detect the switching of 3 switches: a 3-gang swtch, or a 1-button and a 2-button switch, or three one-button switches, and each button can be paired wirelessly with up to 3 different Sonoff MINI R3 relays:

It is good to know that the inputs (L), (L1), (L2), (L3) in Sonoff S-MATE are connected inside, they are only there to provide a convenient way for connecting the wires, Live wires are not necessary for the operation of the S-MATE module. In other words, Sonoff S-MATE can detect switching not just from a 230V AC powered wall switch, but a wall switch without any wires, as it is powered by a CR2032 battery, so even if the switch and the lamp is not wired with each other.

When pairing Sonoff Mini R3 and Sonoff S-MATE, Sonoff Mini R3 acts as an "eWeLink-remote" gateway or hub, so the switch connected to a Sonoff S-MATE allows you to control other eWeLink devices, too. All you have to do is to create a Scene in the eWeLink app and define which other eWeLink devices you want to switch from your wall switch. As usual, smart Scenes require Internet connection to work, except for the case when we control the Mini R3 relay from the S-MATE module, which works even it you are offline:

Smart features:

Sonoff Mini R3, just like other Sonoff relays, connects to the Sonoff / eWeLink cloud by default, and can be controlled via the Internet for both Android and iOS smartphones from the eWeLink app. Like other Sonoff smart relays, it can be set to scheduled on / off, supports loop control, and auto-off (inching), which can also be used to set momentary sqitching mode or to have it turning off after a specified time as a time relay. Remote access can also be shared with family members or others.

Like Sonoff Mini R2, the Sonoff Mini R3 can be used with a local automation server instead of the eWeLink app, when used in the "DIY mode", it supports integrations to smart home / home automation systems via the REST API.

In case you do not have any wires between your wall switch and your lights, this is the perfect solution for you: just install the S-MATE companion module behind the wall switch and install Sonoff Mini R3 at the lamp.

Thanks to the increased 16A maximum rated power, it is also a popular choice for switching high power consumers due to its small size.

Product features:

• Small smart relay - typically connected to the electronic device, but can also be placed in an octagonal or square wall box behind an electrical outlet or light switch;
• Fast and easy Bluetooth pairing - thanks to the built-in Bluetooth chip, you can pair your Sonoff Mini R3 with the eWeLink app running on your phone in seconds.
• WiFi Module - The relay has a BUILT-IN WiFi module and is connected to the network via the home / office WiFi network to the factory eWeLink Cloud in default cloud mode.
• eWeLink-remote hub / gateway function - the Sonoff Mini R3 has a built-in "eWeLink-remote" receiver that can receive signals from such remote devices and transmit them to other eWeLink devices via the cloud
• It can also be controlled with a conventional switch: the Sonoff S-MATE module (sold separately) behind a traditional live-only switch or in a wireless socket can connect the Sonoff Mini R3 wirelessly with the eWeLink-remote (Bluetooth-based) technology;
• Mobile App - Free iOS and Android Mobile App: eWeLink
• Switching ON / OFF from the APP - Wherever you are, you can turn on / off the Mini R3 relay remotely from the APP.
• Status Query - The current status of the smart relay (on or off) is displayed in the Mobile App
• Timing - Several timing functions are available: setting a specific time, setting recurring times, countdown / timer, loop timing;
• Shared with others - Give access to e.g. family members for remote control
• Device Groups - Organize your devices into groups and turn more on or off with one click
• Voice control / integration - Connect easily to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT
• Easy to integrate in DIY mode via REST API to home automation servers. [API documentation is available here.]
• DIN rail adapter included - the product includes a DIN rail adapter that can be used in an electrical cabinet.

Data sheet