SONOFF Basic Gen5 — Matter WiFi Smart Switch (BASIC-1GS)
R 165.00R 209.00Save R 44.00
In Stock — 40 available

⚡ SONOFF Basic Gen5 — Matter WiFi Smart Switch (BASIC-1GS)

The legendary SONOFF Basic, now in its 5th generation — with Matter protocol built in. This compact inline smart switch turns any light, fan, or appliance into a smart device for under R200. Control from your phone, your voice, or your favourite smart home platform. Works with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant, and eWeLink — all from one device, no hub required.

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Free Delivery
Orders over R2,500
🇿🇦
Local Stock
Ships from Gauteng
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1 Year Warranty
Manufacturer
📶
Matter + WiFi
No Hub Required

🌐 Matter Protocol — One Device, Every Platform

The Basic Gen5 is Matter-certified, meaning it works natively with Apple Home (Siri), Google Home (Google Assistant), Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant — without needing separate integrations or cloud bridges for each platform. Set it up once in eWeLink, then add it to any Matter-compatible ecosystem. Your household can control the same switch from different apps and voice assistants.

⚡ Key Features

  • Matter Protocol — certified for cross-platform compatibility with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, and Home Assistant
  • WiFi 2.4 GHz, No Hub Required — connects directly to your router, no bridge or gateway needed
  • 10A / 2,200W Max Load — handles lights, fans, heaters, and most household appliances at SA 220V
  • Magic Switch Mode — stays controllable via app even when the physical wall switch is turned off (requires L1/L2 wiring with a double-pole rocker switch)
  • Local Control — operates reliably without internet via Bluetooth near-field control (up to 10 m) and LAN mode
  • Large Touch Button — wide surface for easy manual on/off, plus press-and-hold for pairing mode
  • eWeLink App — full-featured app with remote control, scheduling, countdown timers, smart scenes, inching mode, device sharing, and power-on state memory
  • Voice Control — works with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant for hands-free control
  • Smart Scenes & Automation — link with other SONOFF and Matter devices to create if-then automations
  • Compact Design — 80.5 × 41.5 × 23.6 mm, fits inside wall boxes, ceiling roses, or DB board enclosures
  • Home Assistant Native — integrates via Matter directly, or via the eWeLink integration
  • 3D-Printable Mounts — wall-mount and DIN-rail brackets available on MakerWorld for tidy installation

🪄 Magic Switch Mode

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The Problem

With traditional smart relays, turning off the wall switch cuts power to the relay — and you lose app & voice control until someone turns the switch back on.

The Solution

Magic Switch Mode keeps the Basic Gen5 powered and online even when the wall switch is flipped off. The relay draws a tiny current through the load to stay alive — so app and voice control always work.

💡 Requirements for Magic Switch Mode: Connect both L1 and L2 wires. Compatible with mainstream double-pole rocker switches. The connected load must be a compatible LED, energy-saving, or incandescent lamp rated 3W–100W. Not compatible with all switch types — check before installing.

💡 What Can You Automate?

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Lights

Install behind any light switch to add remote control, scheduling, voice control, and Matter integration to your existing lights.

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Fans & Extractors

Automate bathroom extractors, ceiling fans, or kitchen extractors with timers, smart scenes, and voice commands.

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Appliances

Control heaters, lamps, water features, or any resistive load up to 10A. Set schedules to match your daily routine.

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Irrigation & Pumps

Set watering schedules for your garden. Turn pool pumps on and off automatically based on a daily timer.

💡 Pro tip: Install the Basic Gen5 behind your existing wall switch. The physical switch still works normally, and you gain app control, Matter integration, and voice control on top. With Magic Switch Mode enabled, you never lose smart control.

🔄 Basic Gen5 vs BasicR4 — What's New?

Feature Basic Gen5 (1GS) BasicR4
Matter Protocol ✅ Yes ❌ No
Apple Home / Siri ✅ Native via Matter ❌ Not supported
Bluetooth Near-Field ✅ BLE 5.2 (up to 10 m) ❌ No
Magic Switch Mode ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
eWeLink App ✅ Full support ✅ Full support
LAN / Local Control ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Smart Scenes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Voice Control Siri · Alexa · Google Alexa · Google
MCU Beken BK7238 ESP32
Max Load 10A 10A
Home Assistant Matter + eWeLink eWeLink only
Upgrade path: If you're already using BasicR4 switches, the Gen5 is a drop-in replacement with the same wiring. The big wins are Matter protocol (Apple Home + cross-platform), Bluetooth near-field control, and native Home Assistant support via Matter.

🔧 How It Works

Simple Inline Installation

The Basic Gen5 is an inline relay switch — it wires between your power source and your appliance or light fitting. Connect Line In, Neutral, and Line Out. Power on, and the device enters pairing mode (LED flashes two short + one long). Add it to the eWeLink app, then optionally add it to Apple Home, Google Home, or Alexa via Matter. Installation must be done by a qualified electrician.

⚠️ Safety: A 10A MCB or RCBO must be installed upstream of the Basic Gen5. Single-phase use only (100–240V AC). Do not power on before the top cover is properly fitted. Use copper conductors only, 16AWG to 14AWG.

🏠 Complete Your Smart Home

📋 Technical Specifications

Product SONOFF Basic Gen5
Model BASIC-1GS
Type Matter Over WiFi Smart Switch (1 channel, inline relay)
Input Voltage 100-240V AC 50/60Hz (SA 220-240V compatible)
Max Load 10A / 2,200W @ 220V (resistive load)
WiFi IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth BLE 5.2 — near-field control up to 10 m
Protocol Matter over WiFi · eWeLink
Hub Required No — connects directly to WiFi router
App eWeLink (iOS & Android)
Voice Control Siri · Amazon Alexa · Google Assistant
Smart Home Platforms Apple Home · Google Home · Alexa · SmartThings · Home Assistant
Local Control Yes — LAN mode + Bluetooth near-field
Magic Switch Mode Yes — stays online when wall switch is off (requires L1/L2 wiring)
Smart Scenes Yes — eWeLink if-then automations
Inching Mode Yes — auto-on and auto-off pulse timing
Power-On State Configurable — on, off, or last state
MCU Beken BK7238
Dimensions 80.5 × 41.5 × 23.6 mm
Weight 44.8 g
Casing Material PC (polycarbonate)
Wiring Copper conductors only, 16AWG–14AWG SOL/STR
Operating Temperature -10°C to 40°C
Operating Humidity 5–95% RH, non-condensing
Certifications CE · FCC · RoHS
Warranty 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a hub or bridge?
No. The Basic Gen5 connects directly to your 2.4 GHz WiFi router. Download the free eWeLink app and pair the device. To add it to Apple Home, Google Home, or Alexa, use the Matter pairing code — no additional hub required.
How does Matter work on this device?
After initial setup in the eWeLink app, you can add the Basic Gen5 to any Matter-compatible platform — Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, or Home Assistant. Each family member can control the same device from their preferred app and voice assistant. Matter uses your local WiFi network, so it remains responsive even when internet is down.
Does it work with Apple Home / Siri?
Yes. The Basic Gen5 supports Apple Home natively via Matter. After pairing in eWeLink, add it to Apple Home using the Matter code. You can then control it with Siri, create automations in the Home app, and include it in scenes with other HomeKit/Matter devices.
What is Magic Switch Mode?
Magic Switch Mode keeps the relay powered and online even when the physical wall switch is turned off. This solves the common problem where flipping a wall switch cuts power to the smart relay and you lose app/voice control. It requires L1/L2 wiring with a compatible double-pole rocker switch, and the connected load must be a lamp rated 3W–100W.
Can I still use my existing wall switch?
Yes. Install the relay behind your existing switch. The physical switch continues to work as normal — you gain app control, voice control, and Matter integration on top. With Magic Switch Mode, the relay stays online regardless of switch position.
What can I control with it?
Any resistive load up to 10A / 2,200W at 220V. Common uses include lights, fans, water pumps, irrigation systems, heaters, and appliance circuits. Avoid connecting inductive loads (e.g., motors) that exceed the rated power. Not suitable for geysers — see the POW R320 Elite for geysers up to 3 kW.
How does it compare to the BasicR4?
The Gen5 adds Matter protocol (Apple Home, cross-platform), Bluetooth near-field control (works without internet up to 10 m), and a new Beken BK7238 MCU. Same 10A rating, same compact form factor, same eWeLink app support. It's a direct drop-in upgrade with the same wiring.
Can I flash custom firmware (Tasmota/ESPHome)?
The Basic Gen5 uses a Beken BK7238 chipset (not ESP32). As a Matter-certified device, the firmware is locked and does not support custom flashing. However, since it supports Matter and local control, there's less need for custom firmware — Home Assistant integrates natively via Matter. If you specifically need Tasmota or ESPHome, consider the MINIR4M or an ESP32-based alternative.
Does it work during load shedding?
No — requires mains power. Once power returns, the device reconnects automatically. You can set the power-on state in the eWeLink app (on, off, or last state) to control what happens when power is restored.
Can multiple people control it?
Yes. Share via the eWeLink app for family members, or add it to Apple Home / Google Home where all household members can control it from their own devices and voice assistants. Matter makes multi-platform sharing seamless.
⚠️ Professional Installation Required: This device must be installed by a qualified electrician. It connects to mains voltage (220-240V AC) and requires proper wiring inside a wall box, ceiling cavity, or DB board enclosure. A 10A MCB or RCBO must be installed upstream.

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Gauteng, 1709

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