A Comprehensive Guide to eWeLink Virtual Devices

Table of Contents

What Are Virtual Devices?

Introduced in eWeLink App V5.14, virtual devices are virtual switches and buttons that behave like real devices but exist only in the app, with no physical device required. They give you extra flexibility to build smarter automation routines across your home.

You can control virtual devices manually, use them in scenes, sync them with third-party platforms, or add them to widgets for quick access.

Virtual Devices

Currently, you can create two types of virtual devices:

  • Virtual Switch – Works like a regular switch. You can turn it on or off manually or use it to trigger other devices and actions in a scene.
  • Virtual Button – Supports multiple trigger modes (single-tap, double-tap, or long-press), so you can assign different automations to each one.

Virtual devices are available with eWeLink membership plans. Advanced users can create up to 5 devices, and Prime users up to 10.

How to Create a Virtual Device

In the eWeLink App:

  1. Open the app and tap the “+” button in the top-right corner.
  2. Go to Add Device → More Options → Virtual Device.
  3. Choose Virtual Switch or Virtual Button.
  4. Give it a name (e.g., Leaving Home Switch, Bedtime Button).

In eWeLink Web:

How to Use Virtual Devices

Virtual devices become powerful when used in automation and cross-platform setups.

1. Use Virtual Devices in Scenes

Virtual devices can be added as triggers or actions in automation routines.

Examples:

  • Bedtime Routine – Create a virtual switch called “Goodnight.” When you turn it off, all connected lights and AC units power down.
  • Lighting Control – Set up a virtual button:
    • Single-click → Turn on all living room lights.
    • Double-click → Turn off all lights in the house.
    • Long-press → Activate a “Movie Mode” Scene that dims lights and turns on the smart TV.

2. Sync with Third-Party Platforms

Virtual devices can act as bridges between eWeLink and platforms like Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, and IFTTT.

Examples:

  • Voice-activated movie night: Using a virtual button to create a scene in eWeLink that dims the lights and closes smart curtains. Sync the virtual button to Alexa, then set up an Alexa routine so that saying “Alexa, movie time” triggers that virtual button—bringing your entire entertainment setup to life with a single voice command.
  • Cross-platform morning routine: Use a virtual switch as a bridge between platforms. When your morning alarm goes off on your phone, an IFTTT routine can turn on a virtual switch in eWeLink. That switch then triggers two actions simultaneously: turning on your bedroom lights (via eWeLink) and starting your coffee maker (via SmartThings).
  • Guest mode made simple: Set up a virtual button that, when pressed, activates a guest mode routine. In eWeLink, it turns on the living room lights and powers on the air purifier. Through Google Home, it adjusts the thermostat and starts playing relaxing background music.

3. Control Virtual Devices via Widgets

Starting with eWeLink App V5.15, virtual devices can be placed directly on your Android or iOS home screen for one-tap access.

  • Android: Both 2×2 and 4×2 device control widgets support virtual switches and buttons.
  • iOS 17 & 18: Supported layouts include 2×2, 4×2, and 4×4.

Example:

  • Create a virtual button named “Leaving Home.”
  • Set it to:
  1. Turn off all lights and appliances in the eWeLink app.
  2. Trigger Google Home to switch to Away Mode.
  3. Enable motion detection in SmartThings.
  • Add this button to your home screen. With just one tap, you launch a complete cross-platform routine—no need to open multiple apps.

Inspiration from Our Users

Since the launch of virtual devices, our community has come up with many creative ways to use them in everyday routines. Here are two real-world examples shared by users that might inspire your own automations:

1. Gentle Reminders for High-Power Devices

One of our users has found clever ways to monitor energy usage and receive helpful reminders. For example, you can create a setup that detects when a high-power device—such as a game console, heater, or other appliance—has been running for a certain amount of time, then sends a reminder through a smart speaker.

Here’s how it works:

  • Create an automation that turns on a virtual switch when power consumption exceeds a certain level (e.g., 70 W).
  • Set a delay of 1 hour before the virtual switch automatically turns off
  • Connect this virtual switch to Google Home, where its status change can trigger gentle audio reminders through Nest speakers

This creates a thoughtful system that helps manage energy usage without interrupting your activities.

2. Whole-Home Security Made Simple

Virtual devices can also act as a central control point for home security routines across eWeLink and third-party platforms. Another user shared how they use a single virtual button to manage their complete security ecosystem spanning multiple platforms.

The setup includes:

  • Using a virtual button to trigger scenes that switch the Zigbee Bridge Pro between “Away Mode” and “Home Mode”
  • Syncing with Alexa to activate security cameras and perimeter lighting
  • Adding the virtual button as a widget on their phone and car stereo for easy access, or using Alexa voice control for hands-free operation

This approach allows them to activate their entire security system by voice, app, or widget—proving particularly useful when leaving home or checking security status while driving.

eWeLink virtual devices are a powerful tool for anyone looking to create more responsive, integrated, and user-friendly smart home setups. By breaking down barriers between devices and platforms, they allow you to design automations that are limited only by your imagination.

Start creating your virtual devices today and experience a new level of smart home control.

What important features are we missing? We’d love to hear from you! Join our discussion here. 

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