If you are away from home, or out on business, keeping an eye on the temperature and humidity inside your house, warehouse or cold storage is very critical. Avoid excessive high or low temperatures that can cause substantial losses. The remote WiFi temperature and humidity sensor has an alarm function which enables you to take preventive measures before it gets to a damaging temperature or humidity level.
Looking for a temperature and humidity sensor that can be used for remote control in each room or in every corner? These sensors can not only provide real time alarm notifications, they can also give you temperature and humidity data for each location, directly from your mobile phone. They have backup batteries that automatically start up during a power outage, to keep them working.
This article will explain in detail how to monitor the temperature remotely with the help of mobile phone or computer and will suggest an amazing WiFi temperature and humidity sensor.
What is WIFI temperature humidity sensor?
A WiFi temperature and humidity sensor monitors environmental temperature and humidity through its built in sensing unit and transmits the data to a cloud platform via a standard 2.4 GHz WiFi network. Data can be displayed on software, mobile applications, computer browsers, or any combination of these, depending on the type of sensor.
WiFi sensors provide a closed loop between measurement and response, as opposed to using traditional digital thermometers or data loggers that are not connected to any action. If you are inside and your environment is outside your set limits, you will get an alert immediately, no matter how far away you are!
What you need to set up a WiFi temperature humidity monitoring system?
The components required to create a complete remote temperature and humidity monitoring system are:
- A stable WiFi network installed at the monitoring locations, such as homes, offices, or warehouses.
- An adequate number of WiFi temperature and humidity sensors.
- Matching power adapters as many as number of sensors.
- Platform or mobile application to access and manage data installed on your computer and mobile phone.
How to setup and configure a WIFI temperature and humidity sensor?
There are currently thousands of brands of WiFi temperature and humidity sensor which differ in installation and configuration. Manufacturer’s product manuals should always be followed. The following is an example of a typical process using the Renke RS-WS-WIFI-6*-*-EX.
- First, make sure that the monitoring area has a stable and reliable WiFi network.
- To take measurements, plug the sensor into the power adapter before connecting the power adapter to the power supply.
- After powering on, configure the WiFi temperature and humidity sensor. For different models, two configuration methods are usually provided. One method is to download a configuration software package on a computer, connect the sensor to the computer via a USB cable, and complete setup using the software. The other method is to install a mobile app, press and hold the “OK” button on the sensor to enter Bluetooth mode, then use the app to tap “Connect Device” and “Start Scanning” to find and pair the device for configuration.
- Once configured, the temperature and humidity alarm control settings, time schedule and alarm modes can be changed from the buttons on the device or from the computer software.
Features of remote WiFi temperature humidity sensor
1. Wireless transmission
WiFi signal transmission is non-cabled and does not depend on the distance between cables and wires-thus it is cost-effective and convenient. Just need to put a stable router in your home, office or other monitoring spots for the WiFi temperature and humidity sensor to upload data properly. This eliminates the range restriction with Bluetooth communication. Stable long term temperature and humidity monitoring can be achieved even if the monitoring site is not monitored for a long time.
As of now, there are no available WiFi sensors that can be used to set up an independent network of their own. They have to be linked to another router or WiFi hotspot if they are to function normally.
2. Flexibility with data upload frequency
The update interval or frequency is the amount of time the sensor waits before transmitting data to the WiFi network for you to see on your phone or computer. Most high precision WiFi temperature and humidity sensors have a default upload interval of 20 seconds and can be configured between 1 second and 10000 seconds usually freely, like the Renke RS-WS-WIFI-6*-*-EX series of sensors.
If a low cost temperature and humidity sensor is used, the data is normally uploaded at a slower rate, as in every 5 minutes or even less. The majority of sensors provide data updates in a few minutes. You can configure the frequency of updates as per requirement as during power outage the interval for updates may impact the backup battery life.
3. Data sharing
Using the mobile App, multiple sub accounts can be enabled to enable colleagues or family members to access shared monitoring data. If the temperature sensor senses an abnormal environmental condition, then all shared accounts can be notified at once.
You can have as many shared accounts as you like. The main account may also give permission to sub accounts and allow for the ability to view one or more sensors.
4. The data is presented in a clear and easy-to-understand manner
The current sensor readings and historical data of a particular sensor location are displayed via the mobile app, and measurement value and historical trend information from multiple temperature and humidity sensors is also simultaneously displayed. A trend graph visually shows the temperature and humidity changes during the day.
For instance, one can simply observe the maximum and minimum temperatures and investigate the variation of the temperature over a day. This provides a means of determining what is causing the monitored area to be too hot or too cold.
5. Data logging capability
WiFi high-quality temperature and humidity sensors have storage capability. For instance, the Renke WiFi sensors can locally store up to 65000 records. If the communication fails between the device and the platform, the measurement data is temporarily stored in the device. The sensor automatically uploads the collected data once it is restored.
The advantage of this feature is that you can still access data in remote locations without continuous WiFi coverage, and you can even use a mobile phone hotspot to retrieve data when needed.
6. Backup battery power supply
Advanced WiFi temperature and humidity sensors usually support two power supply methods: built in battery power and mains power. It is recommended to consider this feature when purchasing a sensor.
Its advantage is that when a sudden power outage occurs, the device can automatically switch to backup battery power, preventing monitoring interruptions caused by power loss.
Under normal conditions, the backup battery can provide continuous operation for up to 6 hours, and the battery itself is rechargeable. Once mains power is restored, the backup battery will recharge automatically and remain ready for continued operation.
7. Long backup battery life
The backup battery’s operating time is determined by the frequency and duration of the power outages. In general, the battery can last for 3-5 years if the outages are occasional. Battery life is also affected by the distance between the WiFi temperature and humidity sensor and the wireless router during outages, as well as the router’s data update frequency.
For WiFi temperature and humidity sensors powered entirely by built in batteries, the battery life is usually around 6 months when the update interval is set to every 4 to 5 minutes. Some WiFi sensors that upload data only once per hour can operate for 1 year or even longer.
8. Multiple alarm methods
If a high quality WiFi temperature and humidity sensor senses abnormal temperature, it can simultaneously sound an alarm, flash alarm lights and send an alarm message to the user. This helps to warn remote users, and also reminds the monitoring site staff to take immediate measures.
Besides abnormal temperature, the device also alerts the user if faults occur, for example, power failure or signal loss, to check and adjust the sensor in time.
9. Several methods for accessing data
An excellent remote temperature sensor should provide applications for both mobile phones and computers. The applications should enable users to see all pertinent information such as temperature, humidity (if available) and battery level.
The mobile application can also enable users to keep track multiple temperature sensors at the same time.
10. Optional probe types
For different application scenarios, the high quality WiFi temperature and humidity sensors(such as Renke RS-WS-WIFI-6*-*-EX series) can support interchangeable probes.
A built in standard probe can be chosen to monitor ambient air temperature and humidity. An outside waterproof probe may be used for water temperature measurement. For cold storage applications, an external ultra low temperature probe is available. For multiple adjacent freezers or storage units requiring monitoring at the same time, a multi channel temp and humidity sensor can be used.
11. Digital display function
Currently, most WiFi temperature and humidity sensors on the market are equipped with LCD displays. This allows onsite users to read measurement data directly without logging into the platform. Parameters can also be adjusted through the device buttons, making operation more convenient and efficient.
Recommend the best wifi temperature humidity sensor for you
The Renke RS-WS-WIFI-6*-*-EX series features a high-precision temperature and humidity sensor with accuracy of ±0.4°C and ±2%RH. It supports both mains power and a built-in rechargeable backup battery. The sensor allows for the replacement of the measurement probe to suit different operating environments.
Features of the RS-WS-WIFI-6*-*-EX temperature and humidity sensor
- High-quality temperature and humidity measurement unit with extendable probes; probe cables can reach up to 30 meters in length.
- Supports a wide voltage range of 7~30 V DC.
- Communication interface: Standard Wi-Fi wireless (2.4 GHz).
- Wi-Fi communication parameters support the 802.11b/g/n wireless standards.
- Wi-Fi encryption supports WPA/WPA2 security modes.
- Supports Dynamic Domain Name System (DNS).
- Temperature and humidity measurement range: -40°C~+120°C, 0-100% RH.
- Temperature and humidity sampling frequency: 2 seconds per reading; data upload frequency: configurable from 1 to 10,000 seconds per reading.
- Built-in audible and visual alarm function. Alarm thresholds can be set, and the difference between them can be returned.
- Data is uploaded via Wi-Fi, supporting communication within local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) across gateways, and secondary development.
- Equipped with 2 normally open (NO) contacts, which can be freely associated with alarm events for output.
- Parameters and Wi-Fi settings can be configured via software or physical buttons.
- Compatible with free local monitoring software platforms and the Environmental Monitoring Cloud Platform (www.0531yun.com).
RS-WS-WIFI-6*-*-EX applications
Temperature and humidity monitoring of family and holiday houses
If you want to remotely monitor the holiday house or you want to monitor the temperature and humidity of your home when you go out, RS-WS-WIFI-6*-*-EX sensor will be your best choice. If the temperature is too high or too low, you will be able to receive an alert. Maybe your cooling or heating system is malfunctioning and you want to avoid costly damage, such as freezing of pipes.
You can install a wifi temperature and humidity sensor in an important place indoors, and set the wifi, you can safely grasp the temperature and humidity of this place for a long time. Not only is it easy to operate, but the price is cheap, which can save you a lot of costs.
Temperature and humidity monitoring of refrigerators or cold storage
To monitor the temperature of the refrigerator or freezer, you only need to replace an extension probe for the wifi temperature sensor and put the probe in the refrigerator or cold storage after setting. This not only can effectively measure, but also ensure that the equipment is not damaged by the low-temperature environment.
For example, if you have a walk-in refrigerator or freezer, you can monitor its temperature without opening the refrigerator door. This is why WiFi links are so beneficial. If the temperature is out of range, you can even receive an alert.
If you run a business, you might benefit from the temperature logging feature, which displays information to the insurance company when the power is off.
Temperature and humidity monitoring in computer rooms and warehouses
Set up multiple wifi temperature and humidity recorders in important places such as computer rooms, warehouses, and set the upper and lower limits of temperature and humidity. Once the environment is too cold, overheated, or too humid, you will receive an alarm message remotely. This is where the remote temperature and humidity sensor can play a role. You only need to install the equipment in a fixed area according to the requirements.
With this, you can avoid any costly loss and damage in industrial environments such as your computer room and warehouse.
Multi-room temperature and humidity monitoring
Since the RS-WS-WIFI-6*-*-EX temperature and humidity sensor is directly connected to your WiFi, install an appropriate number of temperature and humidity sensors in each room or office area, and then multiple sensors share the same WiFi and realize centralized monitoring.
You will be able to see if there are cold or warm areas in your home and adjust your heating or cooling system.
In addition, you will see all the room temperature sensors on the same app, and you can add as many sensors as you want. It is the icing on the cake for your smart home.
FAQs
1. Can I monitor temperature and humidity remotely from my phone?
Yes, the RS-WS-WIFI-6*-*-EX temperature and humidity sensor is indeed wireless and doesn’t need to be limited by distance. Even at a distance from home you can know the temperature and humidity via your mobile phone.
2. How far can the sensor be from the WiFi router and still work?
Based on the signal coverage of your existing WiFi router, the RS-WS-WIFI-6*-*-EX system uses the WiFi signal to communicate with the APP application. Typically, most routers operating at 2.4 GHz will give you good coverage of up to 30-50 meters in the typical home environment. Effective range may be diminished in areas that are surrounded by heavy industrial equipment, metal shelving or thick concrete walls. A WiFi range extender or mesh network node between the WiFi router and sensor will correct the situation if the location is weak signal. The range of the sensor is not the problem, coverage of the router is.
3. What is the difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi, and why doesn't the sensor support 5GHz?
The 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are the frequencies which WiFi routers operate on. 5GHz provides higher data speeds, but lower range and wall penetration. The 2.4 GHz band is slower, and penetrates walls and obstacles much better.
For a temperature and humidity sensor that transmits small data packets at intervals of seconds or minutes, raw speed is irrelevant. What matters is stable, long-range connectivity through walls and across large spaces. 2.4GHz is the correct choice for this application, which is why virtually all industrial IoT sensors use it. As a bonus, 2.4GHz is universally supported by every router manufactured in the past 15 years, ensuring broad compatibility.
Note: The WIFI5 variant of this product supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz if your deployment specifically requires 5GHz connectivity.
4. Is the sensor vulnerable to hacking? How is my data protected?
The RS-WS-WIFI-6*-*-EX wireless sensor employs the current industry standard security protocol for wireless networks – WPA/WPA2 WiFi encryption – to secure data transfer between the wireless sensor and the wireless router. Transmission of data to the cloud platform is done over HTTPS. This means that your monitoring data is as secure as your password and WiFi credentials and your platform account credentials. Standard precautions should be observed: Avoid using the same password for both the router and your cloud platform account and do not connect the sensor to open public wi-fi networks.
5. My cold storage runs at -30°C. Can this sensor handle that?
Yes. The external probe operates from -40 to +120°C, so you can get up and running in -30C deep freeze comfortably. The important installation factor is that only the probe has to be installed in the cold environment.
6. The sensor triggered an alarm but I didn't receive a notification. What should I check?
There are a number of common causes. Solve them in order:
- First, make sure that your phone’s notification settings for the app are ON.
- Second, make sure that the sensor is still connected to WiFi. The sensor will not be able to send the alerts until it reconnects to the network (if it reboots or the network goes down).
- Thirdly, verify that the alarm threshold settings in the platform are set correctly.
- Lastly, make sure that your cloud platform account has a registered contact (e.g. email or phone number) to receive alarms.
7. The sensor reading differs from my handheld thermometer. Which one is correct?
Both devices may be correct – measuring slightly different things. Temperature and humidity vary across a room depending on proximity to heat sources, air vents, sunlight, and airflow. If the two devices are not positioned in exactly the same location, a difference of 0.5-1°C and 2-3%RH is normal and does not indicate a fault.
When making a measurement comparison, position both devices in the same location, away from any direct airflow and heat source, and give the measurement 15-30 minutes to settle. If the difference is greater than the accuracy of both devices, then the sensor with the more recent factory calibration is likely more accurate.
8. Is there a monthly subscription fee for the cloud monitoring platform?
No. Access to our cloud monitoring platform is free of charge, with no recurring subscription fees.
9. Can I export historical data to Excel for reporting or compliance purposes?
Yes. Historical temperature and humidity data can be exported to the cloud platform in Excel format. This enables the creation of specific reports, analysis of the data by the user, or reporting to outlying organizations like regulatory authorities, auditors or insurance companies.
10. Can multiple sensors interfere with each other?
No. The RS-WS-WIFI-6*-*-EX sensor is an independent unit on your WiFi network, sending its own IP address to the router. No cross-talk and interference between the sensors. The multiple units can be deployed on the same network without any degradation in performance.
Renke Technical Team
Written by the Renke Technical Team. Renke (Shandong Renke Control Technology Co., Ltd.) is a professional manufacturer of industrial environmental monitoring instruments, with over 15 years of experience in the design, production, and deployment of temperature and humidity sensors across industries including cold chain logistics, pharmaceutical storage, data center infrastructure, and industrial automation. Content published under this byline draws on real-world product development knowledge, field deployment experience, and direct customer feedback from thousands of installations. Our goal is to provide accurate, technically grounded information that helps readers make confident decisions. All technical content published on this site is reviewed by Renke's in-house engineering team.
