@Olegus et al

It appears as if the TP Link support staff don't know what they're talking about.  Do NOT "apply force" to remove the face plate from the paddle.  You will almost certainly break the tabs.

Instead, gently lift the top two tabs that are holding the plate down to the paddle assembly.   While lifting the tabs, pull the face plate away from the rest of the assembly.

Hopes this helps everyone else encountering this problem.

@DBF It baffles me people are having such a problem snapping it off. It came off in seconds... It's not rocket science...

@NJBob  It's all in how you hold it.  Put your thumbs on the paddle, your other fingers behind the faceplace, and push with your thumbs.

@FrankenGeek Thank you so much for the photo on how to remove this plate. Perfect! I was ready to send these things back because I couldn't get the bloody plate off the switch. They should make it more clear on how to do this because people are damaging the switch. Thank you!

@NJBob

I found a trick which resolved the issue for me.  I used a hair dryer on high heat for a couple minutes until I felt the heat on the plate.  In a way it might have "soften" the plastic and made it easier to remove the plate.  I did it twice - once before installation, and the 2nd time because I had the plate installed upside down with the recess pointing up.  Hope this help, but definitely a 'defect' in the design.

NJBob wrote

I just bought two HS220's and am ready to begin installation, however, I can't get the faceplate off and I'm afraid to force it.  What's the trick?

Thanks!

@Carl 

I recently purchased 3 of the hs220 and one of the screwless plates came broken how can I get a replacement.