Troubleshooting
Flickering, glitter or random colours
5 checks, sorted by how often they are the cause. For all WLED controllers with ESP32.
Check in this order: the most common and simplest cause comes first. Usually the cause is found after two or three steps.
Common ground (GND)?
Controller and strip need the same negative line. With two power supplies, connect both GNDs. The most common cause of all.
Correct LED type set?
A wrong type (e.g. WS2801 instead of WS281x, or RGB instead of RGBW) produces garbage.
Data line too long?
Keep the run from controller to first pixel as short as possible. For longer runs a signal booster or level shifter (3.3 V → 5 V) helps.
Power supply overloaded?
Does it only flicker on bright effects? Then the power supply is too small. Set the current limiter (ABL) to the PSU rating or use a bigger PSU.
Backup data line (WS2815)?
On strips with a BI line, wire it per datasheet (often to GND at the first pixel). Left open it picks up interference.
Further help
LED-Emotion: WLED basics (German) ↗
Power supply, consumption, GND, level shifter and installation explained in detail.
Set planner →
Calculate PSU, feed points, current per pixel and matching controllers for your strip.
Other problems
- Nothing lights up at all
- Colours are wrong (red is green …)
- Reddish, yellowish or dimmer towards the end
- Controller can't be reached on the network
- Too dim even at full brightness
- Glows or flashes when switched off
- Controller keeps rebooting
- Doesn't react to music
- Remote doesn't respond
- Lights up only up to a certain point
- Second output or zone stays dark
- Effects stutter or run slowly
- Strip, PSU or controller gets hot
- White looks bluish, pink or uneven
- Settings or presets are gone
- Update failed or controller won’t start
- Home Assistant can’t find WLED
- Schedule switches at the wrong time
- Several controllers aren’t in sync