The remote control is an essential component of LED lights. Without your remote, you would be unable to control or turn on the lights.
Unfortunately, there are situations where you lose the remote or it stops functioning. It may not seem easy to use the LED without the remote.
However, there are several ways to manipulate your lights even without the remotes. So how many alternatives can you use without the remote?
The best way to turn on LED lights without a remote is to find another device to act as a remote. Examples of such devices include computers, smartphones, and google assistant devices. Additionally, you can create a manual switch to turn on the lights. You could also connect a smart switch to ease the stress of always going to the manual switch.
How Can I Control My LED Lights Without a Remote?
You can control your LED lights without a remote in several ways. The essential thing is to find a method that suits you. Then, you can rely on this method anytime you have no remote.
Below are six ways to turn on LED lights without a remote.
#1. Connection to Power Outlet
The easiest method is to turn on the LED lights by plugging the power adapter into an outlet. A power supply adapter is mostly connected to the LED lights.
However, few LED lights support this feature, but there is a method to adjust this. Alternatively, you can remove the receiver strip and directly plug the light into the outlet.
Both methods would turn on the lights effortlessly. Although it is best to use it only as a temporary solution, so it doesn’t increase your utility bill.
#2. Manual Controller
You can install a manual controller to turn the LED lights on and off. The controller also allows you to access other features to adjust the lights as you like.
There are different types of manual controllers for different purposes. Some options include a dial dimmer, touch dimmer, inline On/Off switch, and inline RGB controller. You can choose from the different options based on what you need.
The uses of each type of manual controller are outlined below.
| Manual Controllers | Uses |
|---|---|
| Inline on/off switch | It helps to turn the lights on and off like wall switches. |
| Dial dimmer | It uses a dial to brighten and dim the lights. |
| Touch dimmer | It uses touch or taps to brighten and dim the lights. |
| Inline RGB controller | It helps you change colors and stimulate the light’s flickering speed. |
#3. Smartphone or Tablet
You can use your smartphone or tablet to control your LED lights by installing an app. In addition, you can use Bluetooth or WiFi to connect the LED lights to your devices.
The app converts your smartphone into a replica of your remote. Several options exist to get the app from your device’s app store.
#4. PC or Mac Computer
You can use your personal or Mac computer to control your LED lights by installing an emulator. The emulator converts the computer to act like your smartphone.
After installing the emulator, you need to download a LED remote control or remote LED RGB app. The remote LED RGB app is compatible with Windows 10 or Mac software.
It can control most Chinese LED lights and magic lighting 24-key strip lights. However, the LED remote control works quite differently.
Unlike the previous app, It helps you to control Sylvania LED lights. The control is more similar to the smartphone LED remote control.
However, you must ensure the system has enough infrared (IR) capacity to use your computer as a remote. In addition, you need an IR blaster for LED remotes to work effectively.
#5. Smart Switches
Using a smart switch helps you control many LED lights within your home. Also, you can use it to control the lights remotely.
So, the switch allows you to control your LED lights even from another state or country. The smart switch comes in handy if you want to control your lights without moving.
#6. Google Assistant Device
You need to get a google assistant device compatible with your LED lights for this method to work. You can also use Alexa if you can’t get a compatible google assistant device. It is best if the LED light is compatible with a voice prompt for effective connection.
You can follow the steps below to connect your LED lights to google assistant.
- Access the Google Home app and select the “Add” button.
- Select “set up the device,” then select “have something already set up.”
- Connect your automated LED lights account.
- Click the option LED lights and select the location of the lights.
- Create a unique name for your LED lights and wait for it to connect to the google home account.
- Click on “done” once the setup is completed.
- Test the light controls with voice commands.
It is essential to note that the lights might often blink while connecting. So, it would be best if you waited till it was stable before clicking “done.”
Following the steps outlined below is best if you intend to connect the lights to Alexa.
- Open your Alexa App
- Add your LED lights skill and enable it.
- The app would redirect you to the LED lights account page.
- Link the account to Alexa and configure the name of the LED device.
- Set up the voice commands you’d prefer when controlling the lights.
- Test the voice commands to know if the setup was successful.
How Do I Connect My LED to My Phone?
Connecting your LED lights to your phone is not as difficult as it seems. You only need the correct application and device.
Here are the steps to connect your LED to your phone outlined below.
#1. Step 1: Download the App
Open your phone’s app store and choose the app that specifically works for your LED models. Then proceed to download and install the app on your phone.
#2. Step 2: Set up your LED Lights
You need to turn on the lights and wait for about ten seconds. Then press and hold the power button for three seconds or more. Your lights would flash two times per every second.
#3. Step 3: Connect the App
The app would have instructions on connecting it to your LED lights. You need to ensure the lights are compatible with the app for the connection to be effective.
However, if you don’t get the app instructions, you can follow the steps below.
- Register and log in to the app (if necessary).
- Click on the “+” button in the upper right corner.
- Move through the menu and choose the LED lights you want to add.
- Select the notification “confirm indicator” blinking on the screen.
- A connection prompt would appear for you to connect your WiFi, then login credentials.
- The LED lights would connect to the app.
- You can then configure the name of your LED and save the setup.
You can use the alternative below if you can’t get an app compatible with your LED model.
- Firstly, you must buy a smart LED controller connecting to a WiFi network.
- Attach the controller’s adapter to your LED strip receiver or power supply.
- Connect the adapter to the LED lights using a 4-pin connector with the smart controller.
- Next, you must download the Magic Home App and create an account.
- Check the body of the controller’s box for WiFi credentials and connect your phone to it.
- Open the app and use a direct connection to connect it to the controller.
- Save the settings on the app.
Why won’t My LED Lights Connect to the App?
The common reasons your LED lights won’t connect to the app mostly relate to technical issues.
However, some of the major reasons are outlined below.
#1. App Doesn’t Support LED Model
The app you intend to use to connect your phone must be compatible with the LED lights model. Some LED models have their unique app, while others would work with any app.
Therefore, if your lights won’t connect to the app you installed, it would be best to download another app or check if the lights have a specific app.
#2. Faulty LED Lights
A defective LED light won’t connect with the app. The defect could be from the storage condition, handling, and issues during production.
You need to make sure you check the new LED lights for defects. Then, it is best to return them to the store for a replacement.
However, if the lights aren’t new and you have never had any issues with them. Then the problem could be from your phone.
Also, your lights won’t connect to the app if powered off. So it would help if you were sure they were on and working effectively.
#3. App Needs Updating
Since most apps need regular updating, your current app could be the old version. Therefore, your version would no longer be compatible with the LED lights.
You need to update the app store app to resolve this issue. First, open the store and search for the app. It will be under the updates section if there is an updated version.
Install the update and connect your LED lights to your phone. Alternatively, you can delete the old version and download a new one to get the updated app.
#4. Phone on Airplane Mode
Your phone won’t connect to any network if it is in airplane mode. So you need to turn off airplane mode and connect your LED lights to the app.
#5. Bluetooth or Connection Issues
You need to turn on your phone’s Bluetooth for the lights to connect. Also, your lights and phone need to be close enough for the connection to succeed.
#6. LED Lights Need Resetting
In some cases, you might need to reset the LED lights for it to connect to the app. The lights will connect to your phone once the reset is successful.
Why Won’t My LEDs Turn on?
Reasons why your LEDs won’t turn on:
#1. Bad Pin Connection
You need to disconnect the pin and check if the pin is bent or not properly connected. You will have to replace the pins if they are faulty.
#2. Bad Capacitors
Inspect the light capacitors for faults. You will have to replace the capacitors if they are faulty. It is better to replace the capacitors than to buy a whole light string.
#3. Inappropriate Power Source
You need the correct voltage compatible with each bulb type. For example, the LED lights won’t turn on unless it receives the appropriate power voltage.
#4. LED Bulbs Screwed Too Tight
Screwing the bulb too tight could affect the connection to the fixture. You only need to apply little pressure when screwing in the light bulbs.
#5. Damaged or Loose Wire
Animals or weather could cause damage to your wires, or the faults may be from the manufacturer. For example, LED lights with faulty wires won’t turn on unless you fix the wiring.
How Do You Reset LED Lights?
Follow the steps outlined below to reset your LED lights.
- Plug in the LED lights to a power outlet.
- Locate the reset button on the side or rear of the unit.
- Turn off the LED lights from the power outlet or power switch.
- Unplug the power supply adapter from the LED strip.
- Long press the reset button for about three to five seconds.
- Replug the power adapter into the LED strip.
- Turn on the lights. The lights would have reset by now.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using your LED lights without the remote control should not be difficult if you use any of the methods outlined. You only need to choose a method you understand perfectly.
If the lights give you any issues when you try to control them without a remote, you can check them for faults or reset them to function effectively.