WLED Setup Guide

WLED Setup Guide

WLED is the most popular open-source firmware for controlling addressable LEDs. Here’s how to get started.

What You Need

• ESP32 or ESP8266 development board
• LED strip (WS2812B or similar)
• 5V power supply
• USB cable for flashing

Step 1: Flash WLED

Method 1: Web Installer (Easiest)

1. Connect ESP32 to computer via USB
2. Go to install.wled.app
3. Click “Install” and select your board
4. Wait for flashing to complete

Method 2: ESPHome Flasher

1. Download the latest WLED binary from GitHub releases
2. Use ESPHome Flasher or ESPTool to flash

Step 2: First Boot

1. ESP32 creates a WiFi access point named WLED-AP
2. Connect to it (password: wled1234)
3. A configuration page opens automatically
4. Enter your home WiFi credentials
5. The ESP32 reboots and connects to your network

Step 3: Configure LEDs

1. Open WLED web UI (http://wled-XXXX.local or find IP on router)
2. Go to Config → LED Preferences
3. Set:
   • LED Count — Number of LEDs in your strip
   • GPIO Pin — GPIO2 (D4 on most boards), GPIO4, GPIO16
   • Color Order — GRB for WS2812B (try GRB, RGB, BRG if colors are wrong)
4. Click “Save & Reboot”

Step 4: Test

1. Go to the main page
2. Click a color — your LEDs should light up
3. Try different effects in the “Effects” tab
4. Adjust brightness with the slider

Official Documentation →