Skip to main content

WLED

WLED is a feature-rich, open-source firmware for ESP8266 and ESP32 microcontrollers that enables advanced control of addressable LED strips (such as WS2812B, SK6812, and others). With WLED, you can create stunning lighting effects, synchronize lights to music, and integrate your LED installations with smart home platforms like Home Assistant, MQTT, Alexa, and more.

Features and Possibilities​

  • Wide Hardware Support: Works with ESP8266 and ESP32, supporting a variety of addressable LED types.
  • Web Interface: Intuitive browser-based UI for controlling colors, effects, brightness, and presets.
  • Mobile Apps: Control your lights from iOS and Android apps.
  • Over 100 Effects: Includes rainbow, twinkle, chase, music reactive, and custom user effects.
  • Segment Control: Divide your LED strip into multiple segments, each with independent effects.
  • Presets & Playlists: Save favorite configurations and automate effect changes.
  • Sound Reactive: Sync effects to music using an external microphone or line-in (ESP32 only).
  • Home Automation Integration: Works with Home Assistant, MQTT, Alexa, Blynk, and more.
  • API & JSON Control: Integrate with other systems using HTTP, UDP, or JSON APIs.
  • OTA Updates: Update firmware wirelessly.
  • Sync Across Devices: Synchronize effects and colors across multiple WLED controllers.

Typical Use Cases​

  • Ambient lighting for rooms, TVs, and gaming setups
  • Holiday and event decorations
  • Music visualizers and party lights
  • Smart home accent lighting
  • Outdoor architectural lighting

Architecture Overview​

Example: Basic WLED Setup​

  1. Flash WLED Firmware: Use the official WLED installer or ESPHome/OTA tools to flash your ESP8266/ESP32.
  2. Connect Hardware: Wire your LED strip data line to the microcontroller, provide power, and connect ground.
  3. Access Web UI: Connect to the device’s Wi-Fi or find its IP on your network, then open the browser interface.

Example: WLED Web UI​

  • Change colors, brightness, and effects in real time.
  • Create and save presets for different moods or occasions.
  • Set up segments for multi-zone control.

Example: Home Assistant Integration​

WLED can be automatically discovered by Home Assistant. You can control effects, colors, and brightness from the dashboard or automations.

light:
  - platform: wled
    host: 192.168.1.50
    name: "Living Room LED Strip"

Example: HTTP API Control​

You can control WLED from scripts or other systems using simple HTTP requests.

# Turn on and set color to red
curl "http://192.168.1.50/win&T=1&A=255&R=255&G=0&B=0"

Example: MQTT Integration​

WLED can publish and subscribe to MQTT topics for smart home automation.

mqtt:
  broker: mqtt.local
  username: "your_user"
  password: "your_pass"

Example: Segment Configuration (Web UI)​

  • Divide a 300-LED strip into 3 segments (e.g., left, center, right).
  • Assign different effects or colors to each segment.

Example: Sound Reactive Setup​

  • Connect a microphone module to ESP32.
  • Enable sound reactive mode in the WLED UI.
  • Watch your LEDs dance to the beat!

Example: Synchronizing Multiple WLED Devices​

  • Enable sync in the UI or via UDP broadcast.
  • All WLED controllers on your network will mirror effects and colors.

Diagram: WLED in a Smart Home​

Resources​

WLED makes it easy to create beautiful, dynamic lighting for any space. With its rich features, integrations, and active community, it’s the go-to solution for DIY LED projects and smart home