WLED: Wi-Fi control for addressable LED strips on ESP32
The go-to firmware for controlling WS2812B and similar LED strips from a phone, with 100+ effects and Home Assistant support.
Difficulty:BeginnerCost:Source available
Illustration
Key Facts
- Chip: ESP32 / ESP8266
- LEDs: WS2812B, SK6812, APA102 and more
- Control: web UI, app, Home Assistant, MQTT
- Protocols: E1.31, DDP, Art-Net
About This Project
WLED is firmware that turns an ESP32 (or ESP8266) into a web-controlled LED controller for addressable strips like WS2812B and SK6812. It ships with a huge effect and palette library, segments, presets, playlists, sound-reactive forks, and integrations for Home Assistant, Alexa, MQTT and E1.31/DDP lighting protocols. A beginner can flash it from the browser and have lights running in minutes, while advanced users build whole-house and holiday displays on it.
Source & Attribution
How to Build It
A quick-start guide based on the project documentation
- 1Flash WLED to your ESP32 using the web installer at install.wled.me
- 2Connect to the WLED-AP Wi-Fi network and configure your home Wi-Fi
- 3Wire your LED strip to the ESP32 (data pin, 5V, GND)
- 4Open the WLED web interface at the device's IP address
- 5Configure the LED count and type in LED Settings
- 6Create custom presets and effects
This is a summarized guide based on common patterns for this type of project. Always check the original repository for complete and up-to-date instructions. View full README
Parts List (BOM)
Parts list inferred by MCU Atlas — check the original
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Estimated Total$10–$25 USD
Not included: 3D-printed case, wire, solder, USB cable
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