Stop the Flickering: Smart Lighting Troubleshooting
Flickering smart lights can be extremely annoying. Unlike traditional bulbs, smart bulbs contain internal microchips that are highly sensitive to electrical current fluctuations. If your smart bulbs are flickering, here are the most common causes and how to fix them.
1. Connected to a Physical Dimmer Switch
This is the number one cause of flickering. Smart bulbs are designed to receive full, steady voltage. If you install a smart bulb in a fixture controlled by an analog wall dimmer, the reduced voltage will cause the bulb’s microchips to malfunction and flicker. Fix: Replace the physical dimmer with a standard on/off switch, or set the physical dimmer to 100% brightness.
2. Unstable Wi-Fi Connection
If a Wi-Fi smart bulb loses connection to your router, it may blink or flicker as it attempts to reconnect. Fix: Move your router closer, or install a Wi-Fi range extender.
3. Electrical Overload
If your lights flicker when high-power appliances (like air conditioners or microwaves) turn on, your home’s circuits may be experiencing voltage drops. Fix: Install a voltage stabilizer or consult an electrician.
