How to fix a LIFX bulb that's not connecting

⚡ Fast fix

• Make sure you're on a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network—not 5GHz.
• Reset the bulb by switching it on and off five times.
• Check that Local Network permissions are enabled for the LIFX app.
• Restart your router and try pairing again.

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LIFX® smart bulbs help you set the perfect mood, whether you're planning a spooky Stranger Things marathon or going for something cozier. But if your LIFX bulb is not connecting to your internet or showing up in the dark, you might be left in the dark. Literally.

At Asurion, we teach you how to get the most out of your smart devices. If you're trying to pair smart light bulbs with your Wi-Fi or curious about saving electricity with smart home devices, we've got the advice you need. Here's our LIFX troubleshooting guide, so you can fix your lighting woes quickly.

Check Wi-Fi and network compatibility

You open the LIFX app to put on your favorite focus lighting, or you're trying to use a DIY smart home hack. But your bulb doesn't show up in the app. Network interference or a bad internet connection could affect LIFX connectivity.

A smart bulb requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network, not the 5GHz connection typically used for smartphones and laptops. If your LIFX bulb is not connected to Wi-Fi, follow these steps:

1. Open the LIFX app and tap the + icon.
2. Tap New Product > New Light > Set Up Device Manually.
3. Choose your smart bulb from the list.
4. Pick your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network and enter the password. Double-check that you use the right case for each letter and add any special characters.

Not sure which is the 2.4GHz network? If you have two networks, choose the one that is not called "YourWiFiName-5g".

If you're still experiencing LIFX Wi-Fi issues, check your signal strength. A weak signal may not reach your smart bulb, so try moving the router closer or adding a Wi-Fi extender. Thick walls or even a fridge can cause Wi-Fi interference for LIFX bulbs.

Check your router settings, too. If you switched on Safe Access or a firewall, your router may block new devices. Use your router's app or a web browser to switch off these settings during the LIFX network setup.

Make sure the bulb is ready to pair

You're going through your smart home checklist, but your LIFX bulb is not connecting to the cloud yet. You might have LIFX pairing issues.

Here's how to make sure your LIFX bulb is in pairing mode:

1. Plug in the light bulb.
2. Reset the LIFX bulb by switching it on and off five times consecutively.
3. The bulb should flash different colors, such as warm to cool or red to green to blue. That means it's entered pairing mode and is ready to reconnect.

Is your LIFX app not detecting the light after all that? Try restarting both the app and the bulb. You can also check the app for ungrouped devices. If your bulb doesn't have a group, choose a Location and name it. For example, you might name a bulb in the kitchen "Island Light" or "Counter Lamp."

Fix common router and app settings that block connections

Certain settings can cause problems during LIFX setup. Start by checking your router for dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) or IP address conflicts. If DHCP is turned off, new devices may not get their own network addresses. Open your router’s app or sign in to the admin page in a web browser, then confirm that DHCP is enabled. Next, check your local network permissions.

On an Android device:

1. Open the Settings app and tap Apps.
2. Choose the LIFX app and tap Permissions.
3. Tap Nearby devices > Allow.

On an iOS device:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security.
2. Tap Local network and find the LIFX app in the list.
3. Tap Allow.

A pending LIFX firmware update may also cause problems, so install it with these steps:

1. In the LIFX app, click the gear icon.
2. Tap Update Firmware and follow the prompts for any listed smart devices.

Updating the LIFX app may also resolve bulb issues. Here's how to do it manually:

1. Open the app store on your mobile device.
2. Tap Updates.
3. Find the LIFX app and tap Update if available.

Resetting the bulb and reconnecting

Still trying to fix your LIFX bulb? Don't panic. These advanced smart lighting troubleshooting tips can help you see the light:

• Try a factory reset if your bulb doesn't appear in the app. Turn the bulb on and off five times.
• Deleting a device is another easy fix for a smart bulb connection issue. In the app, find the name of the bulb and tap the three dots. Tap Light Settings > Remove Device From Cloud.
• Disable any private Wi-Fi networks.
• If your LIFX bulb is not connecting to HomeKit, try resetting the light and router.

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FAQ

Why won’t my LIFX bulb connect to Wi-Fi?

Most connection issues happen because the bulb is trying to join a 5GHz network instead of 2.4GHz, or because DHCP or firewall settings are blocking new devices.

How do I reset a LIFX bulb?

Turn the bulb on and off five times in a row. It should flash different colors, which means it’s back in pairing mode.

Does LIFX work with 5GHz Wi-Fi?

No. LIFX bulbs require a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network to connect properly.

Why is my LIFX bulb not showing in the app?

Make sure Local Network permissions are enabled for the LIFX app and that the bulb has completed pairing mode before attempting setup.