How to Fix Nanoleaf Controller Not Working?

Wondering why your Nanoleaf controller not working? Let’s find out from this guide!

Many homeowners prefer to install Nanoleaf lights for the best home lighting experience but sometimes they experience issues when the when the main controller fails.

If you’re unsure how to troubleshoot and what’s causing the issue, continue reading throughout the guide

If your Nanoleaf controller is not working, power cycles the device and check whether the unit is connected to good and consistent internet.

However, if your controller still doesn’t start to work, you have to troubleshoot your controller by following our guide.

Let’s unwrap more detail about the Nanoleaf controller!

Why Is Nanoleaf Control Panel Not Working?

Several factors can restrict the Nanoleaf controller from working, so it’s crucial to identify the root causes in order to troubleshoot effectively.

Here is a description, as concise as possible:

✅ Connectivity Issues

If the Nanoleaf control panel or your mobile device loses WiFi or internet connection, the Nanoleaf controller will stop working.

✅ Incompatible Frequency

The Nanoleaf controller does not support 5 GHz WiFi and only connects to 2.4 GHz threads of the network router.

✅ Power Issues

If there is no power to the Nanoleaf control panel or the outlet or adapter is faulty, the controller will stop working immediately.

✅ Technical or Software Bugs

Sometimes bugs and errors in Nanoleaf software may cause conflict with the Nanoleaf app or control panel and may cause issues.

✅ Faulty Controller Hardware

Any fault with the physical hardware of the Nanoleaf control panel causes it to not work with other devices.

These are the possible causes so let’s dive into the troubleshooting guide!

How To Fix When Nanoleaf Controller Not Working?

Tip: Follow the steps in the guide in consecutive order for the best outcome!

1. Power Cycle Nanoleaf Controller!

It’s important to ensure that your Nanoleaf controller is receiving power because maybe the device is experiencing a power insufficiency and that’s why the controller is not working.

All you have to do is power cycle your Nanoleaf controller to refresh the power income.

Here is how to power cycle the Nanoleaf controller:

1. Turn OFF the power to the Nanoleaf controller.
2. Wait for about 2 minutes for the complete discharge.
3. Turn ON the power to the Nanoleaf controller.

Reminder: After power cycling, ensure that the lights are on and that the controller is connected to the internet, otherwise it won’t be operational.

2. Reboot the Wireless Router!

First, ensure that your Nanoleaf controller, lights, and mobile are connected to the same WiFi, hence the same router, and that the internet and WiFi are consistent.

In that set of thoughts, the controller will not work when your devices keep disconnecting or the internet is just slow.

• The easiest way to refresh the network is by rebooting your wireless router!

Here is how to reboot your WIFi router in easy steps:

1. Unplug your WiFi router from the wall socket.
2. Wait for about 5 minutes to fully discharge.
3. Plug our router directly into the wall outlet.
4. Ensure that your Nanoleaf is connected.
5. Test…

Tip: Keeping your router unplugged for longer also helps against overheating, which is another reason why Nanoleaf disconnects and the controller stops working.

3. Reset Device’s Network Connection!

If power cycling the WiFi router does not resolve the issue, the next step is to turn off the WiFi on your mobile/tablet and then, back on to reconnect.

Also, make sure your mobile device is connected to the same network as your controller since this is the fundamental rule!

Here is how to reset the network on mobile:

1. On your mobile, navigate to Settings.
2. From the settings, tap on the WiFi tab.
3. Tap on the WiFi toggle button set to OFF.
4. With the Power button, restart your mobile.
5. Navigate back to the WiFi tab in the Settings.
6. Tap on the toggle button to turn ON the WiFi.

Note: Remember to test your controller after resetting the network on your device!

4. Switch the WiFi Frequency!

The Nanoleaf controller does not connect to a 5GHz network and therefore it is important to only connect your controller to 2.4GHz threads.

So, simply access your router settings without any hassle to make sure that your WiFi router is only set to a 2.4GHz frequency.

Note: Jump to the next method if you’re already using the 2.4 GHz broadband!

Here is how to check your WiFi router frequency for the Nanoleaf controller:

1. Type 192.168.1.1 into a browser to enter the router’s control panel.
2. Log-in, in using the default – Username: admin, Password: password.
3. Tap on the Wireless Settings and go to Advanced Wireless Settings.
4. If your router is set to dual or 5 GHz frequency, switch to 2.4 GHz.
5. Tap on Save to apply the settings and reboot the network router.

Note: When the router restarts and the internet comes online, reconnect the Nanoleaf device and test whether the controller is now working.

5. Update Nanoleaf Firmware Version!

The next important step is to check if there is a firmware update available for your Nanoleaf device because maybe your controller is not working due to OS compatibility issues.

Updating the Nanoleaf firmware happens easily and all you need is to follow the steps below:

1. Open the Nanoleaf mobile app.
2. Navigate to the app Settings.
3. Tap on the Firmware Updates.
4. Tap on the Update button (if available).

Info: In case you’re unable to locate an “Update” button perhaps your Nanoleaf is up to date!

6. Soft-Reset the Nanoleaf Device!

If still, your Nanoleaf shapes controller not working after trying all of the above methods, then the next step would be a complete soft reset.

This method does not delete anything from the in-app Nanoleaf settings, instead, it will unpair the Nanoleaf from the app and pair cleanly!

Step #1 Delete Your Nanoleaf Device

1. Open the Nanoleaf mobile app.
2. Tap on the More button from the to.
3. Tap on the My Devices to enter.
4. Then tap on the Nanoleaf Gear icon.
5. Press on the Delete option to remove.

Step #2 Re-Pair Your Nanoleaf Device

1. Open the Nanoleaf App and tap on “More”.  
2. Select My Devices from the menu.
3. Then tap on the + to re-pair the Nanoleaf.
4. Then choose the Nanoleaf devices to pair.
5. The camera will open, so scan the code.
6. Tip: The code is located on the controller!
7. The Nanoleaf should be successfully paired.

Once you finish the above steps then check whether your Nanoleaf controller starts working.

If it is still not working, then proceed with the next method in the guide!

7. Factory Reset the Nanoleaf Controller!

The ultimate solution is to perform a factory restoration, which is the harshest method against any issues, including an inactive Nanoleaf controller.

This process will delete everything such as Wi-Fi, all saved pairing configurations, and all saved scenes in the Nanoleaf app.

Here is how to factory reset the Nanoleaf controller:

1. Press and hold the “+” and Power buttons simultaneously!
2. Release only when the LEDs on the controller start to flash.
3. Shortly after the Power button light will become steady.
4. Wait for about 60 seconds until your Nanoleaf fully resets.

Reminder: Don’t forget to pair the Nanoleaf lights with the app when the reset is over!

Check For Faulty Controller – Using The Serial Number!

If your Nanoleaf controller is manufactured back in 2021 then possibly you have got a faulty Nanoleaf controller and that’s why it is not working.

All you have to do is use your product serial number to see if your controller is faulty.

• According to Nanoleaf, the 2021 controller batch manufacturing has a power regulation design problem!

You have to visit Nanoleaf Customer Support and enter your Nanoleaf control serial number to get the details about your product.

If your controller is found faulty, don’t worry, you can get a replacement with a new Nanoleaf controller and even you won’t have to pay any shipping fees.

Tip: Don’t forget to share your experiences after this guide and what you’ve already tried when communicating with a Nanoleaf representative!

Quick Recap:

Whenever your Nanoleaf controller not working, power cycle the controller and WiFi router, connect all devices to the same 2.4GHz WiFi, and update the firmware.

Also, perform a soft or factory reset on your Nanoleaf controller to resolve the issue! Follow us for more helpful guides!

Read Next: Nanoleaf Not Connecting? – Complete Fix Guide