Nanoleaf Not Connecting? – Complete Fix Guide

When Nanoleaf not connecting, whether it’s a Nanoleaf LED panel or a smart bulb, we can immediately assume two reasons – the power supply and the internet connection.

The solution, however, involves much more!

When a Nanoleaf bulb or a LED panel is not connecting to the mobile app, we first need to ensure that our device is connected to a 2.4 GHz WiFi frequency.

If that’s not the case, then the mobile app and device have to be refreshed in order for the Nanoleaf to connect.

Let’s unwrap more!

Reasons Why Nanoleaf is Not Connecting!

Whenever the panel or Nanoleaf bulb not connecting, the obvious factors might not always be the true culprit, so we better know all of them.

We’ve conducted a list of the most frequent causes why Nanoleaf products won’t connect to the mobile app.

1. WiFi issues (signal, credentials, firewall).
2. Insufficient power supply, faulty equipment.
3. Outdated Nanoleaf or app device firmware.
4. Incorrect WiFi frequency (5 GHz not supported).
5. Internet connection drops, outages, or low speed.
6. Nanoleaf panel or bulb is not set up correctly.
7. Nanoleaf mobile application-related blunder.
8. Faulty or damaged Nanoleaf panel or bulb.

Try This First!

The very first and most important method to attempt is power circulation. Simply unplug the Nanoleaf panel or unscrew the bulb from the light fixture.

Then patiently wait for a few minutes until the device cools down and in the meantime, also reboot the mobile device hosting the app.

How To Fix When Nanoleaf Not Connecting?

In order to solve the problem, we’ll start with something simple such as attempting the pairing process correctly.

Hence, it’s important to follow the order of our guide so let’s jump in!

1. Connect Nanoleaf to WiFi *Correctly*

One of the major reasons why your Nanoleaf LED panel or bulb is not connecting to the app is probably due to a mistake in the setup process.

This is why the first step in our guide would teach the reader how to perform the process in the correct manner.

Here’s how to connect Nanoleaf to the mobile app in easy steps:

1. Ensure that your device is connected to WiFi.
2. Navigate to the App Store or Google Play.
3. Download and install “Nanoleaf Smarter Series”.
4. Sign in to an existing account or create a new one. 
5. Ensure that the Nanoleaf device is plugged in.
6. Tap on the “+” icon in the Nanoleaf mobile app.
7. Then select Add Device, to wait for the scan.
8. When your Nanoleaf device appears, select it.
9. Customize your new Nanoleaf device in the app.

That’s it, nothing too complex and challenging, except that sometimes the Nanoleaf device won’t appear during the scan.

Well, if that’s the case then continue with the next step ahead!

2. Inspect the Wireless Network (WiFi)

The most important factor when it comes to connection problems with any smart device is the wireless network (WiFi) in our home.

The Nanoleaf LED panel or bulbs are no exception and you need to verify and provide a reliable network environment before re-attempting the setup!

There are two general aspects to pay attention to:

Test WiFi Consistency:

You can use the device that is hosting the Nanoleaf app to check the consistency and reliability of your wireless network.

From the app store, you can find and download a Network Utility, that would allow you to ping Google’s DNS and observe whether packets time out.

• Command: “ping 8.8.8.8 -t” – without the brackets!

Tip: Some network utility apps we recommend are “PingTools” for Android or “Ping - Network Utility” for iOS (Apple) devices.

Check WiFi Frequency:

The frequency of your WiFi matters the most since the Nanoleaf LED panels and bulbs only connect to a 2.4 GHz WiFi and do not support the 5 GHz thread.

This is why you need to ensure that the mobile device, used for the Nanoleaf application is connected to a 2.4 GHz broadband.

Note: Users with non-dual band routers, have only one available WiFi, which is 2.4 GHz!

3. Disable your 4G (Cellular Internet)

A quick solution that you should attempt is to stop the cellular (mobile data) 4G or 5G on the device used for the Nanoleaf app.

Sometimes, when the WiFi becomes slower than your mobile data speed, the smart device automatically switches to the faster internet.

In case your phone, is switched from WiFi to 4G or 5G when you’re attempting to connect the Nanoleaf LED panel or bulb, it’s clear why the pairing fails.

On any smartphone, the mobile data can be found within Settings, in the “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” tab, and can be disabled.

Reminder: If you’re still concerned that your WiFi is inconsistent, reboot your network router!

4. Stop an Activated Airplane Mode!

Sometimes our device and the Nanoleaf panel or bulb can’t connect due to the enabled Airplane Mode on our host device.

The mode is designed to completely disconnect the device from the network, involving WiFi, cellular, Bluetooth, and much more connectivity features.

Disable Airplane Mode on Android:

• On Android, access the Quick Menu and tap on the Airplane Icon.

Disable Airplane Mode on Apple:

• On iPhone 8 and below, slide from the bottom and tap on the Airplane Icon!
• On iPhone 10 and above, slide from the top and tap the Airplane Icon.

Info: When you’re ready to disable the mode, test whether Nanoleaf would connect, and don't forget to follow the first step in this guide for reference.

5. Connect to a Different Outlet

The power source plays a vital role in the Nanoleaf connection since the pairing process might be interrupted and fail due to fluctuations in the power.

The device needs to remain working during the connection process so, if the power outlet is faulty or defective, this won’t happen.

• Simply, plug your Nanoleaf LED panel into a different power outlet!

Also, avoid plugging the device into a power strip or divider and use a direct connection straight into the wall. In case the connection won’t go through, continue reading the next step!

6. Reinstall the Nanoleaf Mobile App!

Sometimes the reason why Nanoleaf is not connecting to the app is due to a bad installation or a corrupted application cache. The best way to target both possibilities at once is to 

Reinstall Nanoleaf App on Apple:

• To remove apps on an Apple device, hold the icon and tap on the “–” sign!

Reinstall Nanoleaf App on Android:

• To uninstall apps on Android, go to Setting > Storage > Apps > Nanoleaf

Tip: The exact Nanoleaf app name in the Google Play and App Store is “Nanoleaf Smarter Series”.

7. Try Connecting via QR Code!

In case you didn’t know, in the package of your Nanoleaf product there should be a Nanoleaf Welcome Card, which you might have missed.

If you’re able to discover and re-acquire the card now, you would be able to establish a different way to connect the Nanoleaf to the app.

The QR code also exists on the back of the Nanoleaf Controller and on the Power Supply (Adapter), and there are codes available for both iOS and Android.

• Open your phone’s camera and scan the QR code!

Info: If you’ve got the Nanoleaf Smarter Series app installed, after the scan you would be sent straight into the pairing menu. 

In case the app is not installed on your device, the scan outcome would be a redirection to the appropriate app page in the app store.

8. Use a Different “Host” Device

Sometimes the issue might not be with the Nanoleaf LED panel or the bulb, it’s possible that the reason why it’s not connecting is due to the host device.

This is why, we strongly recommend checking whether the Nanoleaf would connect from a different platform and hardware.

You can use any tablet or smartphone as long as the app is supported, so based on your findings you would be able to draw a conclusion.

In case the issue is persistent and you weren’t able to solve the connection problem, let’s check next what are the final steps!

Still Need Help?

In case the Nanoleaf LED panel or bulb is not connecting even after attempting all of the steps above, perhaps you’ve been sent a faulty unit.

The best course of action would be to check if the product’s warranty is valid and contact Nanoleaf Customer Support directly.

Tip: Always share what you’ve attempted here in order to spare time!

Quick Recap:

Here we’ve learned that Nanoleaf not connecting to the mobile app would only be a result of an internet connection problem or issues with the host device.

As described in the guide, the solution requires a thorough inspection of all Nanoleaf networking aspects!

Read Next: Why Are Nanoleaf So Expensive? – Facts Revealed