Nanoleaf Read Write Operation Failed? – Fix in Minutes

Wondering why is Nanoleaf read write operation failed? Let’s find out!

The “read/write operation‌ failed” error message appears on the app when your Nanoleaf lights and hub are connected to a different network.

Continue reading to learn more if you are having trouble with the same error message.

Several factors can cause the Nanoleaf read/to write failed errors, including bugs or glitches due to unstable network connection or a different WiFi frequency.

The solution requires inspecting each possibility and addressing the issue accordingly!

Without further ado, let’s start troubleshooting the Nanoleaf read/write error.

Nanoleaf Read Write Operation Failed? Easy Solutions!

Note: To fix the read/write errors on Nanoleaf devices, try the following troubleshooting methods, and don’t skip anything since all of them are essential.

1. Shift the Controller To Another Panel

If you encounter a read-write error while using the Nanoleaf controller, try connecting it to a different panel.

Since the panels to which the controller is currently connected may be having problems, which is why the read-write error is coming.

Note: Make sure the new device is having the latest firmware to whom you are shifting!

Here is how to shift the Nanoleaf controller to another panel:

1. Launch the Nanoleaf Smarter Series app.
2. Navigate to the ‘My Device‘ section in the app.
3. Delete the current panel device from the app.
4. Next, tap on Add device to change the panels. 
5. Follow the on-screen instruction with the new device.

In case the “read-write” error appears on a different panel as well, keep reading!

2. Soft-Reset the Controller

Reset the Nanoleaf controller because glitches in devices often result in connectivity problems.

Also, soft resetting the device is a simple yet effective troubleshooting method that resolves all temporary glitches and unusual issues from the device. 

Here is how to soft reset the Nanoleaf controller:

Method #1 Power Cycle

1. Unplug the controller from the power outlet.
2. Wait for about 15 seconds for a discharge.
3. Plug the Nanoleaf controller into the power outlet.

Method #2 Hard-Reset

1. Plug in the Nanoleaf controller and panel lights.
2. Locate the power button from the controller.
3. Then press and hold the Power and + button.
4. Keep pressing the button for about 15 seconds.
5. Then release the two buttons simultaneously.
6. Wait for the lights to turn from flash to steady.
7. Next, delete the Elements from the Nanoleaf app.
8. Pair the Nanoleaf element again with the app.

Note: Above steps will reset all devices if they are connected to the same WiFi network!

How To Pair The Nanoleaf Elements Into The App?

1. Launch the Nanoleaf App. 
2. Tap on the More tab button.  
3. Tap on My Device and delete the previous elements.
4. Next, tap on the + to add an element.
5. Select Elements as your product.
6. Next, pair the elements into the app.
7. Wait until the camera opens in the app.
8. Scan the QR code of your device.

Info: In case this method does not remove the “read-write” error, proceed with the next step!

3. Reboot the WiFi Router & Device!

If after resetting the device you still encounter Nanoleaf read/write operation failed error in the Nanoleaf app, your device is still having WiFi connectivity problems.

The next step is to restart your phone on which the Nanoleaf app is installed and the WiFi router. 

• Rebooting the router and mobile will reset all the network glitches!

How to Reboot The WiFi Router?

1. Use the power button to turn off the router
2. Unplug the WiFi router from the power outlet.
3. Wait for about 2 minutes for a power cycle.
4. Plug the router into the power outlet. 

How to Reboot Your Smartphone?

1. Press and hold the Power button.
2. Tap on Restart / Reboot button.
3. Turn on your phone.

Tip: It’s recommended to shut down your devices, and not only select the restart option!

4. Inspect the Network Connection!

It is now clear that the read-write operation failed error appears when the Nanoleaf panels, controller, and hub are connected to a different network.

The next thing you have to check is whether both devices are connected to the same WiFi, specifically to the same frequency.

Note: HomePod, HomePod mini, iPad, and Apple TV can be used as Nanoleaf hubs!

Wireless Connection?

Dualband routers typically have two WiFi networks, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. So you need to ensure that your smartphone, hub, or device is connected to the same WiFI as your Nanoleaf panel.

Ethernet Cable?

Also, if you have connected the hub via Ethernet cable, then make sure the cable is connected to the same WiFi router with whom your phone and panel lights are connected to.

Once you are sure that your Nanoleaf hub and panels are connected to the same network, then open the app and check for the read-write error.

If the error “read-write operation failed” continues to appear in the app, keep reading!

5. Establish & Connect to a 2.4 GHz WiFi

Since Nanoleaf devices only connect to 2.4 GHz networks, make sure your network’s frequency is compatible.

If your WiFi router is configured to operate at only 5 GHz, then that could be the cause of your Nanoleaf devices’ network read/write operation failed error.

Here is how to set the network to 2.4 GHz frequency:

1. Connect a computer/laptop to your router.
2. Open a web browser on your computer/laptop.
3. Enter “192.168.1.1” in the browser.
4. Enter the admin/admin to sign into your router.
5. Tap on  Manage My WiFi or Wireless Settings. 

• Then, uncheck the check box named “keep common SSID and Password same for both” from the top of the screen.

Tip: In addition, label both your WiFi broadbands, respectively so you can know to which WiFi to connect your smartphone and Nanoleaf panel.

6. Reinstall the Nanoleaf App!

You are getting the “read/write operation failed error” in the Nanoleaf app, the culprit may be because the app is having glitches or bugs.

It’s also possible that the app is outdated and we can address all these possibilities at once by performing a clean reinstallation.

Here is how to reinstall the Nanoleaf app:

1. iOS: Tap and hold on to the Nanoleaf app icon.
2. Android: Uninstall the Nanoleaf app from Settings. 
3. Navigate to your device’s App Store or Play Store. 
4. Search for the Nanoleaf app from the search bar. 
5. Press the Install button to download the latest version.
6. Wait until the app installation completes. 
7. Once the Nanoleaf app is installed, launch the app. 
8. Log in to the app and check whether the error is there.

Alert: Ensure that you’ve downloaded the official Nanoleaf app, only from the official sources!

7. Check For Bluetooth Interference

If the read/write error continues to appear after reinstalling the Nanoleaf app, check for Bluetooth wireless interference, as Bluetooth frequently prevents devices from communicating. 

Here are the factors that cause Bluetooth interference:

• Nearby Bluetooth-Enabled Devices 
• Bluetooth is enabled on your phone
• Active Bluetooth near the controller, hub, or panels
• Devices such as Baby Monitors and Bluetooth Adapters

Info: Check for any Bluetooth-enabled devices nearby and turn off the Bluetooth on all devices to get rid of wireless interference. 

Once you have done this, then open the Nanoleaf app and check for the read-write error.

Need More Help?

In case you’ve tried everything from the guide above but nothing managed to help, perhaps you would use some professional help.

The best way to proceed to troubleshoot your Nanoleaf errors is by contacting Nanoleaf Customer Service and reporting your issue.

Reminder: Don’t forget whether your Nanoleaf device warranty is still active!

Quick Recap:

Thus to fix the Nanoleaf read write operation failed error, shift control to another panel, soft reset the elements, reboot the router and your device, remove Bluetooth interference, and make sure that the hub and panels are connected to the same network.

Read Next: Nanoleaf Not Connecting? – Complete Fix Guide