LED lights can transform your home into a beautifully-lit aurora — thanks to the plethora of LED colors available in the market.
However, sometimes the light colors may not display correctly, leaving you with a frustrating and unsightly lighting situation. Fret not! We’ll show you how to fix LED lights when the colors are wrong.
To fix the LED lights when the colors are wrong, start by plugging the lights correctly and checking the color settings or the LED controller. Verify if the lights are compatible with the controller you are using. If this doesn’t work, resetting the LED strips may help you get the colors aligned again. If all else fails, it may be necessary to replace the faulty controller or LED lights setup entirely.
But that’s not all!
It’s important to know that there are several reasons behind LEDs malfunction and a different solution for every problem.
This article explains why your LED light colors might have gone wrong and how to troubleshoot this issue so you can enjoy the vibe in your favorite LED color.
Why are Some of My LED Lights The Wrong Color?
If you are perplexed by your LED lights constantly changing color on their own, don’t fret! Several reasons may lead up to such a situation. To help you reach the bottom of the issue, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common culprits that trigger the wrong colors in LED lights.
1. Overheating
Overheating is a prime culprit of lights showing the wrong color light. We know that LED lights don’t generally produce a lot of heat. But constant use for extended periods causes the light to heat up excessively.
Since the diodes are sensitive to temperature changes, your LEDs start to malfunction as they get too hot. This can cause the LEDs to turn on and off by themselves, display the wrong color or appear distorted.
Optimal Solution:
Install aluminum channels to prevent excessive heat build-up and prolong the lifespan of your LED lights. Another smart way to keep your lights cool is by separating them from tight, heated spaces and allowing better ventilation. Using a heat sink or cooling fan to dissipate the heat generated by the lights is also important.
2. Lack of Air Ventilation
If your LED lights are showing the wrong color, it could be due to a lack of air ventilation.
LED lights produce some heat as they operate. If the airflow is insufficient to dissipate this heat, the temperature inside the light fixture can rise.
This can cause the color of the LED lights to shift, making them appear different than their intended color.
Optimal Solution:
To prevent this problem, install the light fixtures in a well-ventilated area that is not too hot or humid. Also, checking and cleaning specks of dust in the light fixture could help.
3. Accidental Paint Splatters
Most homeowners easily overlook this reason when they’ve had LED lights installed in their homes for an extended period.
When you paint your house with LED lights placed around the walls, there is a high risk of paint splattering on the lights accidentally. Even a single speck of paint can dull your diode and cause the light to appear a different color than it should. This is because the paint can absorb or scatter specific light wavelengths, altering how the light is perceived.
Optimal Solution:
To fix this issue, it is necessary to clean the paint splatter off the surface of your LED light. You can gently wipe away the paint with a damp cloth or use a mild solvent, such as rubbing alcohol, to remove the paint. If the paint has dried, you may need to scrape it off with a plastic scraper or a toothbrush.
4. Smart Home Controlling System
If you have a smart home controlling system installed in your home, you can change the color and brightness of the LED lights at the touch of a button.
Sometimes, a change in the smart home app settings can cause the color of your LED lights to change without intimation. Similarly, someone can accidentally press the wrong button and change the LED light’s color or hue if the lights are controlled through a remote. This is especially common in homes with young children.
Additionally, if the lights are not appropriately connected to the smart home system, they may not respond correctly to commands. The firmware of your smart home device could also be un-updated to function well with the lights.
Optimal Solution:
To troubleshoot this problem, double-check the settings on the smart home app or device to ensure that the correct color is selected. Make sure that the lights and the smart home system are compatible before with each other and that your smart home device is running the latest firmware.
5. Automatic Color Changing System
Are you scratching your head, wondering why my white LED turned blue — out of the blue? It could be that your LEDs have a built-in color-changing system.
RGB or multi-color LED lights are programmed to change color in a set pattern, making them a great way to add a dynamic and colorful touch to any space. So if you have bought color-changing LED lights, they will automatically switch hues without warning.
This feature is available in most LED lights, but if were unaware of this option, chances are that you have accidentally set your light settings to change color automatically. So, next time you want your lights to be purple but white, don’t be confused; just check your settings.
Optimal Solution:
Look up your LED lights manual to check if your LED lights have the automatic color-changing feature. Reset your lights to get them back to their default settings, and choose your favorite light color. If all else fails, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or contact customer support for further assistance.
6. Power Supply Problems
If LED lights are showing the wrong color, the problem could be with the power supply. The power supply may need to provide more voltage, which can cause the LED lights to display different colors than intended.
Loose or broken circuits also trigger a malfunction in the LED lights, resulting in wrong light colors. Additionally, if the power supply is not correctly matched to the LED lights, it can cause color shifting.
Optimal Solution:
It’s recommended to check the power supply voltage and ensure it matches the voltage required by the LED lights. In case the issue persists, you may need to replace the power supply or consult the manufacturer for further assistance.
How To Fix LED Lights When The Colors Are Wrong?
We have briefly outlined common causes for LED lights displaying incorrect colors and their quick fixes. However, for a more comprehensive understanding of how to fix LED lights when the colors are wrong, we have created a detailed guide.
So if you have tried the previously mentioned quick fixes but your malfunctioning LEDs have still got you thinking, why are some of my LED lights the wrong color? Just sit back and relax!
We have put together some proven solutions to help you troubleshoot and fix the problem before seeking assistance from a professional.
1. Check The LED Lights Connection, RGB Terminals, & Wires
You first need to check whether the LED lights are plugged in correctly. Since different colors are involved in a completely functional LED light, you should check thoroughly if each hued wire is in its place.
A typical LED light has two ground +/ – black and white wires and other color-coded wires like red, green, blue, etc. Every cable has its terminal; therefore, you must ensure all the wires are in the correct position to fix LED light colors gone wrong. Here’s a quick overview of the process:
- Make sure the + black cable is connected to the +12V terminal.
- Check if the + side of the LED strip aligns with the + side of the connector.
- Recheck the RGB wires to see if they are all connected to their respective terminals.
A common problem with LED lights’ different colors is that the RGB terminals or wires are often mislabeled. This leads to confusion when connecting the colored wires to the correct terminals.
So, why are my red LED lights purple? It may be because you have connected the wrong wire to the terminal.
2. Reset The LED Lights & Controllers
We understand the anxiety that comes with a factory reset. But if you want to fix LED lights and make them display the right colors and hues, try resetting the system.
The reason why your LED lights are showing two different colors might be because of your own interference. It’s easy to mess up the factory setting when you continuously customize your LED lighting, but you can try a few tricks to fix the problem:
- Check the receiver for the ‘reset’ button.
- If you can’t find the ‘reset’ button on the LED strip lights, you can long press the power button to achieve the same effect.
- Some systems can be more complex and require you to unplug and reconnect the power supply.
- If nothing else works, you can check the manufacturer’s website or user manual to look for the exact instructions regarding factory resetting.
3. Replace The Controller or LED Lights
If you’ve exhausted all your options but still figuring out how to fix your LED lights when they don’t change colors, only one option is left: replacing the controller or the entire light setup.
With so many lighting options available in the market, it’s possible to get stuck with a low-quality purchase. Cheaper LED light versions don’t undergo thorough testing and quality checks, often leading to defective pieces with a short life.
However, you should check the remote for probable faults before searching for how to change LED lights. You can also consult the LED manual to try to fix the LED light remote wrong colors. If the issue persists, changing the LED strip light or the remote control is your final call.
7 Precautions to Follow While Fixing Your LED Lights Wrong Colors
Before attempting to fix the wrong colors in your LED lights, it’s best to follow some precautions since you’re dealing with an electrical appliance:
- Turn off the LED lights before checking the terminals and loose wires.
- Once the power has been turned off, unplug the LED lights from the power source. This will ensure that they are not accidentally turned on while you are working on them.
- Wear protective gear such as electrical gloves for maximum safety.
- Do not touch the LED strip or any electrical components with damp hands.
- LED lights are fragile and can be easily damaged. Handle them carefully and gently to avoid breaking them.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when working on your LED lights. This will ensure that the lights are installed and used safely.
- If you are unsure or uncomfortable with making repairs or adjustments, consult a professional electrician for assistance.
How To Fix LED Lights: FAQs
How do I reset the color on my LED?
To reset the color of your LED:
- Plug in the light and press the reset button on the receiver.
- Turn off the power switch and remove the power adapter.
- Press the Reset button again, but keep it pressed for 3 to 5 seconds.
- Plug in the LED lights after turning on the power supply.
Why are half of my LED lights a different color?
One of the reasons why half of your LED lights are a different color is due to voltage drop. As you go further away from the power source, the voltage to reach each LED gets lower. So if you are wondering why are my red LEDs pink, it’s probably because some LEDs aren’t receiving enough voltage to display a bright red hue.
How do you tell if the LED is damaged?
The quickest way to tell if your LED is damaged is by connecting it to a power source or a battery. If the LEDs don’t respond to any connection, chances are high that your LED lights have been damaged, and you may need to replace them.
Why are my LED lights partially working?
If your LED lights are partially working, it could be due to bad pin connections along the length of the strip. It’s also possible that there is a problem with the lights’ power supply, wiring, or connection. Check these components and see if any repairs or replacement is needed.
How is LED color controlled?
Most LED lights can be color controlled with an LED remote. However, some smart devices also allow you to change colors through your mobile phones.
How do I reset my LED remote?
To reset your LED remote, locate the reset button on the remote first. Long-press the button for 3 seconds and test the remote to check if it works. Remember, the reset button is usually tiny, so you may need a paper clip to push it.
Why do LED Strip Lights Turn Yellow?
LED strip lights can turn yellow for various reasons, including the poor quality of the LED strips. A second reason behind the yellowing of the lights or discoloration is insufficient to power or the oxidation effects.
Wrap up!
We have discussed three foolproof solutions to help you figure out how to fix LED lights when the colors are wrong. Hopefully, now you can enjoy your LED lights and match the vibe with your favorite color light.
Which solution worked out best for you? Let us know in the comments section.