LED light strips have become a wildly popular lighting option. These beautiful glowing strips are far more energy and cost-efficient than traditional lighting units. They can also be used in a wide variety of places.
Ever seen a backlit kitchen counter or purple glow from beneath a car? You’re probably seeing LED light strips. These strips are operated and customizable using a wireless remote controller. But what do you do when that remote gets lost?
If you lose your LED light strip remote, your best option is to buy a new remote. Depending on your LED light strip model, you could also control them using a smartphone app. A less convenient option is to plug your strip directly into an outlet using an adapter.
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What Are LED Light Strips?
LED strips are long, thin strips of printed circuit board (PCB). They have light-emitting diodes on their surface. These strips are usually half an inch (10-12mm) wide and up to 16 feet long. They come in either 12VDC or 24VDC. Due to their flexibility and adhesive backing, they are widely used for decorative lighting and backlighting.
There are two main types of LED light strips: analog and digital. Analog versions usually come in one color, white. These require a 12-volt style braid, and either come with a controller or an adaptor cable. Digitals are usually RGB light strips that have customizable colors. They come with more colors and effects, and their brightness can be adjusted.
Things to Do When LED Light Strips Lost Remote
On to what you came for! Did you just install your own beautiful LED light strips, only to lose the remote a week later? You’re not the only one. There must be some black hole made for RGB LED remote controllers…
The bad news is, there aren’t too many ways to control them without the remote. Luckily, you have a couple choices. Here are your options for getting the lights back up and glowing again!
1. Buy a new remote controller
We know, this isn’t exactly the quick fix you were hoping for. But there isn’t much you can do to operate your LED light strips without a remote.
This controller is especially crucial for RGB color-changing models. It’ll be near impossible to turn them on or change their color effects without it. The only exception is with certain smartphone IR/RF controller apps. We’ll get to that next.
Look for a new remote from the manufacturer you purchased from. Do they sell individual remote replacements? If you purchased from a box store, return to inquire about their remotes.
If you can’t acquire a replacement remote from the seller, look into getting yourself a universal remote. Their IR receivers allow them to sync up with many different LED light strip models. Try this affordable RGB LED Strip Light Remote Controller from Amazon.
2. Plug the strip into an electrical outlet
This is more of a temporary solution, but it’ll do in a pinch. To pull this off, you’ll need a power supply adapter. To get your lights running again, remove the strip’s receiver and connect it to the adapter. Once you plug it in and flip the switch, it should light up.
Unfortunately, this option takes away your ability to customize your colors. When plugged in, it will likely revert to its default setting. You’ll have working lights, but they’ll be limited to your outlet and an on/off switch. Definitely less exciting.
3. Use a smartphone app as your remote
This is a super cool, high-tech option. Want to turn your smartphone into a magic wand? Some LED light strips (usually RGB ones that change colors) have apps that can control them remotely. This works using IR or RF technology.
What is the best way to find out if your strip is app-compatible? Google search your LED light strip model and the word “app.” Something should come up if it exists.
If your model isn’t already compatible with an app, there is another solution! For this, you’ll need to buy an RGB adapter which costs about $18. You will attach this adaptor to the strip connectors. Then download the app Magic Home. This app will allow you to control your strip through Wi-Fi connection.
How Much Do LED Light Strips Cost?
Aside from the energy efficiency of LED light strips, they are also cost-effective. While incandescent lighting can cost hundreds, LED strips can be purchased for under $100. They will also last around 50,000 hours. That’s bang for your buck!
You can purchase these strips in a spool, or a kit that comes with a controller and adapters. An LED light strip spool costs anywhere from $15-$30. Kits will cost between $15-$70. Kits are recommended if you’re not knowledgeable on electrical units or soldering.
LED Light Strip Uses
The sky’s the limit when utilizing LED light strips. This form of lighting is easy to install yourself. The strips are flexible and come with an adhesive backing. They’re often also color-and-brightness customizable.
From decorative and backlighting, to souping up your ride, let your creativity run wild. Here are some amazing LED light strip uses:
- Light up the inside or outside of your car. Lining key spots within or underneath your vehicle can transform your driving experience. Want your car to glow your favorite color? Place them underneath. Want a cozy space to car camp? Frame the interior ceiling and back window.
- Backlight your computer or TV screen. What gamer or cinema connoisseur doesn’t enjoy a colorful backlit screen? Line the back of your TV or computer with these strips. Your screen will glow even more brilliantly.
- Illuminate your home staircase. Nightlights are a thing of the past. Why not line your staircase on both sides with LED strip lights? You can set these on a timer to stay on overnight. These will prevent you from tripping on your stairs in the dark. They also just make your house look pretty darn cool at night.
- Under light your kitchen cabinets. This is one of the most popular interior design trends these days, and for good reason. You no longer need to install gaudy, expensive lights under your cabinets. Instead, opt for the cheaper, sleeker LED strip lights. Their light will provide more coverage and give the space a warm glow.
- Decorate your house for the holidays. LED strip lights aren’t just for practicality. They are also beautiful, attractive tools for decorating. Their flexible material makes them perfect for lining your house in place of holiday lights. Or wrap them around your tree to upgrade your Christmas spirit without the fire risk!
Related Questions
What LED light strip color is the best for sleep?
Many people like decorating their bedroom with LED light strips. Are your strips color-changing? You might be wondering what the best color is for getting good sleep. Studies show that bright white or blue light creates a more wakeful state. So, opt for warmer colors. Soft oranges, yellows, and even reds will help you get better shut eye.
How do LED light strips work when cut?
Since LED light strips are made of individual circuits, they will still work. The key is to cut them where the line indicators are. If you don’t do this, you might sever a circuit and possibly break the whole strip. After cutting, you can reconnect two separate strips. Do this by inserting a strip connector or soldering on an adapter.
Do LED light strips attract bugs?
Bugs are typically drawn to UV light and heat. They are also attracted to shorter wavelengths of light. Since LEDs emit minimal heat and UV light, they attract less bugs than traditional bulbs. Insects will be more drawn to white or blue colors than warmer tones.
Why are LED light strips flickering?
LED light strips most commonly flicker due to a voltage drop. These strips require a minimum voltage to run smoothly. If the entire strip is flickering and dimmer, you might be dealing with an excessive run length. Try powering your strip from the middle of the run and remove sections from the ends.
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Summing it Up
LED strip lights are thin, flexible circuit boards lined with LED lights. They are cost-efficient and energy saving compared to traditional lighting units. LED strips come in analog white versions, and RGB versions. These are capable of color and brightness customization.
Most LED light strips require a remote controller to operate. Losing this controller will hinder you from changing your LED light strip color and brightness. It might even prevent you from turning them on and off.
If you lose your LED light strip remote, there are a few fixes. Buy a new remote controller or download a smartphone app that controls them. As a last resort, connect them to an adapter, then plug them into an outlet. The latter will limit you to an on/off switch and default color settings.
