So, you finally got your hands on the Nanoleaf Essentials Bulbs and lightstrips (took you long enough)! Now it’s time to set them up and officially make your home a smart home. If this is your first time setting up don’t worry—you’re in the right place to get started. Here at Nanoleaf, we’re always here to help out and that’s why we made this quick setup guide!

I’m going to take you through all the ins and outs of the set up for Nanoleaf Essentials so you can get to the fun part that much quicker.

Before we get into more details for troubleshooting your Essentials, let’s first take a look at what’s inside the box so we can get started:

Essentials Bulb

1x A19 | E26 smart lightbulb

1x Quick Start Guide + Pairing Code

Nanoleaf Lightstrip

1x Two Meter Lightstrip

1x Essentials Lightstrips Controller

1x Essentials Lightstrips Power Supply

1x Type A plug (CA/US)

1x Quick Start Guide

Now that we’ve gone over what’s in the box, we’re finally ready to start setting up your Essentials Bulb. But, before pairing, the first task on the checklist is to make sure you’ve installed them properly!

Make sure your light switch is in the “off” position.

Did you know that our Essentials Bulbs are the only Thread-enabled smart bulbs available today? So not only do you get vibrant color and lighting but you’re also guaranteed the fastest and most reliable connection in your home with these smart bulbs. In short, Thread creates a self-reinforcing mesh network, eliminating dropped connections and providing a more reliable network between devices! If you have a compatible Thread Border Router set up in your home (like Nanoleaf Shapes, Lines and Elements or the Apple HomePod mini), your Essentials Bulb and Lightstrip will automatically start running on Thread as soon as they’re paired to the Apple Home App, with no additional steps required.

Now it’s time to pair your bulbs so you can control your lights from your phone and have access to all of the amazing features available. To ensure a smooth pairing process, please make sure you have the following things ready:

– Your Device: Requires iOS 10+, turn ON Bluetooth

– Pairing Code: Found on the welcome card or on the bulb.

Download and Open the Nanoleaf App

1. You can find the official Nanoleaf Smarter Series App in the App Store. Make sure you have the latest version by checking the App Store for the latest updates.

Pairing Your Essentials Bulb

1. Select the MORE tab.
2. Select MY DEVICES and + to add a device.
3. Select ESSENTIALS Bulb as your product and START PAIRING.
4. Scan the QR code from a welcome card or from a bulb.
5. Your Bulb should now be connected and ready to go.

Additional Pairing Methods

OPTION A: Pair your bulb with manual Input! Just enter your 8-digit pairing code (found on the welcome card or bulb)

OPTION B: Pair with HomeKit + Siri

1. Make sure your Essentials lights are connected to power, and that your HomeKit device is paired to your smartphone.
2. Open the Home app, and tap the “+” symbol at the top of the screen.
3. Tap “Add an accessory,” and enter the pairing code for your Essentials device. The pairing code can be found on the back of the controller for the Essentials lightstrips, and by the side of the base on the Essentials bulbs. You can either use the camera to scan it, or manually enter the 8 digit pairing code.
4. It’ll take a moment to connect, then you can choose a room location to place the light.

Now that you’ve set up your iOS device with your bulb, you can also have multiple users control the lights using the Apple Home App and the Nanoleaf App:

Primary User:

1. Open the Nanoleaf App.
2. Select the MORE tab.
3. Select USERS.
4. Invite the secondary user with their iCloud email.

Secondary User:

1. A notification will appear for you to accept.
2. In the Home App, select the home icon in the top left.
3. Select HOME SETTINGS, a list of homes will appear.
4. Accept the home that has been shared with you. This will give you control of all devices in the same home. Note: secondary users can’t add or remove devices.

Pairing Your Essentials Bulbs For Android

We didn’t forget about you Android users! When it comes to pairing your Essentials Bulbs to your Android devices, the pairing is essentially the same as iOS—but don’t worry, we’ll still go over every step with you to make the process as easy as possible.

Just like the iOS setup instructions, to ensure a smooth pairing process, please make sure you have the following things ready:

– Your Device: Requires Android 5.0+, turn ON Bluetooth

– Pairing Code: Found on the welcome card or on the bulb.

Download and Open the Nanoleaf App

1. You can find the official Nanoleaf Smarter Series App in the Google Play Store (make sure you have the latest version).

Pairing Your Essentials Bulb

1. Ensure your location settings are enabled on your device.
2. Select the MORE tab
3. Select MY DEVICES and + to add a device.
4. Select ESSENTIALS Bulb and START PAIRING.
5. Scan the QR code from a welcome card or from a bulb.
6. Your Bulb should now be connected and ready to go.

Additional Pairing Methods

OPTION A: Pair with Manual Input by entering your 8-digit pairing code (found on the welcome card or bulb). Once identified, TAP TO PAIR.

OPTION B: Pair with your Google Assistant

1. Tap on your username icon at the top right corner of the dashboard.
2. Scroll down, and select “Home Control.” Then, tap the plus button at the bottom right to add a device.
3. Search for Nanoleaf Smarter Series, then you’ll be redirected to a login page. Enter your Nanoleaf account info, then tap “Allow” to let Google control your Nanoleaf devices. Once it’s finished loading, tap “Back” in the top left corner, and you’ll notice that your Essentials device is now connected.
4. If you select it, you can give it a nickname for voice commands!

OPTION C: Pair with Google Seamless Setup

1. In the top left corner of the Google Home app tap the “+” button, then “Set up device”, followed by “Set up new devices.”
2. Choose a home to set up your Essential lights, and tap “Next.”
3. Select “Set up smart lights” and choose the lights that you want to connect. Once they’re selected, they will blink.
4. Pick the room your lights are in and when you’re done, click “Next.”
5. Now the fun part! Create a name for your light that can be used for voice commands. Similar to the Apple steps, we recommend that you don’t include the room name in the light’s name. Saying the room name will control all devices in the room.
6. Tap “Next” once you’ve chosen a name, and your light will begin to set up.
7. Select “Done” at the bottom right corner, and you’re good to go!

We’re officially done setting up your Essentials Bulbs—but hold on, we’re not finished yet. Now it’s time to set up the Essentials Lightstrips! The process is almost the same but there are a few differences in the steps that we’ll go over below. The first step is planning and preparation to ensure you get the most out of your lightstrips!

Planning Your Setup

– When you’re planning where to install Lightstrips, make sure to place the Controller in an easily accessible area.

– If you choose to hide the controller, pair your Lightstrip with your device before installing it, as you’ll need to access the back of the controller during the pairing process if pairing with NFC.

– NOTE: Each Lightstrip Controller can power up to 10M of Lightstrips at full brightness. Extending it further will decrease the maximum brightness.

Cutting a Lightstrip

– If you need to cut the Lightstrip to make it shorter to fit your space, connect the male end of your Lightstrip to the Controller before making any adjustments.

– Cut your Lightstrip from the other end (female side)—make sure to do so along the indicated cut line to avoid damaging your strip.

– NOTE: Once cut, the strip cannot be connected back together, so ensure you’ve measured properly before cutting.

Preparing Your Surface

– Before attaching your lightstrips, wipe your area for a clean surface—ensure that is is free of dust, moisture and oil.

Attaching a Lightstrip

1. Attach the strip to the Controller, and the Controller to the PSU.
2. Peel back the red tape on the back of the Lightstrip, and firmly stick the Lightstrip onto your surface.
3. Press firmly along the length of the strip to ensure a strong adhesion.
4. Plug them in to the power and you’re ready to pair!

Pairing Your Essentials Lightstrip For iOS

Just like the Essentials Bulb, if you have a compatible Thread Border Router set up in your home (like Nanoleaf Shapes, Lines and Elements), your Essentials Lightstrip will automatically begin using Thread with no additional steps required providing the fastest and most reliable connection in your home!

Now let’s start with pairing your Lightrips to your iOS devices! To ensure a smooth pairing process, please make sure you have the following things ready:

– Your Device: Requires iOS 10+, turn ON Bluetooth

– Pairing Code: Found on the welcome card or on the back of the Controller.

Download and Open the Nanoleaf App

1. You can find the official Nanoleaf Smarter Series App in the App Store (make sure you have the latest version).

Pairing Your Essentials Lightstrip

1. Select the MORE tab.
2. Select MY DEVICES and + to add a device.
3. Select ESSENTIALS Lightstrip as your product and START PAIRING.
4. Pair with NFC by tapping your phone to the back of the Controller. Alternatively, scan a QR code from a welcome card.
5. Your Lightstrip should now be connected and ready to go.

Additional Pairing Methods

OPTION A: Pair with Manual Input by entering your 8-digit pairing code (found on the welcome card or Controller).

OPTION B: Pair with your Google Assistant

1. Tap on your username icon at the top right corner of the dashboard.
2. Scroll down, and select “Home Control.” Then, tap the plus button at the bottom right to add a device.
3. Search for Nanoleaf Smarter Series, then you’ll be redirected to a login page. Enter your Nanoleaf account info, then tap “Allow” to let Google control your Nanoleaf devices. Once it’s finished loading, tap “Back” in the top left corner, and you’ll notice that your Essentials device is now connected.
4. If you select it, you can give it a nickname for voice commands!

Looking to set up your lightstrips in a shared space or do you want multiple people to have access to control the lights? Just like the Essentials Bulb, you can add multiple iOS users using the Apple Home App and the Nanoleaf App:

Primary User

1. Open the Nanoleaf App.
2. Select the MORE tab.
3. Select USERS.
4. Invite the secondary user with their iCloud email.

Secondary User

1. A notification will appear for you to accept.
2. In the Home App, select the home icon in the top left.
3. Select HOME SETTINGS, a list of homes will appear.
4. Accept the home that has been shared with you. This will give you control of all devices in the same home. NOTE: secondary users can’t add or remove devices.

Pairing Your Essentials Lightstrips For Android

Now it’s Android’s turn—which is pretty similar to the bulb set up as well but it’s always good to go over the steps again! To ensure a smooth pairing process, please make sure you have the following things ready:

– Your Device: Requires Android 5.0+, turn ON Bluetooth

– Pairing Code: Found on the welcome card or on the back of the Controller.

Download and Open the Nanoleaf App

1. You can find the official Nanoleaf Smarter Series App in the Google Play Store. Make sure you have the latest version.

Pairing Your Essentials Lightstrip

1. Ensure your location settings are enabled on your device.
2. Select the MORE tab.
3. Select MY DEVICES and + to add a device.
4. Select ESSENTIALS Lightstrip and START PAIRING.
5. Pair with NFC by tapping your phone to the back of the Controller. Alternatively, scan a QR code from a welcome card.
6. Your Lightstrip should now be connected and ready to go.

Additional Pairing Methods

OPTION A: Pair with manual input by entering your 8-digit pairing code (found on the welcome card or Controller). Once identified, TAP TO PAIR.

OPTION B: Pair with your Google Assistant

1. Tap on your username icon at the top right corner of the dashboard.
2. Scroll down, and select “Home Control.” Then, tap the plus button at the bottom right to add a device.
3. Search for Nanoleaf Smarter Series, then you’ll be redirected to a login page. Enter your Nanoleaf account info, then tap “Allow” to let Google control your Nanoleaf devices. Once it’s finished loading, tap “Back” in the top left corner, and you’ll notice that your Essentials device is now connected.
4. If you select it, you can give it a nickname for voice commands!

You’re finally done setting up your Essentials Bulbs and Lightstrips (see, I told you it was easy)! Now it’s time to see everything come to life and turn on your lights. Now, I’m going to walk you through all the unique features, helpful tips and the different ways to control your lighting to help make your days a little easier.

With the Essentials Lightstrip, you can easily control your lights using the built-in Controller! Here’s what you can do with the Controller buttons:

– Power ON/OFF

– Toggle Scenes: The Controller comes with 7 default lighting Scenes. Double press the arrow button to cycle through color, cool and warm whites. Long press for a color Scene.

– Brighten: Long press for 100% brightness.

– Dim: Long press for 5% brightness.

With the Nanoleaf App, turn your lighting on and off, control brightness, group lights by home and by room, create and use Scenes, and much more!

– Dashboard: This is where you can control the lights in your rooms or select colors and Scenes. With over 16 million colors and shades to choose from, you can light up your space in your favorite colors, or a wide range of whites. You can even create your own dynamic Scenes with more customizations!

– Discover: Here you can explore thousands of new Scenes and Playlists, or even upload your own masterpieces to share with the Nanoleaf community.

– Explore: Find helpful information including tutorials, new device features, etc.

– Schedules: ​​Wake up naturally to a simulated sunrise, or set your lights to dim automatically around evening time. All scheduling can be set using Apple Home App, or Google Home App.

You can easily control your Essentials just by the sound of your voice in a few different ways by setting your lights up with your voice assistant! In the Nanoleaf App, make sure to name your bulb with something easy (just to make your life a little easier). Here are just a few of the features you can control:

If you are connected to HomeKit or you have an iOS device, just say “Hey Siri…”

– “Turn [Device Name] on/off.”

– “Set [Device Name] to 10% brightness.”

– “Brighten/dim the lights.”

– “Brighten/dim the lights to [%].”

– “Set [Scene Name].”

– “Set [Device Name] to [Scene Name]”

– “Set [Device Name] to [Color].”

If you have a Google Home or Google Assistant, you can say “Okay Google…”

– “Turn on [Device Name or Scene Name].”

– “Turn on/off the lights in [Room Name].”

– “Turn on/off all my lights.”

– “Turn off [Device Name].”

– “Brighten/dim [Device Name].”

– “Brighten/dim the lights in [Room Name].”

– “Brighten/dim all my lights.”

– “Set [Device Name] to [%].”

– “Set [Device Name] to [Color].”

Congrats, you’ve finally made it to the end and can graduate as a Nanoleaf Essentials pro! If you’re interested in some more fun features to try with your Essentials, the list doesn’t end here—make sure to check out our blogs on Scenes, Thread, Schedules and Circadian Lighting to help you get the most out of your Nanoleaf lights.