Problem Solving With Your Nanoleaf Shapes: Your Most Common Troubleshooting Questions Answered

by Nanoleaf

Dec 07, 2021

As ‘smart’ as smart tech is, sometimes even the most advanced devices still need a little troubleshooting help! Often there’s a simple solution that will have everything running smoothly again in no time, which is why I’m here to answer the most common troubleshooting questions about Nanoleaf Shapes—whether it be Hexagons, Triangles, or Mini Triangles.

You’re in the right spot if you’re looking to learn about:

Resetting your Nanoleaf Shapes
Quick and easy solutions to common questions about Shapes
Ideal ways to place your panels
Tackling larger installations (22+ panels)

First things first, familiarize yourself with what you have in your box! Once you’re comfortable we can jump right in. We’ll be starting with resetting and what that means.

Resetting Your Nanoleaf Shapes

Resetting is not always going to be the solution but it certainly will be the answer to some of the common questions, which is why we are starting here!

Reset

This will reset the Wi-Fi and all saved pairing configurations. All of your saved Scenes will remain.

Press and hold the Power and brighten buttons together on the Controller for 15 seconds.
Let go once the Status LED starts flashing.
Wait for the Power button LED to remain on and steady.
On the Nanoleaf App, delete the previous device and re-pair it again.

Need to Restore Your Scenes?

Restoring your beloved saved Scenes is possible as long as your panels are updated to Firmware 3.1.0+ and your Nanoleaf App is updated to version3.4+ for iOS & Android.

Open the Nanoleaf App.
Login to your Nanoleaf Account.
In the Dashboard tab, select the Settings icon.
Under SYSTEM > BACKUP AND RESTORE, ensure that DEVICE SYNC is enabled.
Select RESTORE FROM BACKUP and RESTORE.

Quick And Easy Solutions To Common Questions About Shapes

There are some issues that are more likely to come up for a variety of reasons. So by popular demand here are some common questions answered!

“I moved or changed my Wi-Fi network.”

Try resetting the Wi-Fi Settings! This will allow you to connect your Shapes to a new Wi-FI network.

Plug your Shapes into a power source.
Press the Power button and then the Brighten Button on the Controller, do this 5 consecutive times for a total of 10 presses between both buttons.
The Status LED will become a solid white to indicate Wi-Fi is reset

“My Shapes are paired but unreachable.”

There are a few different ways you can resolve this issue, make your way through these options to restore connection:

Try to Toggle your Wi-Fi. On your phone, toggle the Wi-Fi off, then on again.
Try to Power Cycle your Controller. Unplug your controller from power, then plug it back in.
Try to Power Cycle your Router. Unplug your Wi-Fi router from power, then plug it back in again.
Try a Reset, see how in the above section.

“I am not able to pair my Shapes.”

We prefer for you to experience a match made in heaven! So work your way through these options to pair your Shapes to your smart device.

Sometimes it’s a Router issue, so the first step is to check your Router’s settings. Here’s what to look for: 5 GHz networks do not support Nanoleaf products so make sure you’re connected to a 2.4 GHz network; also ensure multicast, IGMP, UPnP (if available) are enabled on your router settings.
Try a Reset, see how in the above section.

“I don’t see my Shapes in the App for set up.”

Have you checked your Wi-Fi? If you are having this issue then you should try some Wi-Fi Troubleshooting tricks. Plug your PSU into power. The Power button on the Controller will light up after 1 minute. The Status LED will indicate different courses of action:

If your Status LED is solid white, your Shapes are ready to connect to your network.

Make sure your mobile device Wi-Fi is on.
Move your mobile device closer to your panels.
Toggle the Wi-Fi on your mobile device off, then on.

If your Status LED is flashing, your Wi-Fi is configured, but the panels cannot connect to the target network.

Try to Power Cycle your Shapes (unplug your PSU from power, then plug it back in).

If your panels are paired on the Nanoleaf App, delete the device and re-pair them with the Standard Pairing Process.

If your Status LED is unlit, your Wi-Fi is configured and connected to your router.

Make sure your mobile device is on the same network.
Toggle the Wi-Fi on your mobile device off, then on.

Tips for Where to Set up Your Panels

Creating a new and unique design is important and we even have tools you can use to help you do that, but you have to consider more than just the optics. The following Placement Tips can help your Nanoleaf Shapes achieve the best wireless range & network reception.

Place your Shapes in an open area where there are less obstructions, such as large pieces of furniture or walls. You can see the detailed guide for ceiling installations here.
Avoid placing your Shapes behind furniture or inside cabinets.
Don‘t place your Shapes in areas surrounded by metal surfaces on three or more sides. This can cause signal issues.
Try to place your Shapes at least 25 feet (8 meters) away from any microwave oven, 2.4 GHz cordless phone, Wi-Fi devices, or other source of interference.
Place your Shapes as close to your Wi-Fi home router as possible. For best performance, keep the distance below 65 feet (20 meters) and have no more than one wall in between.

Tackling Larger Installations (22+ Panels)

If you’re trying to create an awesome and massive Nanoleaf Shapes installation, we are all for it but there are some additional tips that I think can help you! Power supply is going to be your first major obstacle, luckily you can activate Power Diagnostic Mode to help you manage.

FUN FACTS: Each standard 42W PSU supports up to 21 hexagons (2W per panel), 28 Triangles, or 78 Mini Triangles. Each Controller supports up to 500 of any shape. The Controller and PSU can be connected to any panel. If you think you’re cutting it close, use this PSU calculator to find out if you have everything you need.

Activate Power Diagnostic Mode

If you have more than 21 panels and/or multiple Controllers in your Shapes setup, you’ll need to make sure power supplies are distributed across your layout evenly. Activating Power Diagnostic Mode will give you tips on where you can place your power supplies for optimal performance. Refer to the manual to learn about the options that allow you to activate this mode—try this through the Shapes Controller, the Nanoleaf App, or through your iOS/Android device.

Distribute Power Supply

The lights are your friends! Pay attention to what they are saying to you in color code:

Red: Power supply needs to be moved.
Green: Power supply is in good placement.
Blue: Number of missing Power Supplies and the best places for those supplies.
White: Alternative place to add a power supply. The brighter the panel, the better the placement.

Controlling Your Setup with Nanoleaf Tools

Controlling your new and larger smart lighting setup is going to be the next step…but you guessed it, we have you covered on that too! There are a couple of different ways your can control your installation:

Nanoleaf Desktop App: With the Nanoleaf Desktop App, control your Panels from your computer. Create and download new dynamic Scenes, set Schedules right from your computer, and try the Screen Mirror feature—reflects your PC’s on-screen colors to your lights. The Desktop App was designed to simplify the management of larger installations and offer control of many different layouts at once.

Nanoleaf Open API: This one’s for you tech acificandos! Our local network API is designed to extend your product experience. Integrate your setup with third-party devices and services and enable more granular control of the hardware. Find out more about these controls.