Fix it
LED Strip Lights Not Working (2026)
Fixes for common LED strip problems: a strip that will not turn on, only partly lights, will not connect, or shows the wrong colour.
Most LED strip problems come from power, the controller, or the connection, rather than from a dead strip. Work through the fixes below in order, starting with power and the controller, before assuming the strip has failed.
The strip will not turn on at all
Check the power first: the adapter must be plugged in firmly, the controller must be connected to the strip, and the socket must have power. Try another socket to rule out a dead outlet, and check that the connector between the strip and the controller is pushed fully in, since a loose connector is the most common cause. If the strip still stays dark, check the adapter for damage and try the remote or app again after a full power cycle.
Only part of the strip lights up
A strip that lights only to a point usually has a break or a bad joint at that spot. Check the cut points and any connectors along the run, and look for a sharp bend or a kink where the strip may have cracked. If the strip was cut, check that the cut was made at a marked point and that the remaining end is properly terminated. A section that stays dark after checking the joints is usually a failed section, and the strip may need replacing from that point on.
The strip will not connect to the app or voice assistant
Check that the phone is on the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band, since smart strips need 2.4GHz and cannot see a 5GHz-only network. Move the phone closer to the strip and the router for setup, restart the router, and force-close the app before trying again. If voice control fails but the app works, unlink and relink the skill or service in the Alexa or Google Home app, and check that the strip has the same name in both apps.
The colours look wrong or washed out
First check the white balance and brightness in the app, since a strip set to full brightness can wash colours out. Try a single colour at medium brightness to see whether the diodes themselves are at fault: if red shows as orange or blue shows as purple, a colour channel may have failed at the controller. Also check that the strip is not showing a scene or music mode that overrides the colour you chose, and reset the strip to a plain colour before judging it.
Questions, answered
Why does my strip keep falling down?
The adhesive has usually failed on a dusty, textured, or damp surface. Clean the surface with a dry cloth, let it dry fully, and press the strip firmly along its length. Mounting clips are the reliable fix for long runs and rough walls.
Can I cut a strip and reuse the offcut?
Only if the maker says so. Most strips can be cut at the marked points, but the offcut usually needs a connector and a power source of its own, and premium strips like the COB Pro cannot be extended once cut. Check the instructions for your strip before cutting.
Why does the remote only work from close up?
Infrared remotes need a clear line of sight to the controller, so a controller hidden behind furniture will not respond. Move the controller into view, point the remote directly at it, and check the remote battery. App-controlled strips do not have this problem.