Adding and syncing

How to get the bulbs back in sync

Light sources can become out of sync when you interact with the main power switches (wall or lamp switches) with part of your connected light bulbs. For example, when you turn one light bulb in a group OFF with the power main switch and change the rest of the light bulbs in the group to another state, the turned-off light bulb will be out of sync when turning it on again with the power main switch.

How to sync on/off function

If your light source becomes unsynchronised, press and hold the ON/OFF button on your remote control for at least 3 seconds. This will return the light source to its default setting (100% brightness, 2700K), or you can dim up until all the light sources have reached 100% brightness.

How to sync brightness

If your light sources become unsynchronised and are set to different brightness levels, press and hold the dim up button on your Remote control or dim up with your Wireless dimmer until they reach the same level of brightness and are synchronised again.

How to sync colour temperature

If your light sources become unsynchronized and are set to different colour temperatures, press the ON/OFF button on your remote control for more than 3 seconds. They will sync up again.

Related questions:

The bulbs that are in the kit do not fit the sockets I have at home. Are there other kits/bulbs?

Yes, you can choose from five different TRÅDFRI LED bulbs that are sold individually – warm white opal big socket size (E26, E27), white spectrum opal small socket size (E12, E14, E17), white spectrum opal big socket size (E26, E27), white spectrum clear big socket size (E26, E27), and white spectrum GU10. You can also choose from four different pre-packed kits that include the most frequently used bulbs. Visit ikea.com or the IKEA store to see the full offer.

I have more than one bulb connected to my motion sensor and they’ve become unsynced. How can I sync them again?
To get your light bulbs back to sync you need to turn off all connected light sources and then turn them back on.

I added a white spectrum light bulb and I don’t understand how I can change the colour with the wireless dimmer.
You can’t change colour with a wireless dimmer. To be able to change colour, you need to pair your light bulb with a remote control.

I’m having trouble adding a light source to my TRÅDFRI system.
Getting started: Light sources

I’ve installed my lights, but when I try to pair them a different light responds.
If you have a light source with more than one light bulb that sits close together, you need to pair them one by one. Install your first light bulb, pair it and then remove it. Then install the second light bulb, pair it and remove it, etc. Do this with all of the light bulbs, installing all when you’re ready.
You can also watch a film for instructions: Getting started: Add several bulbs

What do I do if my TRÅDFRI light bulbs aren’t responding to the steering device?
You always need to have a steering device to be able to control your light bulb. If you purchased the light bulbs separately, you need to pair them to the steering device one-by-one. You can also watch a film for instructions: Getting started: Add bulbs, doors and panels

Why are my light sources out of sync?
Light sources can become out of sync when you interact the main power switches (wall or lamp switches) with just part of your connected light bulbs, e.g. when you turn one light bulb in a group OFF with the power main switch and change the rest of the light bulbs in the group to another state, the turned-off light bulb will be out of sync when turning it on again with the power main switch. Troubleshooting: How to get the bulbs back in sync

Can I turn my light on and off also without using a smart device?
Yes, you can use the main power switch, steering device or the TRÅDFRI App.

I have installed a motion sensor, but the light does not turn on when I move?
1. Secure that the lamp connected to the motion sensor main power is on.

2. Secure that the batteries are inserted in correct direction, with the IKEA logo (plus sign) facing upwards.

3. If you bought a kit it’s already paired. If you add additional lights you need to pair them with the motion sensor: Add a light bulb to the TRÅDFRI motion sensor

4. Is the dial on “Night” or “Day“? If the dial is on “Night” and it’s light outside, then nothing will happen.

5. Have you installed the motion sensor so that the sensor is directed where the motion will be, in the range of 120 degrees / 5m (16,5’)?

6. If you still have a problem, do a factory reset of your products and try again.

You can also watch these films for instructions:

How to install the TRÅDFRI motion sensor kit

Power and resetting

Return to default settings

You can reset your IKEA Smart lighting products back to the original settings (factory reset).

For light sources:
Toggle the main switch 6 times.

For remote control / wireless dimmer / motion sensor:
Press the pairing button 4 times within 5 seconds.

For Gateway:
Open and remove the Gateway lid. Push a pin into the pinhole on top of the Gateway for at least 5 seconds until the LED light stops flashing.

Related questions:

What happens to the system if one of my TRÅDFRI LED bulbs breaks?
The rest of your light bulbs will still work.

Need more help?

Getting started

Add bulbs, light panels, doors, and get started with the TRÅDFRI App.

Get started with Smart lighting

How to use

Turn on/off, dim, adjust the colour temperature and more - from anywhere in your home.

Learn how to use Smart lighting

Smart lighting products

Discover more IKEA Smart lighting products, including start kits, separate light sources, remote controls – and more.

View all IKEA Smart lighting products