WLED AP-Mode
WLED software is great when you're within range of WiFi. But I want to be able to control the coat when I'm out dancing at a festival, out of reach of any of my known WiFi networks. WLED has this capability!
You can use Access Point mode (AP-MODE) to control your costume pieces when away from civilization.
In Access Point mode, the Mini Sparkle Motion creates its own miniature WiFi network. It's got a limited range - your phone needs to be within a couple feet of the controller to join. This network isn't connected to the internet, but you can connect your phone to it locally and access the WLED controls.
Head to Config --> Wifi Setup. Scroll down until you find Configure Access Point.
By default this field is populated with WLED-AP. Change this to your project name. I like to add -AP to my network name so it's clear that it's an access point network.
The default password is wled1234. It's a good idea to change it to something you'll remember - WLED is widely used so it would be easy for anyone who's familiar with WLED to log in. Once connected, someone could potentially see any WIFI credentials stored on the device, and erase or reconfigure the settings.
Change the AP opens dropdown to Always.
Click save, and then take a look at the available WiFi network options using your phone. Wait a minute or so and your named network will appear in the list. Join it, and the WLED controls will pop up.
Take note that having AP opens "Always" selected will make your battery life suffer! If that board is constantly broadcasting a mini WiFi network, it will use up a lot of power.
If you're concerned with battery life, keep "only at boot" selected. The AP mode network will appear for just a few minutes after boot-up so if you want to change modes on your project, turn it off and on again and then quickly join the WiFi network and make your changes.
Once you join your board's access point, you will get a popup window with your WLED controls. Success! Now you can control this board without relying on your home WiFi.
If you don't get a popup, you can connect manually by heading to 4.3.2.1 in your browser.
Learn more about how all this works at the WLED knowlege base at https://kno.wled.ge/
You can also sync multiple instances of WLED together - so if you have light up shoes or a hat, you can make them sync with your coat.
Click the "nodes" button under the Info tab to see a list of all the instances of WLED on a particular network and their respective IP addresses.
Page last edited August 18, 2026
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