Why Do My LED Strips Lights Turn On By Themselves (5 Solutions)

I have both sweet & sour stories with LED light strips. Let me tell you the sour one – I was sleeping at 3.00 am and suddenly noticed my LED light strips turned on automatically. This unexpected occurrence totally ruined my sleep. If you ever faced the same issue as me & wondering why LED Strip Lights turn on by themselves, this article is for you.

Most LED Light strips are now controlled by an IR remote. When there is another IR remote sending signals with the almost same frequency as the LED strip light’s remote, the LED lights catch the command & create changes in themselves. IR remote issues & faulty motion problems are the biggest reasons behind LED lights turning on by themselves. 

That was the short answer to your queries. If you’re interested in getting the whole picture with a detailed explanation, continue reading this article. In this article, I’ll be discussing reasons & possible solutions to the problem regarding LED lights. 

5 Possible Reasons For LED Strips Lights Turning On By Themselves

You already know the major reasons behind the issue. Now it’s time for knowing more in-depth about the possible reasons for LED lights turning on by themselves. Let’s start: 

1. Another Device Remote Might Be Emitting IR Signals

Though IR remote doesn’t work through walls or any solid obstacles, they can work with the help of any RF (Radio Frequency) extender. That means if your neighbor is using an extender for some reason – that might trigger your LED lights to turn on by themselves whenever your neighbor uses their remote. 

Besides, if your own appliances require IR remotes – you may be the one who’s causing this issue to continue unintentionally. That’s why inspect your home first & then check if you or your neighbor is causing the issue. I have already written an article on this topic you check Why does tv remote control my led light.

2. Faulty Dimmer Can Cause Lights To Turn On & Off On Their Own

The dimmer helps with adjusting the brightness of LED lights. However, if the dimmer itself is not correctly chosen or set up – it might cause lights to turn on or off on their own. You’ll need to have a little DIY (Do It Yourself) electrical knowledge to determine whether your dimmer is the main culprit. 

3. Poor Connection Problems or Power Fluctuation

If you’re using LED light strips that are not controlled by any remote or motion sensors, still power connection problems or power fluctuation can cause them to turn on/off aimlessly. 

LED light strips without a remote or motion sensor are simple – activate the power source & they will turn on. That’s why if somehow the connection is built poorly or some power fluctuation happens, you’ll notice your LED strip lights are turning on aimlessly. 

4. Your Motion Sensor Is Malfunctioning 

Sometimes your smart LED lights get corrupted & give you dump results such as turning on or off on their own when you don’t need it to happen. This happens mostly because of the software issue of the LED lights & solving it might make you sweat. 

You’re not alone with the motion sensor malfunction, Linus from Linus Tech Tips also faced the same issue. Check out how he discovered his LED lights’ issue & try if you can implement those to your LED lights. 

5. Faulty Remote Might Be Sending Unnecessary Signals 

If your own LED light strip remote is malfunctioning, it might be sending signals to your LED lights when it’s not needed. To inspect this issue, take out the batteries of your remote and see if the problem stays or not. If it gets fixed, then you’ve got your answer. 

How To Fix LED Lights Strips Turning On By Themself: 6 Possible Solutions

I have already discussed the probable reasons that might cause your LED lights to turn on automatically. Here are six possible solutions to this problem & I hope at least one of these will help you.  

1. Make Sure Your LED Light Strips Aren’t Catching Other Device’s IR Signal

You can place your controller box a little further than your other devices, it will solve the problem of your LED lights catching other devices’ IR signals. 

If you’re unable to do so because of less room space, you can build a cabinet for your LED light controller box & place it there. By doing this, you’re ensuring your LED lights aren’t catching other devices’ IR signals.

2. Inspect & Adjust Motion Sensor By Checking User’s Manual 

If it’s a software issue, there is almost nothing you can do unless the developer releases the patches for the issue. However, if it’s something that you can control/adjust – do it by checking the user manual. 

Check if it is opted for “Turn on when someone is going out of the room” or something like that. Your main job is to determine the triggers that command the LED lights to turn on & modify them according to your preferences. 

3. Check & Replace Your LED Strip Light Remote 

Take out the remote’s battery & see if the problem is solved. If so, then your remote is faulty and sending unnecessary signals to your LED light that causes it to turn on. All you need to do is – simply replace your LED light remote & this problem should be solved permanently.  

4. Contact Professional: Fix Your Home Power Connection

If the mentioned three fixes aren’t working & you don’t own remote or motion sensor-controlled LED strip lights, your power connection might be faulty. Contact a professional for a thorough inspection & act according to his suggestion. 

5. Contact Professional: Get The Correct Dimmer For Your LED Lights

If solving the power connection couldn’t solve your LED light strip problem, there might be an issue with the dimmer. Replace the dimmer by taking professional advice & your problem should be fixed. 

6. Ultimate Solution: Unplug Your LED Strips When Not In Used

If you don’t want to bother too much regarding this issue, you can just unplug your LED Light strips when it is not in use. Yes, this solution is only applicable for LED light strips as they are easily detachable, unlike LED lights. 

Conclusion

I hope this article was helpful enough in getting the solution regarding LED lights turning on by themselves. If you’re still facing problems even after following all the methods mentioned above, replacing all LED lights remains the only solution around.