Flickering Isn’t a Defect — It’s a Power Conflict

When a smart bulb flickers, pulses, buzzes, or randomly turns off, most people assume the bulb is faulty.</p>

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In reality, flickering is almost always caused by incompatible power control — usually a dimmer switch or smart switch that interferes with the constant voltage smart bulbs require.

Once you understand why this happens, the fix becomes obvious.

Why This Happens

Smart Bulbs Are Computers, Not Just Lights

They contain: - WiFi / Zigbee radios - Microcontrollers - Power regulation circuits

They need constant, clean power to operate.

Dimmers Modulate Voltage

Traditional dimmers work by chopping the AC waveform. This: - Reduces voltage - Introduces electrical noise - Confuses smart bulb power regulators

Result: flicker, buzzing, resets.

Smart Switch + Smart Bulb = Conflict

Two devices trying to control power always conflict.

Common Mistakes

  • Using “LED compatible” dimmers
  • Using smart switches with smart bulbs
  • Mixing brands and protocols
  • Using non-neutral wiring

Step-by-Step Fix

Step 1 — Replace Dimmer with Standard Switch

This gives the bulb constant power.

Step 2 — Control Brightness via App or Voice

Use automation instead of physical dimming.

Step 3 — Reset the Bulb

Clear unstable firmware states.

Step 4 — Update Firmware

Fixes known power-handling bugs.

Step 5 — Check Wiring

Non-neutral wiring can starve bulbs.

When to Upgrade Hardware

Upgrade if: - Old wiring - No neutral wire - Cheap no-name bulbs - Old Zigbee hubs

Quick Checklist

  • [ ] Remove dimmer
  • [ ] Use standard switch
  • [ ] Reset bulb
  • [ ] Update firmware
  • [ ] Ensure neutral wire exists

FAQ

Can I use any dimmer?
No — almost none are compatible.

Can I use a smart switch instead?
Yes — but then use dumb bulbs.

Why does flicker happen only sometimes?
Voltage instability varies by load and time.

Final Thoughts

Smart bulbs don’t want “smart power.” They want stable power. Give them that — and flickering disappears permanently.

Your lighting isn’t broken. It’s just mismatched.

👉 Related: Smart Lighting guides