Why the remote does not communicate with the chandelier and what to do about it
Xiaomi Yeelight smart chandeliers have become an integral part of modern homes, but their configuration sometimes raises questions β especially when it comes to linking a remote control. You bought a new Yeelight Ceiling or Yeelight Pro chandelier, and the remote refuses to sync with it? Or maybe the old remote stopped working after updating the firmware? In this article, we will examine all the nuances from choosing a compatible remote control to step-by-step pairing instructions, including solving typical problems.
It's important to understand that not all remotes fit all chandelier models. LED The Strip wonβt work with the Yeelight Ceiling 650 ceiling chandelier, even if theyβre both from Xiaomi. RFID-We'll help you figure out which remote you want, and we'll show you how to avoid common setup errors.
If you've tried to tie the remote and it didn't work, don't rush it back to the store. 90 percent of the time, it's solved by resetting the chandelier or remote settings, updating the firmware or getting the right sequence of actions, and then you'll find proven ways that work even for stubborn devices.
What remotes are compatible with Xiaomi Yeelight chandeliers
Before you try to tie the remote, make sure it fits your chandelier model at all. Xiaomi produces several types of remotes, and their compatibility depends on the control protocol.
- πΉ Original Yeelight remote (model) YLYK01YL) β It is suitable for most Ceiling series ceiling chandeliers (e.g. Yeelight Ceiling 650, Ceiling 800.
- πΉ Remote for LED-ribbon YLYB01YL) β Compatible with Yeelight only LED Strip and some table lamps, not suitable for ceiling chandeliers!
- πΉ Universal remote Xiaomi Mi Home (model) WXKG01LM) β Works with chandeliers via Xiaomi Gateway, but requires customization in the Mi Home app.
- πΉ Third-party remotes (such as BroadLink or SwitchBot) β can work, but only after manually configuring in their proprietary applications.
To determine compatibility accurately, check your chandelier model on the box or in the Yeelight app (Devices section). β If it says Bluetooth Mesh, you need an original remote. YLYK01YL. For chandeliers with Wi-Fi support (for example, Yeelight Mars) you may need a remote control. RFID or configure through an application.
β οΈ Note: Remotes from older chandelier models (released before 2020) may not work with new devices due to a change in communication protocol. For example, the remote from Yeelight Ceiling 450 will not be suitable for the Yeelight Ceiling 800.
Preparation of the chandelier and remote for coupling
There are a few steps that you need to take before you tie the remote, and neglecting them is the main reason you fail to set up.
- Update the chandelier firmware. Go to the Yeelight app, select your chandelier and check for updates in the Settings section. β Update of firmware: Outdated firmware can block pairing with remotes.
- Reset the remote settings. Press and hold the buttons. ON and OFF simultaneously for 10 seconds until the indicator blinks 3 times, which will clear the remote memory from previous bindings.
- Reset the chandelier. Turn it off for 30 seconds through the switch on the wall, then turn it on again.
- Make sure the chandelier is connected to Wi-Fi. Without internet, some models (like Yeelight Mars) don't allow you to tether the remote.
If your chandelier was previously tied to another remote, reset it.
- Turn on and off the chandelier 5 times in a row at intervals of 1 second (the method works for most models).
- Or in the Yeelight app go to Device Settings β Reset.
After resetting, the chandelier should flash yellow or blue, a signal that it is ready for a new binding. If the indication has not changed, repeat the procedure or check the power supply (possibly the voltage on the network is too low).
βοΈ Preparation for interface
Step-by-step: how to tie the remote to the Yeelight chandelier
Now, the process of pairing is very much in order, and the instructions are suitable for most Yeelight chandelier models (e.g., Ceiling 650, Ceiling 800, Mars) and the original remotes. YLYK01YL. If you have a different model, check out the details in the βFeatures for Different Modelsβ section below.
Step 1. Activate the pairing mode on the chandelier.
- Turn on the chandelier with a wall switch.
- Press and hold the button for 5 seconds. ON on the remote until the chandelier flashes blue 2 times (for Ceiling models) or emits an audible signal (for Mars).
Step 2, put the remote to the chandelier.
- The distance between the remote and the chandelier should not be more than 50 cm.
- Point the remote directly at the chandelier (not at an angle!).
- Press and hold the button. OFF for 8-10 seconds, until the chandelier flashes green 3 times.
Step 3. Complete the binding.
- After the green indication, release the button.
- The chandelier should flash white 1 time - this means successful pairing.
- Check the remote: turn on / off the chandelier, change the brightness modes.
If the chandelier is not responsive, repeat the process from the beginning. Make sure the batteries in the remote are new (use alkaline, not salt!). Also check if there is interference from other wireless devices (for example, the router at 2.4 GHz).
What to do if the chandelier flashes red?
Features of binding for different models of Yeelight chandeliers
Not all Yeelight chandeliers are set up the same way, and the key differences for popular models are as follows:
| Model chandelier | Type of remote | Features of conjugation | Indication of success |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yeelight Ceiling 650/800 | YLYK01YL | Requires firmware updates to version 2.0.0+. The coupling mode is activated by retention ON. | 2 blue flashings β 3 greens β 1 white |
| Yeelight Mars | YLYK02YL (s RFID) | You must first link the remote in the Yeelight application (Devices section) β Remotes). | Sound signal + flashing yellow |
| Yeelight LED Strip | YLYB01YL | Only through the Mi Home app (Xiaomi Gateway is required). | Blinks the rainbow 1 time |
| Yeelight Smart LED Ceiling (Jiaoyue 650) | YLYK01YL or WXKG01LM | It supports two types of remotes, but for WXKG01LM need a lock. | 3 green flashings |
For the Mars and Jiaoyue series chandeliers, additional in-app configuration may be required. For example, in Yeelight Mars, you need to first add the remote to the list of trusted devices through Settings. β Also note that some models (e.g. Yeelight Ceiling 480) donβt support remotes at all β they are only managed via an app or voice assistants.
β οΈ Note: If you have a HomeKit chandelier (e.g. Yeelight Pro for the European market), the remote binding may block control via Apple Home.In this case, first disable integration with HomeKit in the chandelier settings.
What to do if the remote is not tethered: solving errors
Even with the right actions, the pairing may not work, and here are the most common problems and solutions.
- π The chandelier is not responding to the remote. Check the batteries (they must be alkaline, AAA 1.5V). Try restarting the chandelier (turn it off for 1 minute). If it doesn't work, reset the chandelier settings (5 switches/offs in a row).
- πΆ The remote only works close to the device. This means a weak Bluetooth Mesh signal. Make sure there are no obstacles between the remote and the chandelier (for example, metal structures). Also check if other devices at 2.4 GHz are interfering with the device).
- π The chandelier flashes red. Red is a compatibility error. Make sure the remote fits the chandelier model (see table above). Yeelight Mars may need to update the firmware through the app.
- π± The remote is tied, but not all buttons are working.Reset the remote settings (hold on) ON+OFF 10 seconds) and re-pair. If the problem persists, check if the button is mechanically broken.
If none of these methods worked, try tying the remote via the Mi Home app (even if the chandelier isnβt from Xiaomi):
- Open the Mi Home and add the chandelier as a new device.
- In the Devices section, select your chandelier and click Add Accessory.
- Follow the instructions on the screen (usually press the button on the remote for 5 seconds).
Yeelight Ceiling 800 chandeliers with firmware older than 2021 may require manual pairing code, which is indicated on the remote box or on a battery sticker (format: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX).
π‘
If the remote still does not work, try to use it in pairs with a smartphone: turn on the Remote mode in the Yeelight application (Settings section). β This allows you to control the chandelier through the phone, like a physical remote control.
How to untie the remote from the Yeelight chandelier
If you want to reset the remote (for example, before selling a chandelier or when replacing the remote), do the following:
Method 1. Through the buttons on the remote:
- Turn on the chandelier.
- On the remote, press and hold the buttons simultaneously. ON and OFF within 15 seconds.
- The chandelier will flash red 2 times - this means that the remote is untied.
Method 2. Through the Yeelight app:
- Open the app and select your chandelier.
- Go to Settings. β Remote control.
- Click on the basket icon next to the tethered remote and confirm removal.
Method 3: Complete chandelier discharge:
If previous methods have not worked, perform a complete reset of the chandelier:
- Turn off the chandelier for 10 seconds, then turn it on.
- Press and hold the button for 5 seconds. ON on the remote 20 seconds, until the chandelier blinks yellow 5 times.
Once the chandelier is untieable, it will return to factory control settings (only via the app or wall switch). If you plan to tie a new remote, do so immediately after reset β some models block re-pairing after 10 minutes.
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Untie the remote before selling the chandelier β this will remove all your settings and usage history from its memory.
Alternative ways to control the Yeelight chandelier without a remote
If the remote binding has failed, or you just want to have a backup option, use alternative control methods:
- π± Yeelight, which allows you to control brightness, color, timers and scenes, even without the Internet (via a local network).
- π£οΈ Voice assistants. Yeelight chandeliers are compatible with Alice (Yandex), Google Assistant and Siri (via HomeKit). To set up, link your Yeelight account to your voice assistant.
If you prefer physical buttons but the remote doesnβt work, consider buying a Wi-Fi-enabled wall switch (like the Xiaomi Mi Smart Wall Switch).It connects to the same network as the chandelier and lets you control it without a remote.
For the Yeelight Mars and Pro chandeliers, there is another option, a touch panel (sold separately), which is mounted on a wall and communicates with the chandelier via Bluetooth, without requiring Wi-Fi.