Flashing WLED Firmware

Flashing WLED Firmware
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Looking for the easiest way to flash? Try our Web Flasher — it works directly in your browser (Chrome or Edge) and handles everything automatically. If you prefer to flash manually using ESPHome Flasher, follow the steps below.

All RGB2Go controllers (Solo2Go, Duo2Go, Tetra2Go, Octa2Go, Matrix2Go) can be re-flashed using the same process below. You will need a data-capable USB cable — a charge-only cable will not work.

1 Install the Serial Driver

The serial driver allows your computer to recognize the controller when it is plugged in via USB.

Most RGB2Go controllers use the CH9102F chip — start with that driver. If your controller is not recognized after installing it, try the CP210x driver. All drivers can be installed simultaneously without conflict.

On Windows, run the installer after downloading. Once installed, plug in your controller and a new COM port will appear in Device Manager.

2 Download ESPHome Flasher

ESPHome Flasher is a simple utility for flashing firmware onto ESP8266 and ESP32 controllers.

3 Download the Firmware

Download the correct firmware for your controller from our firmware downloads page. Make note of where you save the file.

Not sure which firmware to choose? Select your controller from the dropdown, then choose the variant that matches your hardware — Base, Ethernet, OLED, Differential, or DMX. If you don't have any add-on modules, choose Base.
4 Connect Your Controller
Important: Make sure NO external power cable is connected to the controller before plugging in via USB. Only USB power should be present during flashing.

Connect your controller to your computer using a data-capable USB cable. On Windows, you should hear a notification sound indicating the device was recognized. Open Device Manager and confirm a COM port appears under Ports (COM & LPT).

5 Flash the Firmware

Open ESPHome Flasher. You should see your controller listed under Serial Port as a COM port (e.g. COM3, COM7). Select it.

Under Firmware, click Browse and select the .bin file you downloaded in Step 3.

Click Flash ESP. The status LED on the controller will go out during flashing. When the progress reaches 100%, the LED will come back on — flashing is complete. You can ignore any garbled text that appears after 100%.

No COM port showing? Try a different USB cable, a different USB port on your computer, or reinstall the serial driver from Step 1.
6 Power Up & Configure

Unplug the USB cable and reconnect your controller's normal power supply. It will boot as a fresh install and broadcast a WiFi access point named WLED-<controllername>.

Connect to that WiFi network and navigate to 4.3.2.1 in your browser to complete setup. Go to Config → LED & Hardware and enable Use per-output limiter to set the current limit for each output.

Need more help? Contact us at jason@rgb2go.com and we'll be happy to assist.