Updating Your TruLight Box Firmware for the New App
Update the firmware on your TruLight controller box so you can use the new app features, including master zones, custom patterns, and animated effects.
Firmware is the software stored on your controller box. The new TruLight app needs updated firmware before master zones, custom patterns, and animated effects will work. The update takes about three minutes per box over Bluetooth.
In this tutorial, you will:
- Connect to your TruLight box via Bluetooth using the new app
- Download and install a firmware update from within the box settings
- Reconnect the box after the update completes and access new app features
Connecting to the Box via Bluetooth
Why the firmware update is required and how to use the new app's plus button and Bluetooth toggle to connect to your box before updating.
Key Concepts
Why You Need to Update Firmware First
The new TruLight app adds master zones, custom patterns, animated effects, and more. However, before you can use any of these features, your controller box firmware must be updated to match the new app. If you have been seeing a warning symbol that things are "too low," that is your box signaling that a firmware update is needed. This lesson gets you connected so you can start that update.
Using the Plus Button and Bluetooth Toggle
In the top right corner of the new app, tap the + button. By default, the app scans for boxes over Wi-Fi. You will see a Wi-Fi symbol in the top right corner of the scan screen. Tap that symbol to switch the scan to Bluetooth mode. Once in Bluetooth mode, your box will appear in the list. Tap Connect, wait a moment for it to pair, then tap Enter to access the box.
If You Have Multiple Boxes
The firmware update must be done on each box individually. You cannot batch-update multiple boxes at once. Plan to repeat this process for each box in your system.
Action Step
Open the new TruLight app, tap the + button, switch to Bluetooth mode, and confirm your box appears in the list. Tap Connect and Enter to get inside the box before moving to Lesson 2.
Downloading and Installing the Firmware Update
How to find the firmware update option, download the update file, apply it to your box, and confirm the update completed successfully.
Key Concepts
Navigating to Firmware Update
Once you are inside the box via Bluetooth, tap the settings icon in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap Firmware Update. You will see your current firmware version displayed (for example, version 64). Below that, in a green section, you will see the available update.
Download Before You Upgrade: Two Separate Steps
There are two distinct steps and it is easy to miss the first one. First, you must tap Download to pull the update file to your device. Do not skip this. The upgrade button will not work correctly without downloading first. Once the download is complete, the app will show a list of your boxes that are eligible for the upgrade (with a checkmark next to each). Tap Upgrade to begin the installation.
Staying Close During the Update
The update takes approximately three minutes. During this time, stay physically close to the box and keep your Bluetooth connection active. Moving too far away or letting your phone screen lock and drop Bluetooth can interrupt the update. When the update finishes, a confirmation prompt will appear. Tap Confirm to complete the process and allow the box to reset.
Action Step
Go to Settings, then Firmware Update. Check your current firmware version and confirm a download is available. Do not start the upgrade yet. Confirm everything is visible before you commit to the 3-minute process.
Reconnecting and Exploring the New App
How to reconnect to your box after the firmware update resets it, and what new features are now available in the updated app.
Key Concepts
Reconnecting After the Reset
After tapping Confirm, the box will reset automatically. To get back in, tap the + button, switch back to Bluetooth mode (tap the Wi-Fi symbol to toggle), find your box in the list, and connect. The box now has the updated firmware, and you can use all the new app features.
New Features in the Updated App
Once reconnected, you will notice several upgrades:
- Master Zones: Control multiple zones together with a single action
- Custom Patterns: Build and apply your own lighting sequences
- Animated Effects with Previews: Effects like "Breathe" now show a visual preview image so you can see what the pattern looks like before applying it (for example, Breathe shows a gradient fading in and out)
Reconnecting to Wi-Fi (If Needed)
If after the update your box is no longer on Wi-Fi, it is quick to reconnect. Tap +, go into Settings, tap Configure Network Mode, tap Confirm, then go back to the main screen and tap + again. The box will appear in Wi-Fi mode. Tap Add, enter your Wi-Fi password, and you are back online.
Action Step
After your firmware update completes, reconnect via Bluetooth and spend two minutes browsing the new app. Find one effect with a preview image and tap it to see the animation.
Summary
Quick Reference:
- Update the firmware before you use the new app's features, and update each box separately
- The update has two steps in order: Download first, then Upgrade
- Stay close to the box during the roughly 3-minute update so the Bluetooth connection doesn't drop
- After the reset, reconnecting via Bluetooth takes less than a minute
Next Steps:
Now that your box is updated, see Creating Zones and Using and Customizing Light Patterns.