Twinkly Tree Set-up
Updated
SETUP
To turn on Twinkly simply attach it to your electrical socket: thanks to the round button on the controller, you can browse a series of pre-loaded effects. However, to turn on the magic and make your decoration really “Smart” you need to download Twinkly app for tablet and smartphone and connect Twinkly to your home Wi-Fi network. This will give you access to many new features such as integration with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa and access to the online effects gallery.
To configure Twinkly for the first time, follow this wizard and make sure your smartphone has access to your cellular network and local Wi-Fi.
Make sure you have the password of your local Wi-Fi network at hand.
Download the mobile application. The application is available on AppStore and Google Play. The minimum requirements to use Twinkly app are:
For iOS devices: iOS 11 or higher
For Android devices: Android 4.4 or higher
If you have already downloaded Twinkly app make sure it's up to date! We regularly update the application to make your experience ever more exciting!
As the number of lights increases, more computing resources are needed to manage them. Some users with elder Smartphones and Tablets may experience slowdowns in the use of the app.
Arrange the lights and turn on Twinkly
Arrange your lights as you like and connect Twinkly to the mains socket. On the controller, you will see two lights turning on: one Green and one Blue, this is to check that both lights are working.
In about 10 seconds, the Blue light will turn off and only Green light will remain constantly on.
In the case of pre-lit trees, the lights are already set up for optimal coverage of the tree surface. In case of purchase of extra strings the decoration can be done in a completely random way.
Login / Signup
Launch the Twinkly application and create your user account:
By email: click on the “Sign Up” button, enter your data (Full Name, Email, Password) and click on the “Sign up” button. Confirm your registration by clicking on the link you will receive via email.
Via Facebook: Click on the “Sign in with Facebook” button to access Twinkly via Facebook. You can manage all the data sent to Twinkly through Facebook Access Management panel.
If you already have a pair of Twinkly credentials (email and password), click on the “Log in” button to access the application.
Forgotten password: to recover your forgotten password click on the link “Forgot Password?” and enter your email to receive a password recovery link on your inbox.
Controller selection
After logging in, the application will automatically launch a procedure to search for any Twinkly devices already registered. At the end of the procedure, the following screen will appear: select the controller corresponding to the one in your possession.
If you have already connected Twinkly to your smartphone, the application will immediately find Twinkly and skip the onboarding process.
Establish a direct connection between the Smartphone and the Twinkly Access Point.
Each Twinkly device is able to develop its own Wi-Fi signal (AP - Access Point mode) which allows its communication with your Smartphone. Make sure you have Wi-Fi network reception enabled on your smartphone.
Leave Twinkly application and access “Wi-Fi settings” menu on your smartphone. Search among the available networks the one broadcasted by your Twinkly device, it will be visible as: “Twinkly_XXXXXX”.
Select it and connect to the network.
Return to Twinkly App: a confirmation message will appear on the app.
Click on “Connect to local Wi-Fi” to add Twinkly to your local Wi-Fi network.
By choosing “Use Twinkly Wi-Fi” instead, you will connect directly to Twinkly. The application will work but you will not be able to have access to the internet or the online gallery and other features for which internet access is required.
Connect Twinkly to your local Wi-Fi network
When Twinkly is connected to the local Wi-Fi network you can access Twinkly Store, create Twinkly groups and control Twinkly remotely through devices like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Click on “Connect to local Wi-Fi”, the application will search for available Wi-Fi networks around you. Select from the list of available Wi-Fi networks the one you want to associate Twinkly with, like your local home network.
It is possible to use Twinkly even without carrying out this step. However, when you connect to the lights via Wi-Fi, the smartphone will no longer be connected to the internet. For this reason it is strongly recommended to proceed with the client and complete the procedure, associating Twinkly to the local Wi-Fi network.
This is the most delicate operation, some issues may emerge with modems and routers of particular settings. In the event of any problem it is recommended to carry out a RESET on the lights, to RESTART the modem and repeat the procedure. If the problem persists, please contact our dedicated technical assistance service
Enter the Password and click on: “Connect”.
Congratulations! Your Twinkly is now associated with your local Wi-Fi network. You will also see a steady Blue light on the controller.
IMPORTANT: To use the application correctly, the smartphone must connect to the same local Wi-Fi network to which Twinkly is connected.
If they connect to two different networks, the application will show an error message like this.The user must then access the list of available Wi-Fi networks on the smartphone and select the one to which Twinkly was jusChoose the tool you t associated with.
See Video Configuration
Configure
When you connect your Pre-lit Tree, click on “Configure” to select the number of LEDs on your tree.
You can always change this setting later.
Skipping this step or entering a wrong number of LEDs can cause issues when operating the effects.
Customers report problems such as: ”Half of the tree does not turn on” or ”the last 50 LEDs do not light up”.
To change the LED number settings later, access the menu Device > Twinkly_XXXXXX > Number of LEDs.
Click on “Start using app” to complete the configuration process.
MAPPING: Creating A Custom Layout
If you are installing a braid of lights, this process allows the application to locate the LEDs in the room and map them. In this way you will create a CUSTOM LAYOUT and you will be able to apply the most advanced effects to your Smart Decoration.
If you are installing a Pre-Lit tree the mapping will allow you to apply the most beautiful effects designed specifically for this product.
This step is recommended but not necessary if you are installing a Wall / Curtain / Icicle.
This operation is not possible on objects such as reindeer with snowman, wreath and garland.
Start-up and Selection of the type of mapping.
Access the “Layout” menu and accept the permission required by the application to access your smartphone's camera.
Tap the “mapping” button and select the type of mapping you want to apply:
2D Mapping
This type of mapping is recommended for installations where the lights are predominantly on a single floor. The algorithm will automatically identify the position of the LEDs located on the sides and back of the holder, estimating their position.
Start the mapping by clicking on “Mapping” and select “2D Mapping”: the LEDs will start flashing quickly and the magic begins!
The mapping will end when the LEDs stop on a fixed colour. It will be possible to save or repeat the operation.
In case of poor results, a pop up will indicate the “Poor results” condition and it will be possible to repeat the operation.
3D Mapping (single pass) - RECOMMENDED FOR PRE-LIT TREE
Single pass 3D mapping was created to better support Pre-Lit trees with the arrangement of spiral lights.
The position of the LEDs is known in advance, so it is sufficient to map the front portion of the tree to provide the app with the precise position of the LEDs on the sides and rear.
Start the mapping by clicking on “Mapping” and select “3D Mapping (single pass)”: the LEDs will start flashing quickly. The mapping will end when the LEDs stop on a fixed colour. It will be possible to save or repeat the operation.
In case of poor results, a pop up will indicate the “Poor results” condition and it will be possible to repeat the operation.
Performing 3D mapping will unlock some special effects in the gallery like “Rainbow 3D” and “Fireworks 3D”.
3D Mapping (front-back)
This type of 3D Mapping is recommended for those who install strings or groups of strings on a three-dimensional object such as a Christmas tree.
Just point the front of the decorated object. Start the mapping by clicking on “Mapping” and selecting “Mapping”: the LEDs will start to flash quickly. As soon as the LEDs stop on a fixed colour, the application will have mapped the position of the LEDs placed on the front of the decorated object.
Point to the back of the decorated object, start the mapping again. When the LEDs stop on a fixed colour, the mapping will be completed.
The mapping will end when the LEDs stop on a fixed colour. It will be possible to save or repeat the operation. This type of mapping is not available for “Scene” type groups.
From this moment on, an accurate map of your Twinkly LEDs in the room appears reproduced in your Effects Gallery. The application recalculates the effects adapting them to the customized layout (Compilation).
Replace or Delete a custom layout
At any time, you can create a new custom layout that will replace the previous one.
If you have several Twinkly, you can create different mappings for each device or group.
It is possible to delete the customized layout and return back to default settings by deleting the device from the Devices list. Access the “Devices” menu, swipe left on the device you want to delete and confirm the deletion. At this point, it is necessary to repeat the configuration procedure if you wish to add again the deleted device.
Tips for a perfect mapping
Set the frame: Point to the LEDs with your smartphone trying to keep the frame steady and stable.
Follow these tips for perfect mapping:
Make sure you get rid of any “Reflection” effect caused by windows, mirrored walls, polished floors and other reflective objects around your decoration.
Make sure you lower the surrounding lights to get a better contrast between the LEDs and the ambient light, and an easier detection by the app.
Avoid extremely dark environments. In the dark, the detection of LEDs using your smartphone's camera can generate a halo that makes it more difficult to detect.
GROUP: Extend The Lights
Twinkly lights virtually extend via the app. This allows you to get extended lighting effects on the same object or objects in some distance between them.
You can add a new device immediately after installing the first one, following the wizard. Alternatively, access the “Devices” menu and click on “Add another Device”.
The onboarding procedure will restart from the beginning, guiding you through the configuration of the new device.
Important notes:
It is not possible to create Twinkly groups with different LED profiles (the type of LED must be the same: RGB, RGBW, RBW, AWW).
It is possible to create groups up to a maximum of 10 devices.
It is not possible to create groups by including other existing groups in the selection.
There are 3 types of different groups that allow you to create different effects.
GROUP OF JOIN TYPE: Groups of JOIN type allow you to apply an effect in succession, one string after the other. This is considered as an actual extension of the string. All LEDs will behave as part of a single string even if they are not physically connected to each other.
Access the “Devices” menu.
Add all Twinkly devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
Make sure they are all on, marked with the Green status icon.
elect all the devices you want to add to the group.
Select the “Join” group type.
Give your group a name.
The group will appear in the device list.
Select the group, go to the Layout menu and perform a new mapping of your lights to obtain a complete mapping of the entire lighting group.
SYNC TYPE GROUP: Groups of SYNC type allow you to apply the same effect to two or more strings simultaneously. (ex: two 250 LED strings placed on two columns of a porch). The applied effects will be synchronized and visually identical even if the two strings are arranged differently. The app will handle the mapping of each of the two strings separately.
Access the “Devices” menu.
Add all Twinkly devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
Make sure they are all on, marked with the Green status icon. Recommended: Perform the mapping of the individual devices you wish to include into the SYNC group.
Select all the devices you want to add to the group. Select the “SYNC” group type.
Give your group a name
The group will appear in the device list.
SCENE TYPES GROUPS: “Scene” type groups are groups of lights arranged on extended scenarios. This type of group allows only 2D mapping enabled.
Access the “Devices” menu.
Add all Twinkly devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
Make sure they are all on, marked with the Green status icon.
Select all the devices you want to add to the group.
Select the “SCENE” group type.
Give your group a name.
The group will appear in the device list.
Select the group, go to the Layout menu and perform a new mapping of your lights to obtain a complete mapping of the entire lighting group.
NOTE: this type of group allows only 2D mapping.
Groups behave as individual devices. They are present in the device list and have a status icon. The icon is green if all the devices that are part of the group are on and correctly connected.
If the group status icon is red it means that one or more devices within the group are switched off or disconnected. In this case, check that the lights are on (steady green light on the controller) and perform a “rescan” by clicking on the icon in the form of circular arrows at the top of the list.
If one or more devices have lost connection, it may be necessary to start the Reset procedure on each device.
EFFECTS: Gallery and Effects
Preloaded / basic effects
To access the carousel of pre-loaded effects, simply connect Twinkly to the electrical socket and repeatedly press the central button of the controller. You will then be able to scroll through the effects loaded by default on the controller. It is possible to reproduce these plays of light in sequence also through the app, activating the Carousel function in the Settings > Carousel section.
Effects gallery
The Effects Gallery is the main repository of all your effects. Here, depending on the product you have purchased, you will find all the effects created by us that you can immediately apply, save as favorites or change.
The gallery changes according to the selected device or group, presenting the basic or customized layout.
The referred device always appears at the top. If you have configured more than one Twinkly, touch the arrow icon next to the device name, you will see a drop-down menu that allows you to view the list of all available devices and switch between them.
Touch the device name to access the remote control menu.
Selected device. | List of available devices. | Remote control menu. |
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Remote control menu: Timer, Power, Brightness
From this menu, it is possible to switch on and off the selected device, set a timer or adjust the general brightness of the lights.
Effects
Select one of the effects to see the full screen layout and see the effect in action live on your Twinkly.
Tap the heart icon to add the effect to your favorites. | The favorite effects are accessible from the gallery by clicking on the heart-shaped icon. | Click on ”Apply” to definitively apply the effect to your lights. |
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Customize the effects
You can customize an existing effect by changing its colors and other main parameters.
Tap the Edit button to access the effect editing panel. | Edit the effect parameters, select an existing color or click on the + icon to create a new one. | Select the color and intensity you want to get. Click on Create. | Click on apply to apply the chosen colors to the effect. |
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Create a Static effect
Create a custom effect by clicking on the “+” icon at the top right or on the icon at the end of the gallery. Select “Still Effect”.
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Select the color
First select which color you want to apply: move the “color” cursor to the right and to the left to select the right color. Adjust the color saturation: lighter or darker.
Select the tool
Choose the tool you want to use to draw the effect on your layout, whether it is a basic layout or mapped by you.
Pencil: for a thin and light stroke, this allows you to select a few LEDs at a time and apply a full color
Brush: for a thicker stroke, it allows you to select several LEDs at a time and apply a full color.
Magic Wand: Apply a flickering effect to the selected LEDs, reminiscent of the sparkle of magic dust.
Rubber: clears the effect from the LEDs you are going to touch.
Apply or delete the color with the selected tool
After you have selected the tool, touch with your finger the LEDs you want to manage. You can select individual LEDs or intervene on groups of LEDs by moving your finger on the screen.
Click on the “check mark” icon to save the effect and assign it a name, your effect will be available in the main gallery where you can add it to your favorites.
Note: you cannot modify the customized effects from the gallery as you can do with the pre-loaded ones.
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Create a dynamic effect
Unlike static effects, dynamic effects involve different LEDs at different times, so you will also have the possibility to configure the time option indicator that is located at the top right and shows the total time of the “unfolding” effect.
Create a custom effect by clicking on the “+” icon at the top right or on the icon at the end of the gallery. Select “Loop Effect”.
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Select the color
First select which color you want to apply: move the “color” cursor to the right and to the left to select the right color.
Select the tool
Choose the tool you want to use to draw the effect on your basic or mapped layout.
Pencil: for a fine and light stroke, this allows you to select a few LEDs at a time and apply a full color.
Magic Wand: Apply a flickering effect to the selected LEDs, reminiscent of the sparkle of magic dust.
Rubber: clears the effect from the selected LEDs.
Apply or delete the color with the selected tool
After you have selected the tool, touch with your finger the LEDs you want to manage. You can select individual LEDs or intervene on groups of LEDs by moving your finger on the screen.
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Effects Store
The effects store is an online repository, always updated with new and downloadable effects.
To download the effects, you must have already connected and selected a Twinkly device and connect to the internet.
Access the “Effects Store” menu and browse the gallery of downloadable effects.
Select an effect and click on “Download”. You can decide whether to take a look at the effect immediately or try it later.
The downloaded effect is part of your effects gallery! You can modify some of the downloaded effects.
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DEVICE MENU
The devices menu collects information about the connected Twinkly. In the menu, appear both the single devices and groups, identified by an icon and status indicator.
From this menu, you can create new groups or delete an existing device.
Select a device by accessing the screen where all the device details are present:
Name - You can change the name of your Twinkly.
Number of active LEDs - Number of active LEDs.
Model - The model name (very useful for support cases).
Type of LED - The color profile of the device LEDs.
MAC Address - The MAC address of the device.
Firmware - The version of the Firmware installed - A yellow triangle indicates that an update is available, tap on the alert icon so you can update the firmware.
IP Address - The IP address of the device.
Last discovered - The method used by the app to locate the device.
Network - Here appears the name of the local Wi-Fi network to which the device is connected.
Device list and ”Create Group” button | Details Single device | Select and Swipe to left to delete a device |
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TWINKLY RESET PROCEDURE
The Reset procedure is useful to take back Twinkly to factory default conditions, for the following cases in particular:
If you want to install Twinkly on a new local Wi-Fi network.
If there are ongoing connection problems between Twinkly and the local Wi-Fi.
The process is extremely easy:
Unplug Twinkly from the power socket.
Press the button on the controller and plug Twinkly back in the power socket.
Keep pressing the button until the lights will be steady and red.
Twinkly is now back to factory defaults!
