Using multiple MagWLED-1 controllers in the same location

By default, each MagWLED-1 broadcasts its own WiFi hotspot named WLED-AP. When multiple controllers are powered on in the same room, they will all try to use the same network name, causing conflicts — only one will be reachable at a time.

Recommended approach: connect to a shared network

The cleanest solution for using many controllers together is to connect each one to a shared WiFi network (your router, or a dedicated hotspot) instead of relying on the built-in access points.

Steps:

1. Connect to one controller’s WLED-AP hotspot
2. Open the WLED interface at 4.3.2.1
3. Go to Config → WiFi Setup
4. Enter your shared network SSID and password
5. Optionally, set a unique mDNS name (e.g. wled-desk, wled-stage-1) so each device is addressable by name
6. Save and repeat for each controller

Once on the shared network, each controller is reachable by its IP address or mDNS name, and you can control them individually or sync them using WLED’s sync features.

Access control considerations

Anyone on the same WiFi network can control the devices. If you’re deploying in a shared environment (e.g. a classroom), consider using a dedicated hotspot that only your devices and your control device connect to.

Classroom tip

If you’re setting up many controllers for students, pre-configure each one with a unique mDNS name before distributing them. This way each student can reach their own controller by name from a shared network without needing to know IP addresses.