# Firmware Setup

1. The SLWF-09 comes pre-flashed with the latest stable **WLED firmware**, allowing you to start controlling LEDs right out of the box. This chapter explains how to connect to WLED for the first time, configure network settings, and update or change the firmware when needed.
    
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    ## **4.1 First Connection to WLED**
    
    
    1. **Power on** the SLWF-09 using your chosen method (USB-C, VIN, or PoE).
    2. The device will create a **Wi-Fi Access Point (AP)** named: `WLED-AP`
        
        Default password: `<span class="hljs-attribute">wled1234</span>`
    3. Connect your phone or computer to this Wi-Fi network.
    4. Open a web browser and go to: `http:<span class="hljs-comment">//4.3.2.1</span>`
    5. In the **Wi-Fi Setup** section, enter your home network SSID and password.
    6. Save and allow the SLWF-09 to reboot.  
        After reboot, it will connect to your home network and get an IP address from your router.
    
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    ## **4.2 Ethernet Connection (Optional)**
    
    If you have installed the **Ethernet add-on**:
    
    
    - Connect the Ethernet cable to your router/switch.
    - The SLWF-09 will automatically obtain an IP address via DHCP.
    - You can access WLED using this IP address directly.
    
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    ## **4.3 Updating the Firmware**
    
    The SLWF-09 supports **OTA (Over-The-Air)** updates as well as flashing via USB-C.
    
    ### **Method 1 – OTA Update**
    
    
    1. Open the WLED web interface.
    2. Go to **Config → Security &amp; Updates**.
    3. Select **Manual OTA Update**.
    4. Upload the new `.bin` firmware file.
    
    ### **Method 2 – Web-based Flasher**
    
    You can easily flash the SLWF-09 directly from your browser using our official online flasher:
    
    > **???? [https://smlight.tech/flasher/#SLWF-09](https://smlight.tech/flasher/#SLWF-09)**
    
    
    - Requires **Google Chrome** or **Microsoft Edge**.
    - Connect the SLWF-09 to your computer via USB-C.
    - Follow the on-screen instructions to install WLED, ESPHome, or other compatible firmware.
    
    ### **Method 3 – USB-C via esptool**
    
    
    - Use `esptool.py` or similar utilities for advanced flashing.
    - Hold **BOOT** (GPIO0) during power-up to enter programming mode.
    
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    ## **4.4 Switching Firmware (WLED ↔ ESPHome)**
    
    
    - You can replace WLED with **ESPHome** for integration with **Home Assistant**.
    - When switching from WLED to ESPHome, use the **Web-based Flasher** or **esptool** method.
    
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    ## **4.5 Restoring Factory Defaults**
    
    
    - To reset network settings:
        
        
        1. Hold the **Boot/Flash** button for **5+ seconds** while powered.
        2. Release when the status LED blinks rapidly.
    - The device will reboot into AP mode.