L530 Bulb random flickering staying on

L530 Bulb random flickering staying on

L530 Bulb random flickering staying on
L530 Bulb random flickering staying on
2025-03-15 03:16:56 - last edited a week ago
Model: Tapo L530B  
Hardware Version: V2
Firmware Version: 1.1.1 Build 240623 Rel.114041

Hello,

 

I have two L530B Smart Bulbs and recently one of them had started misbehaving.

 

If I turn on the bulb via the app it starts flickering randomly for a about 10 seconds then stays on as normal. If I turn it off, the build turns off as it should but then after a few moments - sometimes it's a few seconds, other times, ten or so minutes - it flickers like it's having some sort of epileptic seisure, then dims to a level below the normal threshold and stays on for a seemingly random amount of time. Could be a few seconds to several hours. 

 

The app thinks the build is off. It's like here bulb needs to stay lit to maintain network connectivity or something. 

 

I have factory reset it many times. Tired it in different light fittings. Tried a different WiFi network. Deleted it app. Reinstalled. Disabled all third-party integrations. Tired a different smartphone. All with the same issues. 

 

The other bulb is fine and has no problems. Both bulbs same hardware and firmware versions. 

 

Any Idea what the problem cloud be. It seems have only started happening last couple months or so. 

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#1
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2 Accepted Solutions
Re:L530 Bulb random flickering staying on-Solution
2025-03-16 11:17:49 - last edited a week ago

  @crazzyyfool 

Hey, I had a similar issue with a smart bulb (not the exact model, but close enough), and after tons of trial and error, I managed to fix it. Here’s what I found out:

  1. Power Cycling Beyond a Factory Reset

    A simple on/off reset wasn’t enough for me. Try turning the bulb off at the switch, unplugging the lamp (if applicable), and leaving it off for at least 30 minutes. This helps clear any residual power that might be causing weird behavior.
  2. Capacitor Degradation (Possible Hardware Issue)

    If your bulb flickers and dims randomly but stays partially on even when the app says it’s off, it could be a failing capacitor inside. Unfortunately, this isn’t something you can fix unless you want to crack the bulb open and replace components (not really worth it).
  3. Voltage Fluctuations or Dirty Power

    I noticed my problematic bulb was in a socket that had slightly unstable voltage (old wiring). Try plugging it into a completely different circuit in your home, not just another fixture.
  4. Ghost Power (Leakage Current from the Switch)

    If you're using a dimmer switch or even some standard light switches, they can leak a tiny amount of power even when "off." Some smart bulbs are more sensitive to this than others. If possible, try a different non-dimmer switch.
  5. Interference & Network Issues

    Since the issue happens when the bulb is "off," it might still be trying to maintain a network connection. Have you checked if any new 2.4GHz devices (Wi-Fi extenders, smart plugs, etc.) were added around the same time this started? Try moving your router a bit or testing it in a different room.
  6. Firmware Rollback (If Possible)

    Some firmware updates introduce bugs. If your app allows it, check if you can revert to a previous version.

Since your other bulb is fine, I'd lean toward a hardware fault with the flickering one. If it's still under warranty, I'd contact support for a replacement. If not, and you’ve exhausted all options, you might just have a dying bulb.

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#2
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Re:L530 Bulb random flickering staying on-Solution
2025-03-18 07:25:30 - last edited a week ago

  @crazzyyfool 

 

Double-check the specifications of your smart bulb (specs printed on the bulb or on the box) to confirm its compatibility with your electric circuit -- the rated input voltage to be specific. The smart bulb may malfunction or even get damaged if used in an unsupported voltage circuit, for example, a 120V bulb being used in a 220V circuit.

 

Try to record some videos of the problem and share it here. 

 

Does this issue occur when the bulb is set to a specific color or brightness? Please try testing the bulb with various combinations of different colors (such as white light with varying color temperatures and colors like red, yellow, and blue) and brightness levels to see if any patterns emerge.

Smart HomeBase Tapo H500 - Even More Powerful Smart HubTapo Auto Biorhythm Turn on light bulb at different lighting to match different times of the day
Recommended Solution
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#3
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2 Reply
Re:L530 Bulb random flickering staying on-Solution
2025-03-16 11:17:49 - last edited a week ago

  @crazzyyfool 

Hey, I had a similar issue with a smart bulb (not the exact model, but close enough), and after tons of trial and error, I managed to fix it. Here’s what I found out:

  1. Power Cycling Beyond a Factory Reset

    A simple on/off reset wasn’t enough for me. Try turning the bulb off at the switch, unplugging the lamp (if applicable), and leaving it off for at least 30 minutes. This helps clear any residual power that might be causing weird behavior.
  2. Capacitor Degradation (Possible Hardware Issue)

    If your bulb flickers and dims randomly but stays partially on even when the app says it’s off, it could be a failing capacitor inside. Unfortunately, this isn’t something you can fix unless you want to crack the bulb open and replace components (not really worth it).
  3. Voltage Fluctuations or Dirty Power

    I noticed my problematic bulb was in a socket that had slightly unstable voltage (old wiring). Try plugging it into a completely different circuit in your home, not just another fixture.
  4. Ghost Power (Leakage Current from the Switch)

    If you're using a dimmer switch or even some standard light switches, they can leak a tiny amount of power even when "off." Some smart bulbs are more sensitive to this than others. If possible, try a different non-dimmer switch.
  5. Interference & Network Issues

    Since the issue happens when the bulb is "off," it might still be trying to maintain a network connection. Have you checked if any new 2.4GHz devices (Wi-Fi extenders, smart plugs, etc.) were added around the same time this started? Try moving your router a bit or testing it in a different room.
  6. Firmware Rollback (If Possible)

    Some firmware updates introduce bugs. If your app allows it, check if you can revert to a previous version.

Since your other bulb is fine, I'd lean toward a hardware fault with the flickering one. If it's still under warranty, I'd contact support for a replacement. If not, and you’ve exhausted all options, you might just have a dying bulb.

Recommended Solution
  1  
  1  
#2
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Re:L530 Bulb random flickering staying on-Solution
2025-03-18 07:25:30 - last edited a week ago

  @crazzyyfool 

 

Double-check the specifications of your smart bulb (specs printed on the bulb or on the box) to confirm its compatibility with your electric circuit -- the rated input voltage to be specific. The smart bulb may malfunction or even get damaged if used in an unsupported voltage circuit, for example, a 120V bulb being used in a 220V circuit.

 

Try to record some videos of the problem and share it here. 

 

Does this issue occur when the bulb is set to a specific color or brightness? Please try testing the bulb with various combinations of different colors (such as white light with varying color temperatures and colors like red, yellow, and blue) and brightness levels to see if any patterns emerge.

Smart HomeBase Tapo H500 - Even More Powerful Smart HubTapo Auto Biorhythm Turn on light bulb at different lighting to match different times of the day
Recommended Solution
  0  
  0  
#3
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