WLED sync usually fails because the controllers cannot see the same broadcast or UDP traffic, not because the preset itself is wrong. A wired controller and a Wi-Fi controller can sync well, but only when both are on the same real LAN and the router is not separating wireless from Ethernet.
Work through the network first
- Open the web UI for each controller from the same phone or laptop.
- Confirm both controllers are on the same subnet and not separated by guest Wi-Fi, VLAN rules, or client isolation.
- Give each controller a predictable address, preferably with DHCP reservations on the router.
- Check WLED sync settings on both devices: send/receive, UDP port, and which data types are included.
- Test one simple solid-color preset before trying complex effects or multiple channels.
Build on a reliable local path
Once sync works, decide whether these strips are entertainment effects, accent lighting, or part of the room’s normal state. Rhythm can coordinate the everyday room behavior above a stable WLED/Home Assistant path, but it cannot fix multicast, UDP, or Wi-Fi isolation problems underneath.