Create an enchanting wonderland with Christmas tree lights that glow just the way you want. The possibilities are endless with Twinkly lights – a smart technology that lets you design spectacular light shows using only your smartphone. Read this guide to learn all about this mobile app-controlled Christmas tree lighting system.
What Is Twinkly Technology and How Does It Work?
A Twinkly Christmas tree is a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree whose LED bulbs are individually addressable and controlled through the free Twinkly mobile app. Instead of a single static glow, you can select pre-programmed modes or set the color and animation of every bulb from your phone — that mix of preset shows and full manual control is what defines Twinkly Christmas tree lights.
Balsam Hill's Twinkly app-controlled Christmas trees combine pre-set and customizable light effects, Easy Plug® technology that powers the whole tree from a single plug, synchronization across multiple Twinkly devices, a premium stand with scratch-proof rubber feet, and a controller box for basic effects. Know more about these features below:
App-Controlled Effects
Choose preset light shows or design color-changing scenes from the Twinkly app.
Easy Plug® Setup
Light strings connect through the trunk, so the whole tree powers on with a single plug.
Synchronization with Multiple Devices
Group compatible Twinkly devices in the app, so they display coordinated effects across your holiday setup.
Balsam Hill’s Bestselling Twinkly Trees
Twinkly Light Show technology comes in a range of Balsam Hill profiles, so you can choose the shape that fits your space. Here’s a look at four popular options:
BH Balsam Fir®
Inspired by the shape of natural balsam firs, this full-profile tree creates a lush, traditional centerpiece. Twinkly lights let you customize its colors, patterns, and effects through the mobile app.
Silverado Slim®
The Silverado Slim offers abundant foliage in a narrow silhouette suited for smaller rooms and tighter spaces. App-controlled lights add a personalized light show without taking up extra floor space.
Vermont White Spruce®
The Vermont White Spruce® combines a full, layered profile with our convenient Flip Tree® design for quicker assembly. Once upright, its Twinkly lights can be mapped and customized with festive colors and animated effects.
BH Fraser Fir®
The BH Fraser Fir® pairs with matching natural-looking foliage in the same app-controlled lighting for a distinctive holiday display. Use the Twinkly app to personalize the colors and effects for a vibrant, dynamic glow.
Assembling Your Pre-Lit Twinkly Christmas Tree
Proper assembly helps keep your tree stable, ensures the lights receive power through the trunk, and prepares the branches for shaping. Follow these steps before connecting your tree to the Twinkly app:
Step 1
Unfold the tree stand into an X-shape.
Step 2
Insert the bottom section of the tree into the base then tighten the eyebolt to secure.
Step 3
Attach the top sections and make sure the plugs in the central pole are aligned.
Step 4
Plug the power adapter into an AC outlet. The tree lights will show default effects.
Step 5
Shape the branches to achieve a full look. Refer to our guide on how to fluff your tree.
Connecting to the Twinkly App
Pairing your tree with the Twinkly app lets you control its lights from your phone. Mapping then records the position of each bulb, so colors and effects appear where intended across the tree.
Step 1
Turn on your Bluetooth.
Step 2
Download and install the “Twinkly” app from the App Store or Google Play.
Step 3
Launch the app and select GENERATION II controller for your tree.
Step 4
The app will start searching for Twinkly devices. Press and hold the controller button for about 5 seconds until the LED is greenish blue.
Step 5
Connect to your local Wi-Fi network.
Step 6
Select the correct light count of your tree and tap "Configure" to complete the connection.
Setting Light Effects With Presets
Preset effects offer a quick way to change your tree’s look without creating a design from scratch. Browse the Effects Gallery, preview each option on your tree, and apply the one you want to display.
Step 1
To choose from preset effects, open the Effects Gallery.
Step 2
Select the desired effect to see the real-time preview on your tree. Swipe left or right to browse.
Step 3
Tap “Apply” to store the effect and play continuously.
Mapping Your Own Light Effects
Once your lights are mapped, you can go beyond presets and create an effect that suits your style. Experiment with colors, patterns, movement, and brightness, then save the finished design for future use.
Step 1
To create your own effects, open Layout and tap the “Map Lights” button.
Step 2
The app will launch your mobile camera. Frame the tree from a distance of 4.9 to 8.2 feet.
Step 3
Tap the “Start Mapping” button. All LEDs will illuminate with different colors during the process.
Insider’s Tip
For best mapping results, make sure there are no reflective surfaces behind your tree and the room has moderate ambient light. Keep the mobile camera steady during the process.
Caring for Your Twinkly Tree
- Between seasons, keep the controller box and power adapter with the tree so nothing goes missing.
- Wipe branches gently with a dry or lightly damp cloth, and avoid tugging the light strings when fluffing or reshaping.
- Keep the app updated to ensure your tree stays compatible with the latest Twinkly effects and firmware, protecting your investment over many seasons.
How Do You Take Down a Pre-Lit Twinkly Christmas Tree?
When the season is over, carefully disassemble and put away your Twinkly Christmas tree to keep it in good condition for years to come:
- Unplug the power adapter and remove all ornaments and decorations.
- Detach the tree sections from top to bottom and place them in the provided storage bags.
- Store the tree in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, and avoid stacking heavy items on top so the branches and light strings keep their shape.
Troubleshooting Your Twinkly Artificial Christmas Tree
What if the Twinkly Lights Do Not Illuminate?
Make sure that the power adapter is plugged into an outlet and that the controller is correctly connected to your phone. Check that the green LED of the controller is on. Briefly press the button on the controller. If this does not work, unplug the power adapter from the power outlet, and wait 30 seconds before plugging the power adapter back into the outlet.
What if My Smartphone Cannot Find the Twinkly Tree?
Unplug the power adapter, wait 30 seconds, plug it in again and repeat the steps to connect the Twinkly app as detailed above.
What if the Lights Don’t Respond to Commands Despite Successful Setup?
On the Twinkly app, open “Devices” and tap the refresh symbol. Wait until the list of available devices appears. If this does not work, close the Twinkly application and relaunch it. If the issue persists, reset your lights or delete the Twinkly app then download the latest version.
How Do I Reset Twinkly Lights for Christmas Trees?
Unplug the Twinkly power adapter then press and hold the controller button. While holding the button, plug in the Twinkly power adapter. Keep holding the button until all LED lights on the tree turn red, then release the button.
How Do I Connect a Twinkly Tree Without Local Wi-Fi?
Open Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone. Find and select Twinkly_XXXXXX network. Enter the Wi-Fi password “Twinkly2019” and ensure that the Twinkly_XXXXXX network is connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Twinkly Christmas Tree and How Does It Work?
A Twinkly Christmas tree is a Balsam Hill pre-lit artificial tree with individually controllable LED bulbs. Using the Twinkly app, you can play preset light shows or set the color and animation of each bulb, turning the tree into a fully programmable display.
How Do I Set Up and Assemble a Twinkly Christmas Tree?
Place the tree near a power outlet. Unfold the stand into an X, insert and secure the bottom section with the eyebolt, then add the top sections, aligning the central-pole plugs. Plug in the power adapter and shape the branches. Balsam Hill's Easy Plug® technology connects the light strings through the trunk, so there are no messy cords.
How Do I Control a Twinkly Christmas Tree With the App?
Turn on Bluetooth, download the Twinkly app from the App Store or Google Play, and select the Generation II controller. Hold the controller button until the LED turns greenish blue, connect to Wi-Fi, choose the correct light count, and tap Configure. The Balsam Hill Twinkly tree then responds to the app for effects, brightness, and color.
Can I Customize the Light Colors and Effects on a Twinkly Christmas Tree?
Yes. Open the Effects Gallery for preset shows, preview them live, and tap Apply. Once the lights are mapped, you can design custom color-changing loops and still scenes and adjust colors bulb by bulb.
How Do I Map the Lights on My Twinkly Tree for the Best Effects?
In the app, open Layout and tap Map Lights. Frame the tree with your phone camera from about 4.9 to 8.2 feet away and tap Start Mapping. For the cleanest results, keep the camera steady, use moderate ambient light, and avoid reflective surfaces behind the tree.
How Do I Store a Twinkly Christmas Tree Properly After the Holidays?
Unplug the adapter, remove decorations, and detach the sections from top to bottom. Place them in the provided storage bags and keep the tree in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture. Avoid stacking heavy items on top so the branches and light strings hold their shape.
Can Twinkly Christmas Trees Be Used Outdoors?
Balsam Hill's Twinkly app-controlled Christmas trees are designed for indoor use, since the controller and connections are not rated for outdoor exposure. For covered porches or open-air displays, choose only products marked outdoor-safe.
How Do I Connect and Use the Twinkly App With My Balsam Hill Tree?
Turn on your phone’s Bluetooth and download the free Twinkly app from the App Store or Google Play. Open the app, select the Generation II controller, and press and hold the controller button for about five seconds until the LED turns greenish blue. Connect the tree to your local Wi-Fi, choose the correct light count, and tap Configure. Once paired, you can browse the Effects Gallery, map your lights, and adjust color and brightness from your phone. Every Balsam Hill Twinkly tree uses this same Generation II setup.
Can the Twinkly App Sync Lights to Music?
Yes. The Twinkly app can sync your tree’s lights to music using your phone’s microphone. Choose a music-compatible effect in the Effects Gallery and enable the music feature, keeping the app open while it plays. Not every effect supports music sync. For hands-free, always-on syncing across multiple devices without keeping the app open, Twinkly also sells a separate Music dongle that works with Generation II products like Balsam Hill’s Twinkly trees.
Which Balsam Hill Trees Include Twinkly Light Show Technology?
Balsam Hill offers Twinkly Light Show technology across several tree styles, so you can match the profile to your space. The lineup spans full trees such as the BH Balsam Fir, slim trees such as the Silverado Slim, Flip Tree designs such as the Vermont White Spruce, and more. See our full selection of Twinkly Artificial Christmas Trees.
Does the Twinkly App Work With Alexa, Google Home, or Other Smart Home Systems?
Yes. Balsam Hill’s Twinkly trees use the Generation II controller, which integrates with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. After linking your Twinkly account in the voice assistant’s app, you can turn the lights on or off, dim or brighten them, change colors, and activate any Scene you’ve saved in the Twinkly app using voice commands.
Does the Twinkly App Require Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Both?
Both play a role. Bluetooth is used to discover and pair the controller during setup, and the tree then connects to your home Wi-Fi network for full app control — including the Effects Gallery, light mapping, and smart-home integration. If a local Wi-Fi network isn’t available, the Generation II controller can create its own direct connection so you can still manage the tree from the app.
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