Skip to content
RGB Halos Explained: Bluetooth vs. Remote Controllers

RGB Halos Explained: Bluetooth vs. Remote Controllers

RGB halos let you change the color of the accent lighting around your headlights. With Dapper Lighting, you can control them using a handheld remote or the Morimoto XBT Bluetooth app.

Choose the standard remote controller for straightforward button control. Choose the Bluetooth controller for finer color selection, saved favorites, and control over separate groups of halos. Both controllers work with every generation of Dapper Lighting RGB halo kits.

What Are RGB Halos?

RGB stands for red, green, and blue. Mixing those colors creates the different shades you see in a multicolor halo. The controller lets you select a color, adjust brightness, or run a color-changing effect.

The halo is separate from the headlamp’s main low- and high-beam lighting. Changing the halo color changes the accent ring; it does not change your headlight beam color.

Bluetooth or Standard Remote: Which Should You Choose?

Dapper Lighting standard RGB halo controller kit with handheld remote, receiver, and distribution harness.

Standard Remote Controller

Best for simple control without using your phone.

Use the handheld RF remote to turn the halos on or off, choose preset colors, adjust brightness, and select effects. Halos connected to the same receiver follow the same color and mode.

This is a good fit if you want to select a favorite preset and make occasional changes with physical buttons. No phone app is required.

View the Dapper Lighting Standard Remote Controller
Morimoto XBT Bluetooth RGB halo controller and packaging.

Bluetooth Controller

Best for more color control and separate lighting groups.

The Morimoto XBT controller connects to the Morimoto XBT app on iPhone or Android. Use the color wheel to fine-tune a shade, adjust intensity, save favorites, and select effects such as fading or strobing.

The XBT can also control separate groups of connected halos. A group, or zone, is a set of lights connected to the same controller output group. You can give those groups different settings or control them together.

View the Dapper Lighting Bluetooth Controller

Connecting Your RGB Halos

Both setups use a halo driver for each halo. The dashed line shows wireless control; the solid lines show wired connections.

Standard remote connection overview: handheld remote sends an RF signal to the receiver. Vehicle power and ground connect to the receiver. The receiver connects through the RGB distribution harness to each halo driver and halo. Turn-signal input and ground connect to each driver.
Bluetooth connection overview: the Morimoto XBT phone app connects wirelessly to the XBT controller. Vehicle power and ground connect to the controller. The controller connects to each halo driver and halo. Turn-signal input and ground connect to each driver.

Connect each halo driver’s turn-signal input to the turn signal on the same side of the vehicle, along with its ground. Follow the matching wiring video below for the complete installation.

Watch the Dapper Lighting Wiring Videos

Dapper Lighting recommends watching the video for your controller before starting installation.

Common RGB Halo Questions

Will These Controllers Work With My Older Dapper Lighting Halos?

Yes. Both controllers work with every generation of Dapper Lighting RGB halo kits. Keep the appropriate halo drivers and wiring with your kit.

Will My Halos Still Work as Turn Signals?

Yes. All Dapper Lighting RGB halos include switchback. When the turn-signal input and ground are connected as shown in the wiring video, the halo flashes amber with the turn signal, then returns to your selected color. This works with either controller.

Need help identifying your setup? Contact Dapper Lighting.

© Dapper Lighting

Filed in: bluetooth controllers, halo controllers, headlight wiring, rgb halos, tech blog
Previous article H4 Splitter vs. 3-to-2-Pin Adapter: Which Do You Need?
Next article Halogen, HID or LED