First project: Booting issue?

[Eli_Oates]

Hello,

First ever project, and first ever forum post on any site.

I am reaching out because it seems i am having a booting issue. I am wondering if I need a larger battery that can provide 2000mAh of current and provide 5V. For my project, it is best if I don't need an external power source for the LEDS, if it seems unsustainable to have the 16 bit LEDs, 2 8 strips, I can adjust my project if needed.

The battery seems to be charging sufficiently, with a red blinker occuring on the board.

I'm currently working on a project involving an ESP32-S3 microcontroller connected to 16 WS2812B (NeoPixel) RGB LEDs. The setup is powered by both a 3.7V 1000mAh LiPo battery and a USB-C power source. However, I'm encountering some perplexing power-related issues that I'm hoping to get some insights on.

Hardware Setup:
Microcontroller: ESP32-S3 Development Board
LEDs: 16 WS2812B RGB LEDs (NeoPixel)
Battery: 3.7V 1000mAh LiPo
Power Source: USB-C Charger (supports up to 1000mA)
Additional Components:
470Ω resistor between ESP32-S3 GPIO (D9) and LED Data In
Common Ground connection for all components

Power Configuration:
Battery Connected to ESP32-S3:
Battery Voltage: ~4.18V (charging)
LEDs Powered: Connected to 5V (via VUSB)
USB-C Charger Connected to ESP32-S3:
Provides 5V to ESP32-S3 and LEDs
Simultaneously connected to Battery for charging


Issues Faced

----------Battery + USB Connected--------------
Behavior: Code does not run & LEDs do not turn on
Voltage Readings: Battery: 4.18V (charging), LEDs: 5V present even when off


----------USB Connected, Battery Disconnected:----------------
Behavior: Code runs smoothly, LEDs function as expected

---------Battery Disconnected, USB Connected → Code Runs → Battery Connected:---------
Behavior: Code continues to run, LEDs remain functional

----------Battery Connected, USB Plugged into Computer:----------
Behavior: LEDs do not turn on, Upon uploading new code while still connected, LEDs turn on despite battery being connected

[ESP_Sprite]

Unless you include some kind of DC-DC converter to boost the battery voltage, 4.18V is not likely to be enough to power the ESP32 devboard.

[Eli_Oates]

Appreciate it, I'll do some boosting