The Best Govee Smart Lights (2024): M1 Light Strip, Envisual T2, and More Tips
Here are some tips we've learned from using Govee smart lighting systems over the past few years.
Setting: Plan your installation carefully, especially with panels, by checking your intended layout before sticking anything on the wall. In particular, think about where the power cord will end. Thoroughly clean any surface you plan to apply the smart light to, and be aware that the adhesive may damage the paint or wallpaper if you remove it.
Connecting: Even after connecting the Govee light to Wi-Fi, your phone will connect via Bluetooth for direct control and firmware updates. If you have trouble connecting, get closer to the light (within 6 feet).
Sizing: Some Govee smart lighting systems, such as TVs or game sync products, require a calibration process to function properly. Take your time and follow the instructions exactly for best results. You can always redo the calibration in the Govee app.
Name: If you did not select a descriptive name during setup or you want to change the name of your light, select it Device tab, select a device and tap the gear at the top right, then Device name edit. Remember these names will also be used for Alexa and Google Assistant if you set up voice control, so short and easy to remember is best.
Room: If you have multiple Govee lights, you should tap on the three dots on the top right Device tab in the application to select Room management, create the rooms you want and add lights to them. This will make it easier to control groups of lights.
Voice control: Since the Govee app is quite cluttered, for basic daily tasks, you may prefer to use a voice assistant to control your lights. You can link most Govee lights to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You can find detailed instructions in the Govee app. Select the top light Device tab, tap the cog in the top right and look below User manual. If there are any other connections, such as Razer Chroma, available for that device, you'll find instructions for them as well. Sadly, the Matter-enabled M1 above is the only Govee option so far that works with Apple Homekit.
Automation: You can schedule lights to turn on and off by selecting them on Device tab and select timer. You can also create automation on Automation navigation. You can choose to turn off all the lights at a certain time each night, but you can also set up triggers to change brightness, color, color temperature, mode, etc. (available options depending on the device).
Colors and effects: Select the top light Device tab and press Effects Lab to find all the colors and effects available to try. If you want to cycle through different effects, tap AutorunSpecify how it will change and create a list of effects to cycle through.
Discover: You will find some suggestions about Home page in the app, but if you look at the bottom, there's a Discover options (globe icon). The Explore section is a great place to learn more about what your lights can do. You can view group options or select individual devices at the top.
Detect: The last thing worth looking at is the bottom bar of the app Detect section (compass icon). You can find different hashtagged topics as well as countless posts and videos created by Govee lamp owners. This can be a good place to find ideas, tips and troubleshooting help for your Govee lighting system.