Names: If you didn’t choose a descriptive name during setup or you want to change your light names, select the Device tab, choose a device, and tap the cog at the top right, then Device name to edit. Remember these names will also be used for Alexa and Google Assistant if you set up voice controls, so short and memorable is best. Calibration: Some Govee smart lighting, such as the TV or gaming syncing products, requires a calibration process to work properly. Take your time and follow the instructions precisely for the best results. You can always redo calibration in the Govee app.

An area in that Philips Hue excels over Govee is complementary lighting devices. Both brands offer indoor and outdoor fixtures, with Philips Hue going for a more modern, minimalist design approach. In contrast, Govee tends to be more playful in most of its product designs, but not so much that it would look out of place in most homes. The ecosystem of lighting accessories on the Philips Hue side could be a tipping point for some. Connectivity and controls. Most Govee lights have physical buttons, and many have a control box, but you can also connect them to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Bluetooth is slower and has limited range, so we recommend using Wi-Fi. Make sure your chosen spot has a reasonably strong Wi-Fi signal.Choose a spot. Think carefully about where you want to install your smart lighting and remember that you need a power outlet nearby (or the ability to run an extension cord). Most of Govee’s smart lights have reasonably long cables, but measure up to avoid errors. Automation: You can schedule lights to turn on and off by selecting them on the Device tab and choosing Timer. You can also create automations on the Automation tab. You can choose to turn all lights off at a certain time every night, but you can also set up triggers to change brightness, color, color temperature, mode, and more (available options depend on the device).

Philips expands what is happening on your TV's screen to the wall behind it, with a gradient light strip, and a box that you plug HDMI cables into. The Hue Play HDMI Sync Box is where you plug into four devices, like your favorite streaming device, such as a Chromecast with Google TV, your Blu-ray player, or maybe your VCR, into it with HDMI cables. Then the Sync Box connects to your TV and the light strip. Explore: You will find some suggestions on the Home tab in the app, but if you look at the bottom, there’s an Explore option (globe icon). The Explore section is a great place to learn more about what your lights can do. You can see group options or select individual devices at the top.verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ The installation and configuration are a total pain in the rear, but once completed and tweaked to your liking, this is a great light syncing system. It can also be grouped with other Govee lights to sync them too. Consider the Nanoleaf 4D Kit if you're not tied to Govee. Govee and Philips have features combining other lights in their respective ecosystem with the television immersion systems for a whole room lighting experience. However, if you go the Hue route, you'll spend a fair amount more to do that. Connecting: Even after connecting Govee lights to Wi-Fi, your phone will connect via Bluetooth for direct control and firmware updates. If you’re having trouble connecting, get physically close to your lights (within 6 feet). Colors and effects: Choose a light on the Device tab and tap Effects Lab to find all the available colors and effects to try. If you want to cycle through different effects, tap on Auto-Play, specify how it should change, and create a list of effects to cycle through.