GE Cync (formerly C by GE) offers WiFi, Bluetooth, and Matter smart lighting products. This guide covers common connectivity issues.
Bulb Won't Enter Pairing Mode
Getting device ready to pair:
- Power cycle: Turn off and on 3 times (1 second each) until bulb blinks
- Wait for blink: Bulb should blink indicating pairing mode
- Factory reset: Power cycle 5 times for full reset on some models
- Check model: Direct Connect (WiFi) vs Wire-Free (Bluetooth) have different processes
WiFi Direct Connect Issues
For WiFi-enabled Cync products:
- 2.4GHz only: Cync WiFi devices only work on 2.4GHz networks
- Cync app: Use the Cync app (not the old C by GE app)
- Bluetooth enabled: Phone Bluetooth must be on during setup
- Same network: Phone must be on the 2.4GHz network during setup
- Router settings: Disable band steering if devices won't connect
Matter Device Setup
For newer Matter-enabled Cync products:
- Matter code: QR code on device or packaging contains setup code
- Any Matter app: Can set up through Google Home, Alexa, Apple Home, or Cync app
- Thread vs WiFi: Some Matter Cync devices use Thread, others WiFi
- Border router: Thread devices need border router (HomePod Mini, Echo, etc.)
- Firmware update: Older Cync devices may need update for Matter
Device Goes Offline
Cync devices disconnecting:
- WiFi signal: Check signal strength at device location
- Power state: Bulbs need constant power - wall switch must stay on
- DHCP: Set static IP or reservation for problem devices
- App update: Ensure Cync app is updated
- Cloud status: GE Cync cloud outages can affect connectivity
Voice Assistant Integration
Alexa and Google Home:
- Link account: Enable Cync skill in Alexa or link in Google Home
- Room sync: Room assignments may need manual adjustment
- Rename devices: Give devices easy-to-say names
- Matter native: Matter devices appear directly without needing skill