If your Govee smart bulbs won't connect to WiFi, aren't responding to app commands, or the color and brightness controls aren't working, this guide will help you resolve these common issues.
Bulb Won't Connect to WiFi During Setup
When initial WiFi pairing fails:
- Govee bulbs only support 2.4GHz WiFi networks, not 5GHz
- Ensure you're connecting to your 2.4GHz network
- Move the bulb closer to your router during setup
- Turn the bulb off/on 3 times quickly to enter pairing mode
- Check if your WiFi password has special characters that might cause issues
- Temporarily disable any VPN on your phone during setup
Bulb Goes Offline Frequently
If the bulb keeps disconnecting:
- Check WiFi signal strength where the bulb is installed
- Move your router closer or add a WiFi extender
- Reduce the number of devices on your network
- Restart your router to refresh connections
- Check if the light switch controlling the bulb is being turned off
- Update the bulb firmware through the Govee app
Color or Brightness Not Changing
When the bulb doesn't respond to color/brightness commands:
- Verify the bulb is connected (check status in app)
- Force close and reopen the Govee app
- Try controlling the bulb directly from the app (not via voice)
- Check if a scene or schedule is overriding your settings
- Restart the bulb by turning the light switch off for 10 seconds
- Re-add the bulb to the app if issues persist
Music Sync Not Working
If the bulb doesn't react to music:
- Enable microphone permissions for the Govee app
- Select the correct music mode in the app
- Increase the sensitivity setting for music detection
- Ensure music is playing loud enough for the phone mic to pick up
- Try different music sync modes to find one that works
- Check that the bulb isn't in a scene that overrides music mode
Voice Control Not Working
When Alexa or Google won't control the bulb:
- Verify the Govee skill is enabled in Alexa/Google Home
- Link your Govee account to the voice assistant
- Discover devices after enabling the skill
- Use simple names for bulbs that Alexa can understand
- Try saying the full command: "Alexa, turn on [bulb name]"
- Check that the bulb is online in the Govee app
Scenes and Schedules Not Working
If automated features don't trigger:
- Verify schedules are enabled and set to correct times
- Check that the bulb is connected to WiFi
- Ensure the time zone is set correctly in the app
- Delete and recreate problematic schedules
- Check for conflicting scenes or automation rules
- Verify sunrise/sunset times if using those triggers
Bulb Flickering or Buzzing
For flickering or noise issues:
- Check if the bulb is on a dimmer switch - smart bulbs need regular switches
- Ensure the bulb is fully screwed into the socket
- Try the bulb in a different fixture to test
- Check if the issue occurs at certain brightness levels
- Update the firmware which may fix flickering bugs
- Replace the bulb if flickering persists - may be defective
Group Controls Not Working
When controlling multiple bulbs as a group fails:
- Verify all bulbs in the group are online
- Check that bulbs are properly added to the group
- Remove and re-add bulbs to the group
- Ensure all bulbs have the latest firmware
- Try controlling individual bulbs to isolate the problem
- Create a new group if the existing one is corrupted
Factory Reset the Govee Bulb
For persistent issues:
- Turn the bulb on/off 3 times in quick succession
- Wait for the bulb to flash indicating reset mode
- Remove the bulb from the Govee app
- Re-add the bulb as a new device
- Reconnect to WiFi and reconfigure settings
- Re-link to voice assistants if needed