Govee String Lights: What to Know Before Buying

Govee string lights are a popular line of smart, app-controlled outdoor and indoor lighting that lets you change colors, set schedules, and sync lights to music. This article explains what they are, how they work, what to consider before buying, and answers common questions about them.

Formula

The key specification for any string light is its light density, or how many lights are packed into each foot of string. This determines how bright and evenly lit the string appears.

Density = Number of lights ÷ Length of string (in feet)

Where:

• Number of lights = total count of individual LED bulbs on the string
• Length of string = total length of the light string in feet

For example, a 50-foot string with 50 bulbs has a density of 1 light per foot, which looks more spaced out. A 50-foot string with 100 bulbs has 2 lights per foot, which looks denser and more continuous.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: a 50-light string that is 50 feet long.

Density = 50 lights ÷ 50 feet = 1.00 lights per foot

This means each light is spaced about 12 inches apart. If you were to use the same 50 lights on a 25-foot string, the density would be 2 lights per foot (one every 6 inches), which looks much fuller.

What Are Govee String Lights?

Govee is a brand known for smart lighting products, including LED strip lights, floor lamps, and string lights. Their string lights typically come in two main types: standard smart string lights (with a control box) and permanent outdoor lights (often sold in sets of 50 or 100 feet).

Most Govee string lights connect to the Govee Home app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The app lets you:

• Change colors from a palette of millions of RGB colors
• Choose from preset scenes (e.g., sunset, ocean, Christmas)
• Set timers and schedules
• Sync lights to music using the built-in microphone
• Control lights with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant

Some models are designed for permanent outdoor installation, with a UV-resistant coating and a higher IP rating (like IP65) to withstand rain and snow. Others are more for temporary indoor use, like around a bedroom or a party.

How Do Govee String Lights Work?

The core of a Govee string light is a series of RGB LEDs connected in a circuit. Each LED can display any color by mixing red, green, and blue light. The control box (usually a small black box on the cord) contains a chip that receives signals from the app and adjusts the color and brightness of each LED.

There are two main communication methods:

• Bluetooth: Works only within about 30-50 feet of the phone. Good for quick changes but not for remote access.
• Wi-Fi: Allows control from anywhere, as long as the lights and phone are on the same network or via cloud. Most Govee string lights support both, but Wi-Fi models cost a bit more.

Music sync works by the control box’s microphone picking up ambient sound and then changing the lights’ color and brightness in real time. The app offers several modes like “beatâ€� (flash to the beat) and “spectrumâ€� (colorful wave).

How to Choose Govee String Lights

Before buying, consider these factors:

• Length and number of lights: Decide where you want to hang them. Measure the area. For a porch or balcony, a 50-foot string is common. For a large backyard, you may need 100 feet or more.
• Indoor vs. outdoor: Check the IP rating. IP65 is dust-tight and protected against water jets, suitable for outdoor use. IP20 is only for indoor, dry areas.
• Power source: Most Govee string lights plug into a standard wall outlet. Some have a battery pack option for temporary setups, but battery life is limited.
• Control method: If you want to control from bed or while away from home, choose a Wi-Fi model. If you only need to change colors occasionally, Bluetooth is enough.
• Permanent vs. temporary: Permanent outdoor lights are designed to be mounted and left up year-round. They have thicker wires and better weatherproofing. Temporary ones are lighter and easier to take down.
• Compatibility: Check if the model works with Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit. Most work with Alexa and Google, but not all support HomeKit.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Users report a few common issues with Govee string lights:

• Lights won’t connect to app: Make sure your phone’s Bluetooth is on and the lights are powered. Reset the control box by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. In the app, delete the device and re-add it.
• One section of lights is dead: This is often a loose connection between segments. Check the connectors at the joints. If the lights are cut or damaged, the whole string may stop working.
• Music sync not working: The microphone on the control box may be covered or the music is too quiet. In the app, increase the sensitivity setting. Also, make sure the control box is not too far from the speaker.
• Lights flicker or dim: This could be a power issue. Try a different outlet, or check if the power adapter is the correct voltage for your region.
• App says “device offlineâ€�: For Wi-Fi models, check your home network. The lights may have lost connection. Power-cycle the lights and your router.

Govee vs. Other Smart String Lights

Govee competes with brands like Philips Hue, Twinkly, and generic smart string lights. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Govee: Affordable, wide range of colors, good app, music sync. However, the build quality is not as premium as some higher-end brands.
• Philips Hue: Excellent color accuracy and integration with smart home systems, but much more expensive. They also require a Hue Bridge for advanced features.
• Twinkly: Known for advanced effects and mapping of each LED, but also pricier. They have a unique “drawâ€� feature where you can paint effects on a virtual map of your lights.
• Generic brands: Cheaper, but often lack a good app, have fewer features, and may not be as reliable.

For most people, Govee offers the best balance of price and features.

Cost and Value

Govee string lights range from about $30 for a 50-foot temporary set to $100+ for a 100-foot permanent outdoor set. The price varies based on length, number of lights, and whether it has Wi-Fi.

Compared to professional outdoor lighting, which can cost hundreds of dollars to install, Govee lights are a DIY-friendly, low-cost alternative. They also use LED bulbs, which consume very little electricity. A 50-light string typically uses about 5-10 watts, so running them for 5 hours a day costs less than a dollar per month.

Safety and Installation Tips

When installing Govee string lights, follow these safety guidelines:

• Use only the included power adapter. Do not cut or extend the wire unless the product is designed for it.
• For outdoor use, ensure the plug and control box are in a dry location, or use a weatherproof cover.
• Do not overload outlets. Check the wattage rating of the lights and the outlet circuit.
• When mounting, use clips or hooks designed for string lights. Do not nail through the wire.
• If the lights are damaged (exposed wires, cracked housing), stop using them and replace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Govee string lights work with Alexa?

Yes, most Govee string lights that support Wi-Fi also work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can say “Alexa, turn the porch lights red� after enabling the Govee skill in the Alexa app. Bluetooth-only models do not support voice control.

Can I leave Govee string lights outside in winter?

If the lights have an IP65 rating, they are designed to withstand rain, snow, and cold temperatures. However, the power adapter and control box should be kept in a dry, sheltered spot. Many people leave permanent outdoor Govee lights up year-round.

How do I reset my Govee string lights?

To reset, unplug the lights from power for 10 seconds, then plug them back in. For a factory reset, press and hold the power button on the control box for about 5 seconds until the lights flash. Then re-add the device in the Govee Home app.

Can I cut Govee string lights to fit?

No, Govee string lights are not designed to be cut. Cutting the wire will break the circuit and the lights will stop working. If you need a different length, choose a model that is close to your measurement, or use extension cords (if the product supports them).

Do Govee string lights have a timer?

Yes, the Govee Home app lets you set schedules and timers. You can set lights to turn on at sunset and off at 11 PM, for example. The schedule works even if you are not home, as long as the lights are connected to Wi-Fi.

What is the difference between Govee permanent lights and regular string lights?

Permanent outdoor lights are designed to be mounted once and left up for years. They have thicker, UV-resistant cables, better waterproofing, and often come in longer lengths. Regular string lights are lighter and meant for temporary use, but they are still smart and can be used outdoors if rated IP65.

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in t | Number of lights | count | 50 | 1 | 200
in d | Length of string | ft | 50 | 5 | 500
out density | Lights per foot | lights/ft | t / d | 2