How to Integrate Govee Devices with HomeKit: Top Solutions & Tips

Nuthara Wickramasinghe
The Tech Space
Published in
5 min readAug 2, 2024

Connecting Govee devices with Apple HomeKit can transform your smart home experience by offering amazing and advanced automation with centralized control. I wanted to control all my smart home devices with Apple HomeKit, so the research and experimenting began.

This is for anyone who wants to connect Govee devices to Apple HomeKit, I have given a comprehensive guide so let’s get it!

Top Solutions for Connecting Govee Devices with HomeKit

AddtoHomeKit

AddToHomeKit is a powerful solution designed to bridge the gap between non-HomeKit devices and the HomeKit ecosystem. It simplifies the process of integrating Govee devices that do not natively support HomeKit.

AddtoHomeKit Solution

Features

  • User-Friendly Interface: Provides a setup process that guides you through connecting Govee devices to HomeKit.
  • Broad Compatibility: Supports a wide range of smart home devices beyond Govee, making it a versatile choice for various integrations.
  • Detailed Instructions: Offers step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips to ensure a smooth setup.

Setup Steps

  • Visit the AddToHomeKit Website: Navigate to the AddToHomeKit platform and sign up or log in.
  • Select Your Govee Devices: Choose the Govee devices you want to integrate from the list of supported products.
  • Follow Integration Instructions: Use the provided instructions to connect your Govee devices to HomeKit. This usually involves configuring settings in the AddToHomeKit app and scanning a HomeKit setup code.
  • Verify and Test: After integration, test your devices in the Home app to ensure they function correctly.

AddtoHomeKit is an amazing method of adding any Govee devices to Apple HomeKit. It really is an amazing method. This is amazing for you if you are still a beginner as it is very beginner friendly.

Visit How to Add Any Smart Device to Apple HomeKit if you want to learn more about non-compatible devices.

Athom Bridge

The Athom Bridge acts as an intermediary between your Govee devices and HomeKit, enabling seamless integration with the HomeKit ecosystem. I even used Athom Bridge to add ZigBee devices to Apple HomeKit.

Athom Bridge

Features

  • Versatile Protocol Support: Supports multiple smart home protocols, including Zigbee and Z-Wave, which are commonly used by Govee devices.
  • Custom Automation: Allows you to create advanced automation rules and scenes involving Govee devices.
  • Enhanced Connectivity: Improves the connectivity and responsiveness of your smart home setup.

Setup Steps

  • Purchase and Install the Athom Bridge: Acquire the Athom Bridge and connect it to your home network.
  • Configure the Bridge: Follow the setup guide to configure the Athom Bridge with your home network and ensure it communicates with your Govee devices.
  • Integrate with HomeKit: Use the Athom Bridge’s integration features to connect with HomeKit. This often involves adding the bridge to the Home app and linking it with your Govee devices.
  • Create Automations: Set up automation rules and scenes in the Home app to control your Govee devices.

You can even add any Alexa device to Apple HomeKit with Athom Bridge and even with AddtoHomeKit!

HomeBridge

HomeBridge is an open-source platform that allows non-HomeKit devices to work with HomeKit. It requires some setup but offers extensive customization options. HomeBridge was amazing when I tried to add SwitchBot devices to Apple HomeKit.

Features

  • Broad Device Support: Connects a wide range of devices, including Govee products, using community-developed plugins.
  • Customizable Plugins: Install specific plugins for Govee devices to enable HomeKit functionality.
  • Advanced Configuration: Provides advanced configuration options for users who want to customize their smart home setup.

Setup Steps

  • Install HomeBridge: Set up HomeBridge on a compatible device such as a Raspberry Pi or a Windows/Mac computer.
  • Install Plugins: Search for and install the relevant HomeBridge plugins for Govee devices from the HomeBridge plugin repository.
  • Configure HomeBridge: Edit the HomeBridge configuration file to include your Govee devices and their settings.

Why Integrate Govee Devices with HomeKit?

  • Advanced Automation: HomeKit allows for complex automation routines. By integrating your Govee devices, you can create triggers based on time, location, or other conditions, making your smart home more responsive and efficient.
  • Centralized Control: HomeKit centralizes control of all your smart devices, letting you manage Govee lights, smart plugs, and other devices through a single app or voice commands via Siri.
  • Enhanced Security: HomeKit’s strict security protocols ensure that your connected devices operate securely, with encrypted communication and stringent privacy protections.

Benefits of Using These Solutions

  • Seamless Integration: Each solution provides a pathway to integrate Govee devices with HomeKit.
  • Enhanced Control: Centralize and automate your smart home system.
  • Flexible Options: Choose the solution that best fits your integration needs.

Editor’s Pick

In my experience I would definitely go with AddtoHomeKit. It is easy and very user-friendly! You don’t even have to download anything, and it is just amazing! While I recommend you use AddtoHomeKit to add any Govee devices to Apple HomeKit, it is important to consider your situation, and which is your preferred solution is. Hope this article helped you with making a great decision!

FAQs

  1. How can I connect Govee lights to HomeKit?

To connect Govee lights with HomeKit, you generally need a third-party solution since Govee lights do not natively support HomeKit. You can use:

  • AddtoHomeKit: This platform allows you to integrate non-HomeKit devices with HomeKit. Follow the setup guide on the AddToHomeKit website to connect your Govee lights.
  • Homebridge: Install Homebridge on a compatible device (e.g., Raspberry Pi). Add the Homebridge plugin for Govee devices and configure it to work with HomeKit.

2. What is Homebridge, and how does it help with integrating Govee devices?

Homebridge is an open-source platform that allows non-HomeKit devices to be integrated with HomeKit. It acts as a bridge, enabling devices that don’t natively support HomeKit to be controlled through the Home app. For Govee devices, you can install Homebridge on a compatible device and use specific plugins to connect your Govee devices.

3. What should I do if my Govee devices are not showing up in HomeKit?

If your Govee devices are not showing up in HomeKit, try these troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check Compatibility: Ensure that your Govee devices are compatible with the integration solution you are using (e.g., AddToHomeKit).
  2. Verify Network Connection: Make sure your Govee devices, HomeKit hub, and integration solution are all connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  3. Update Firmware: Ensure that your Govee devices, HomeKit hub, and any integration software are running the latest firmware or software updates.
  4. Restart Devices: Reboot your Govee devices, HomeKit hub, and integration solution to refresh connections.
  5. Reconfigure Integration: If issues continue, reconfigure the integration by following the setup instructions again.

--

--

Nuthara Wickramasinghe
The Tech Space

Technophile | Smart Home Enthusiast | Freelance Writer | Writer | Blogger | Author