Smart Light Strips FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Smart Light Strips

How long are Cync light strips and can they be extended or trimmed? 

For length, extension, and trimming information, please refer to the following article: https://cyncsupport.gelighting.com/s/article/Cync-Light-Strip-Trim-and-Extend-Capability-Guide

Once a light strip has been trimmed, you can no longer connect extensions (excluding the Dynamic Effects Indoor Light Strip, which contains one reconnector).

What is the difference between Direct Connect and Bluetooth smart light strips?

Direct Connect Lights connect to the Cync app via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth which allows for local and out-of-home control. It also allows you to connect your light (after setup in the Cync app) to Alexa or Google Home for voice control without the need for an additional hub.

Bluetooth Lights connect to the Cync app via Bluetooth which allows for local control. If you want to control them out-of-home or with Alexa and Google voice assistants, you will need to setup a Cync or C by GE Wi-Fi device in the same app Home as your Bluetooth lights. Wi-Fi devices include Direct Connect Lights, Smart Plugs, and Wired Switches.

Do I need Wi-Fi/internet to control Cync and C by GE smart light strips?

If you purchased Direct Connect or Dynamic Effects Lights, you will need Wi-Fi/internet because they connect to the C by GE app via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Although you can still control your direct connect lights without an internet connection, setting up a Wi-Fi connection is part of initial setup in the Cync app.

If you purchased Bluetooth Lights, you don’t need Wi-Fi/internet because they connect to the app via Bluetooth. If you want to control them out-of-home or with Alexa and Google voice assistants, you will need to add a Cync or C by GE Wi-Fi device in the same app Home as your Bluetooth lights. Wi-Fi devices include the Direct Connect Lights, Smart Plug, or Wired Switches.

Do Direct Connect lights work with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands?

Cync Direct Connect light strips only work with 2.4 GHz but is compatible with most networks that combine 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands into a single network.

Can I use Cync Smart Light Strips outside?

Cync products labeled as "Outdoor" devices are the only products designed to be used outdoors. Indoor Light Strips are not recommended for outdoor usage.

Can I control these light strips when I’m not home?

Yes, you can control our smart lights out-of-home. However, the setup will depend on which Cync or C by GE smart light you purchased.

If you purchased Direct Connect Lights, you can control them out-of-home without the need for an additional hub.

If you purchased Bluetooth Lights, you can control them out-of-home, but you will need a Cync or C by GE Wi-Fi device to enable this smart feature. Wi-Fi devices include the Direct Connect Lights, Smart Plugs, and Wired Switches.

Can I control these lights with Alexa?

Yes, you can control our smart lights with Alexa. However, the setup will depend on which Cync or C by GE smart light you purchased.

If you purchased Direct Connect Lights, you can control them with Alexa without the need for an additional hub. First, pair your lights to the Cync app, then follow these instructions to enable Alexa.

If you purchased Bluetooth Lights, you can control them with Alexa, but you will need a Cync Wi-Fi device to enable this smart feature. Wi-Fi devices include the Direct Connect Lights, Smart Plugs, and Wired Switches. First, pair your lights and Cync or C by GE Wi-Fi device to the Cync app, then follow these instructions to enable Alexa.

Can I control these lights with the Google Assistant?

Yes, you can control our smart lights with Google Assistant. However, the setup will depend on which Cync or C by GE smart light you purchased and which app you are using.

Using the Cync app and connecting with the Google Home app:
If you purchased Direct Connect Lights, you can control them via the Google Assistant without the need for an additional hub. First, pair your lights to the Cync app, then follow these instructions to enable control via Google Assistant.

If you purchased Bluetooth Lights, you can control them via the Google Assistant, but you will need a C by GE Wi-Fi device to enable this smart feature. Wi-Fi devices include the Direct Connect Lights, Smart Plugs, and Wired Switches. First, pair your lights and C by GE Wi-Fi device to the C by GE app, then follow these instructions to enable control via Google Assistant.

Using the Google Home app only:
Both Direct Connect Lights and Bluetooth Lights can be paired directly to the Google Home app using a compatible Google Assistant smart speaker, which does not require using the Cync app. Google Seamless Set Up instructions.

If I’m setting up my Cync or C by GE lights directly to the Google Home app (Made For Google), which Google Assistants are compatible with these lights?

Cync or C by GE light bulbs are compatible with first party Google devices such as:

• Google Mini
• Google Home
• Google Home Max
• Google Nest Hub

Can I use these light strips with the Google Home or Nest app, or does it require the use of a separate app?

You can set up your lights with the Google Home app without the need of the Cync app (Google Seamless Set Up). Our lights are not compatible with the Nest app.

Are Cync or C by GE lights compatible with Wink?

No, our smart lights are not compatible with Wink.

Are these light strips compatible outside of the US and Canada?

Currently, Cync and C by GE lights are only available in the US and Canada.

Is there a limit to the number of lights I can connect to the Cync app?

In the Cync app, we recommend no more than 50 smart devices in one app Home. 

Is there a limit to the number of lights I can connect to the Google Home app through Seamless Setup?

If you are setting up your lights directly to the Google Home app without the Cync app, then you can connect up to 50 smart devices per Google Voice Assistant.

Is the adhesive stronger on the Dynamic Effects Indoor Light Strips?

The light strip is lighter, thinner, and more flexible, which will help it adhere better to surfaces than the original light strips.