Watching a movie or playing video games with a surround sound speaker system is top tier.
But why not level it up further, and make your smart lights sync to music?
I mean, that would look so cool. It would feel like you’re in the actual movie or game.
So, if you want to know how to make that happen…
Continue reading to learn:
- 5 ways to sync smart lights to music.
- How to get Alexa to make that happen.
- What is an LED light music controller, and how to use it.
- How to sync smart lights to Spotify, depending on the brand.
- And so much more…
How to sync smart lights to music?
To sync smart lights to music, enable the music sync feature on the manufacturer’s app. Or install a third-party music sync app. You can also use a Play Hue HDMI sync box or an LED strip music controller to control the lights better. Streaming through the Hue Sync desktop app is also a good option.
5 ways to sync smart lights to music
#1: Enable the music sync feature on the manufacturer app
Want your smart lights to dance to every beat? Then enable the music sync feature on your manufacturer app.
Note: This method only applies to smart lights with a built-in music sync feature.
Today, most smart light brands have their own service apps. Where users can connect and control their devices.
You can find their extra features on these apps. Such as automation schedules and device integration. And, of course, music sync.
If your smart light is advertised with a music sync function…
Then it’s more likely that you can enable it using its manufacturer app.
Depending on your smart light brand, below are the steps to enable the music sync feature.
For Philips Hue smart lights
Note: Technically, Philips Hue lights have no built-in music sync. But you can connect them to Spotify directly on the app.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Philips Hue app.
- Go to settings.
- Select “Entertainment Areas.”
- Tap the plus (+) icon at the top-right corner.
- Choose the entertainment area you’d like to create.
- Select the smart lights you want to add.
- Position the lights in the area you’ve created.
- Click “Done.”
- Go back to the app’s homepage.
- Locate and tap the “Sync” tab.
- Select “Spotify.”
- Sign in to your Spotify account.
- Locate and tap the “Where” button.
- Click the entertainment area you’ve created earlier.
- Then, press “Play” to sync your smart light to Spotify music.
For LIFX smart lights
To activate the music sync function of LIFX smart lights, enable the Music Visualizer on the app.
To do that:
- Open the LIFX app.
- Go to the “Effects” page.
- Tap “Music Visualizer.”
- Then, customize your desired setting.
For Yeelight smart lights
Like LIFX, the Yeelight app has a built-in music sync feature. And it’s called Music Flow.
To enable this feature:
- Open the Yeelight app.
- Tap the “Device” tab.
- Select your smart light.
- Click “more” on the lower-right corner.
- Locate and press “Music Flow.”
- Then, tap “Play” to start syncing your lights to music.
Note: For other brands, refer to your product manual. Or visit your manufacturer’s website.
Editor’s pick: Philips Hue vs Yeelight: 5 Main Differences Compared
#2: Install a third-party music sync app
“My smart light brand doesn’t have that built-in feature…”
Don’t lose your hope yet! Because you can still sync your smart lights to music using third-party apps.
If you go through your smartphone’s app store and search for “Smart light music sync,”…
You can see a lot of third-party music sync apps. And a lot of them actually work with many smart light brands.
Note: The only job you have to do is to search for one that works with your existing smart lights.
Here are 3 of some of the best third-party music sync apps today:
- Hue Disco.
- iLightShow.
- Light DJ Pro.
To help you know which one to install, let’s talk about some of their features and drawbacks.
Hue Disco
Hue Disco is a third-party app by Philips Hue.
So, if you have Philips Hue smart lights, this app might be your best bet.
Philips Hue is aware of the demand for a music sync feature. So, they made an app that’ll let their users play with their smart lights.
It uses your phone’s microphone to detect the beat and rhythm of the music. Which is actually great and handy. But because of that, you may sometimes experience some sort of delay.
Works with: iOS and Android.
Most compatible with: Philips Hue.
Requirement: Philips Hue bridge and smartphone.
iLightShow
iLightShow is one of the most popular and loved third-party music sync apps for a reason. And that’s because it works with some of the best smart light brands.
Plus, it works with Spotify and Apple Music.
Not only that…
Similar to Hue Disco, this app uses your phone’s microphone to detect the beat of the music. But iLightShow leveled up the game by using an advanced algorithm. Which syncs your smart lights to music seamlessly.
Works with: iOS and Android.
Most compatible with: Philips Hue, LIFX, and Nanoleaf.
Requirement: Philips Hue bridge (for Philip Hue smart lights), Apple Music or Spotify account, and smartphone.
Light DJ Pro
Want to sync countless of your smart lights to music? Then, go for Light DJ Pro.
This app offers several features that cater to different features. And it even supports White bulbs if you want a toned-down effect.
Plus, it can handle up to 50 Philips Hue smart lights and 128 LIFX smart lights. I mean, that’s enough to cover up your whole house!
Works with: iOS and Android.
Most compatible with: Philips Hue, LIFX, and Nanoleaf.
Requirement: Philips Hue bridge (for Philip Hue smart lights) and smartphone.
#3: Use Play Hue HDMI Sync Box
Want surround lighting in your home?
Then use a Play Hue HDMI Sync Box to sync your smart lights to music.
It’s a music sync device from Philips Hue.
But what makes it different from the Hue Disco app is that…
It offers a more seamless and real-time effect.
And it’s best for movie marathons and gaming. That’s because it directly connects to your device’s HDMI ports. So you can connect your gaming consoles and streaming devices to it.
Not only does it connect to your streaming device. But it can also sync your smart lights to the movie you’re watching.
Let’s say the movie you’re watching has a warm color tone. The Play Hue HDMI Sync Box will detect that palette. And it’ll automate your smart lights to produce a similar hue.
Some of the apps and services it supports include:
- Xbox.
- Netflix.
- Spotify.
- Apple TV.
- PlayStation.
- Chromecast.
- Amazon Prime.
Installing the Play Hue HDMI Sync Box is very simple.
You just have to:
- Set up your smart lights.
- Connect your HDMI device to the sync box.
- Connect the sync box to your smart TV.
- Then, activate the sync box via voice, remote, or app.
Note: Make sure to use an HDCP 2.2. HDMI cable for better quality and to access more content.
To know more about Play Hue HDMI Sync Box, watch this video:
#4: Stream using Hue Sync desktop app
Are you an avid gamer? And do you want a more immersive gaming experience?
Then, sync your smart lights to music using the Hue Sync desktop app.
Note: This desktop app only works with Philips Hue smart lights.
Unlike the Hue Disco app and the sync box…
This syncs your smart lights to music by connecting your Philips Hue bridge to the Hue Sync desktop app.
Your smart lights respond to the music and visuals of the game you’re playing. Which can make you feel that you’re in the actual game.
What makes the Hue Sync desktop app more worthy is that it requires no complicated setup. You just have to have your set of smart lights, Philips Hue bridge, and the Hue Sync desktop app.
To stream using the Hue Sync desktop app:
- Set up your smart lights on the Philips Hue app.
- Log into your Hue Sync desktop app.
- Search and connect to your Philips Hue bridge.
- Select the entertainment area you want to sync.
- Then, click “Start light sync” to activate it.
Additional note: You have to connect all your apps and devices to the same WiFi network for it to work.
#5: Get an LED strip music controller
Do the above methods don’t work with your smart light brand? Don’t worry, as you can DIY it!
Get an LED strip music controller to sync your smart lights to music without apps and bridges.
Note: This can also control non-smart lights.
With this, you’d only have to connect your LED strip lights to the controller using an IR cable. And you can control them using a remote that comes with the package.
“How does it work?”
The controller itself has a built-in microphone. And it uses the microphone to detect the beat and the rhythm of the music. Then, it sends the signals to the smart lights.
The only drawback is that it only supports one set of LED strip lights.
Here’s how to set up an LED strip music controller:
- Connect the LED lights to the 4-pin connector.
- Plug the connector into a power source.
- Use the remote to adjust your desired setting.
- Download the manufacturer app.
- Press to the “Music” tab.
- Then, select a song to play.
You may also wonder: How to turn on LED lights without remote?
People also ask:
How do I sync my smart lights to Spotify?
To sync your smart lights to Spotify, you have to install a third-party music sync app. Suppose your smart light brand has direct integration with Spotify. You have to connect your Spotify account to the smart light manufacturer app.
Depending on your smart light brand, there are different ways to connect it to Spotify.
If you’re using Philips Hue smart lights, you can easily connect them to Spotify through its app.
To do that:
- Open the Philips Hue app.
- Press the “Sync” tab.
- Choose “Spotify.”
- Log into your Spotify account.
- Click the “Where” icon.
- Select your entertainment area.
- Then, tap “Play” to start syncing your smart lights to Spotify.
But if you’re using other brands like LIFX and Nanoleaf, you have to install a third-party music sync app.
The 2 best options that you can choose from are iLightShow app or the Light DJ Pro app.
To sync smart light to Spotify using this app, connect your smart lights and Spotify account to it. Plus, make sure to connect them to the same WiFi network for it to work.
“Does it work with Spotify Free?”
Yes, you can still sync your smart lights to Spotify even if you’re using a free plan.
It’ll continue to work as long as your Spotify account stays connected to the music sync app.
How do I sync smart lights to music Alexa?
To sync smart lights to music using Alexa, first ensure that they’re Alexa-compatible. If they are, set them up and connect them to the Alexa app. If you’re using a sync box, connect it to Alexa as well.
It may sound complicated since it involves several devices and apps…
But getting Alexa to sync your smart lights to music is very easy.
Here’s a brief guideline on how to do it:
- Set up your smart lights.
- Connect it to their manufacturer app or a third-party music sync app.
- Activate the music sync feature.
- Then, add your smart lights as devices to the Alexa app.
Or if you’re using Play Hue HDMI Sync Box:
- Set up your smart lights to the Philips Hue app.
- Connect your HDMI device to the sync box.
- Connect your sync box to your smart TV.
- Then, add your sync box as a device to the Alexa app.
And once you’re ready, just say, “Alexa, activate the Play Hue HDMI Sync Box.”
Note: Alternatively, you can activate it using the Alexa app.
Continue reading: Can Alexa Light Up to Music? 3 Methods & 32 Simple Steps