Is there a way around the Govee API?

Third party integrations
1

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for a way to use my Govee light strip but without using the Govee API as their API is cloud based and after an email exchange with their support team, there’s no plans in development to make it local.

All the govee integrations I know of require the api in one step or another so is there any way at all to get these working, even without the effects locally?

2

I thought some of their products support Local LAN control.

3

Yeah but only if you use their API which requires internet access or else it stops functioning after a few hours as the Wi-Fi connection drops in the app.

4

Depending on what you have from Govee, you can use WLED instead if willing to do some wire cutting and splicing. WLED is local.

I want to do it but worried I will screw something up on the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights that I have already installed.

5

There’s a couple of Bluetooth based integrations for Govee around the forum too, again depending on what hardware you have.
For me they “work” but a bit hit and miss…

6

I suspect that you’re gonna be forced to use their API, unless you replace the control board. Admittedly I only have a couple Govee devices (precisely because I prefer local-only whenever possible). I use the mqtt add-on linked above (which works great by the way), and it lets you see how it’s communicating with the devices. Even with the devices that offer some local control, it’s essentially just on/off control. Every other command or data gets routed through the cloud-API.

7

A lot of good alternatives. Another is figuring out what chip (microcontroller) the device is using and seeing if it can be flashed. I have a few Govee H5081 smart plugs that use rtl87xx chips, which can be flashed with libretiny for use with ESPHome.

8

The MQTT one works well but the issue is the cloud api being required. I like many people here cut the internet my network for these types of devices, only allowing it for 5Ghz like devices such as smart TVs etc. As govee doesn’t like networks that are 5ghz, id effectively need a single network thats 2.4ghz only but not blocked from the internet for a single device which is silly.