How to Sync Light Bars to Your PC

Most light bars react to sound through a microphone. Only some can follow what is on your PC screen, and they all do it through software on the computer, not through the bars themselves. This guide explains which bars can sync, what each needs, and how the setup works in general terms.

For bar recommendations, see the best desk light bars and the best gaming light bars.

Which Light Bars Can Sync With a PC

Light bar	How it syncs	Computers
Govee Gaming Light Bars Pro	Govee Desktop (DreamView) screen sync, Razer Chroma	Windows only (per Govee)
Govee Gaming Light Bars H6047	Razer Chroma via Razer Synapse 3 and Govee Desktop; no screen color pick	Windows (Synapse)
RIYO Smart Gaming Light Bars	AKKLED desktop app screen sync	Windows 7+, macOS 12+
Razer Aether Standing Light Bars	Razer Chroma effects	Razer software
Most USB RGB bars	Microphone music sync only	Any (no PC software)

Govee and RIYO both state that their bars do not color-match on their own: the computer program reads the screen and sends colors to the bars.

Before You Start

• Set up the bars in the maker’s phone app first and update their firmware if the app asks
• Use the Wi-Fi band the maker asks for; several smart bars, such as NEEWER and Enbrighten, list 2.4 GHz only
• Install the maker’s desktop program: Govee Desktop, AKKLED, or Razer Synapse
• Close other RGB programs that might control the same lights

Govee: Screen Sync With Govee Desktop

1. Add the bars in the Govee Home app on your phone.
2. Install Govee Desktop on your Windows PC.
3. Follow the program’s steps to add the bars and turn on screen sync (Govee calls this DreamView).

Govee says Govee Desktop is Windows only, so Mac users cannot use screen sync with Govee bars. The H6047 does not pick colors from the screen at all; it syncs with Razer Chroma through Razer Synapse 3 and Govee Desktop.

RIYO: Screen Sync on Windows or Mac

RIYO’s bars use its AKKLED desktop software, which RIYO lists for Windows 7 or later and macOS 12 or later. Install the program, connect the bars, and pick the screen color sync mode. On a Mac, the system will usually ask you to allow screen recording for the program before it can read the screen.

Razer Chroma

Chroma sync makes bars react to game effects in Chroma-enabled games along with Razer keyboards and mice. Razer Aether bars work natively in Razer’s software. Govee lists Razer Chroma support for both of its gaming bar pairs, through Razer Synapse 3 for the H6047.

Common Problems

• Streaming video stays dark or static: some streaming apps block screen capture, so software sync cannot read them
• Console games do not sync: software only sees what the PC shows, not a console plugged into the monitor
• Lag or dropouts: keep the PC and bars on a strong 2.4 GHz connection and close other lighting programs
• Mac and Govee: Govee Desktop does not support macOS; use RIYO or a monitor backlight kit that lists Mac support

Who Should Look Elsewhere

• Console players: a camera or HDMI kit follows the picture; see the best TV backlights
• Anyone who wants the light behind the monitor itself: see the best monitor backlights
• Music-only users: any USB bar in our RGB light bars under $30 guide reacts to sound with no software

Check current pricing and availability for the Govee Gaming Light Bars Pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Govee light bars sync with a Mac?

Govee says Govee Desktop is Windows only, so screen sync is not available on a Mac. App, voice, and music modes still work.

Why will my light bars not sync with Netflix?

Some streaming services block screen capture, so desktop sync software cannot read the picture.

Do light bars sync with PS5 or Xbox?

Not through PC software. For console sync, use a camera-based or HDMI sync box kit.

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