How to use your lights.
A no-fluff walkthrough of the Surplife app — from first-time setup to advanced scheduling, voice control, and what to do when something doesn't behave.
Six steps to first light
We walk you through every one of these on install day — but here they are for reference any time you need them.
Download the Surplife app
Free on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Search “Surplife” and install. Works on any phone from the last 5 years.
Connect to your home Wi-Fi
Open the app, tap “Add Device,” and follow the on-screen prompts to pair the controller to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. We do this with you on install day.
Try a preloaded scene
We pre-load 8–12 starter scenes (Warm White, Christmas, Halloween, July 4th, Game Day). Tap any scene to turn it on instantly.
Build your own scene
Tap “Create” → pick a base color or pattern → adjust brightness, speed, and zones → save with a name. You can build unlimited custom scenes.
Schedule by date or time
Tap any scene → “Schedule” → choose dates (e.g. Nov 24 – Jan 2) and on/off times. The app handles the rest, all year.
Connect Alexa or Google
In Surplife → Settings → Voice Assistants → link your Amazon or Google account. Say “Alexa, Christmas mode” or “Hey Google, turn on game day.”
Get more out of it
Things our happiest customers figured out — usually after a year or two of daily use.
Name scenes by occasion, not color
“Birthday – Mia” is easier to find than “Pink + Purple Twinkle.” The app sorts alphabetically by default.
Use zones for accent areas
If your install includes landscape or pathway lights, you can run them on a different schedule than the roofline (e.g. landscape from dusk to midnight, roofline only on holidays).
Schedule sunset triggers, not clock times
Pick “Sunset + 0 min” instead of “6:30 PM” so your lights track the seasons automatically — no resetting in November or March.
Share access with your household
Settings → Family → invite by email. Everyone gets the same scenes; nobody fights over the phone.
Back up your scenes
Scenes live on the controller, not your phone — but it's worth tapping Settings → Export to email yourself a backup once a year.
When something acts up
Quick fixes for the most common hiccups. If none of these work,submit a service request and we'll be on it within one business day.
App won't connect to controller
Force-close the app and reopen. If still no luck, unplug the controller for 30 seconds and plug it back in. 95% of the time that fixes it. Still stuck? Submit a service request.
Some lights are out
Note which section (front-left, gable, garage). Single bulbs are covered for life — submit a warranty claim and we'll swap the node, no charge.
Scene won't run on schedule
Check Settings → Time Zone (should be Central). If it's correct, the controller likely needs a firmware update — open the app and tap any update prompt.
Voice control stopped working
Re-link the Surplife skill in your Alexa or Google Home app. This usually takes 60 seconds and resolves it.
Lost my phone / got a new one
Re-download Surplife, sign in with the same email, and every scene and schedule is exactly where you left it.
Still stuck? Your install is covered by our 8-yr product / 3-yr labor / lifetime bulb warranty.
Ready to never hang Christmas lights again?
Get a free lighting design and quote — usually within 24 hours.