diff --git a/esphome/components/api/api_connection.cpp b/esphome/components/api/api_connection.cpp
index e949f0249a..105aa00c29 100644
--- a/esphome/components/api/api_connection.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/api/api_connection.cpp
@@ -318,6 +318,7 @@ bool APIConnection::send_light_info(light::LightState *light) {
     msg.max_mireds = traits.get_max_mireds();
   }
   if (light->supports_effects()) {
+    msg.effects.push_back("None");
     for (auto *effect : light->get_effects())
       msg.effects.push_back(effect->get_name());
   }