Question 1

What is the difference between Bridge and Bluetooth?

Accepted Answer

When it comes to controlling Philips Hue lights, there are two options: using a Bridge or Bluetooth.

With a Bridge, you get Out of home control, which means you can control your lights from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. You can also add up to 50 lights and accessories, add outdoor lighting, and create automations.

With Bluetooth, you can control up to 10 lights in a single room. You can create a single automation (called a routine), but it will only occur once.

Even if you have Philips Hue bulbs or lights that you’re using with Bluetooth, you can always switch to a Bridge — they’ll all still work.

Question 2

How do I control Philips Hue lights?

Accepted Answer

You can control Philips Hue lights multiple ways — that's one of the reasons they're so smart!

The Philips Hue app: You can set up and control your lights in the app, where you can turn them on and off, dim or brighten the room, group lights into Rooms and Zones, set up automations, and more.

Voice: You can also control your lights with your voice when you connect Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Home & Siri. Go to Settings > Voice assistants to set it up.

Smart accessories: Adding Philips Hue smart accessories, such as the Tap dial switch or the smart button, to your setup gives you even more control over your lights. Cycle through your favorite scenes, use each accessory as a remote control from anywhere in the house, or even get the best light for each time of the day with the press of a button — get as creative as you like!

Question 3

Why are my lights unreachable?

Accepted Answer

Your light may have been physically switched off (e.g., by using a wall switch), or it is out of the operating range of the system. If you are still having issues, please contact Support.

Question 4

How do I connect a smart light to the Philips Hue Bridge?

Accepted Answer

To add a device to your Bridge, make sure your Hue app is updated to the latest version and follow these steps:

1. Gather the devices you want to add and find the QR codes located on them.

2. In the Home tab, tap the three-dots (…) icon.

3. Tap Add devices and follow the on-screen instructions to scan the QR codes and add the devices to your Bridge.

Question 5

Can I use different types of standalone Hue fixtures together?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All Philips Hue light fixtures are fully compatible with the Hue ecosystem. Some can be used as standalone light fixtures, while others require a Hue Bridge in order to operate. However, all Hue products can connect to a Bridge for advanced control via the Hue app.

Question 6

How can I tell if a bulb is the new "richer color" version?

Accepted Answer

Newer versions of Philips Hue bulbs feature “richer colors,” meaning that the bulbs have deeper greens and blues to more consistently match the colors of the Philips Hue Go and lightstrip. You can identify all richer color bulbs by their white base, with the exception of the BR30 bulb. The older BR30 bulb features a gray rim, while the richer color version does not.

When purchasing new products, you can identify richer color bulbs by their packaging: the packaging features a round green label in the top right corner with the text “richer colors.”

Question 7

Why do certain light fixtures come with a Philips Hue dimmer switch?

Accepted Answer

Certain light fixtures come with a dimmer switch to make it easier for users without a Bridge to control their lights.

Question 8

Why do my older generation products have different colors than my newer products?

Accepted Answer

Newer products have optimized color capabilities. As a result, older bulbs and lights do not have the same color richness as the new generation of Hue products. You may notice this most when your lights are set to blue or green.

Question 9

How can I tell if a Philips Hue product is Bluetooth compatible?

Accepted Answer

Bluetooth-compatible Philips Hue lights have a Bluetooth logo on both the product itself and the package it comes in.

Question 10

What do I need to use Philips Hue Bluetooth?

Accepted Answer

To control Philips Hue lights with Bluetooth, you'll need the Philips Hue app and a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Add a Bridge to your setup to unlock the full suite of smart lighting features.

Question 11

What is the Reference Control Setting of a bulb, and how can I find it?

Accepted Answer

The Reference Control Setting is used to verify compliance of the Philips Hue light sources with the European Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/2020.

You can find the Reference Control Setting for a bulb on its product page or in the Product Information Sheet.

The Reference Control Setting can be obtained for:

4000 K: via Hue app scene “Cool bright”

6400 K: via Hue app scene “Energize”

Question 12

How should I dispose of a product?

Accepted Answer

Your product is designed and manufactured with high-quality materials and components, which can be recycled and reused.

Learn your local waste disposal requirements, as well as the separation and collection system for electrical and electronic products and packaging. Please act according to your local rules and do not dispose of your old product and packaging with your normal household waste.

Batteries should be disposed of separately from the municipal waste stream via designated collection facilities. When disposing of a product that contains non-user replaceable batteries, the non-user replaceable batteries shall be removed by a professional.

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