Question 1

Can I get this set up without a Bridge or Bridge Pro?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Without a Bridge or Bridge Pro, your lights use Bluetooth to communicate. You won't get the full suite of features, but a limited set:

- Control your lights with the Philips Hue app at home
- Set one-time automations
- Set timers
- Get voice control with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa
- Add smart switches with on/off and dimming functionality
- Use preset scenes or create your own
- Use light effects, such as Candle and Fireplace

You can always add a Bridge later. Want more info?

Compare Bluetooth, Bridge and Bridge Pro

Question 2

Can I get cool light effects without a Bridge?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Without a Bridge, your lights use Bluetooth to communicate. You won't get the full suite of features, but a limited set:

- Control your lights with the Philips Hue app at home
- Set one-time automations
- Set timers
- Get voice control with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa
- Add smart switches with on/off and dimming functionality
- Use preset scenes or create your own
- Use light effects, such as Candle and Fireplace

You can always add a Bridge later. Want more info?

Compare Bluetooth and Bridge features

Question 3

Why do some setups require a Philips Hue Bridge?

Accepted Answer

Some features, such as syncing lights to a TV screen, are a little more advanced. There is some complex computing going on inside the Bridge that makes all these features possible.

Question 4

What do I do with my regular switches?

Accepted Answer

Ignore them — or cover them up! You just need to make sure that they're always on. If you (or someone in your home) just keeps switching them off, you can install a Philips Hue wall switch module to let it control your smart lights.

Question 5

What happens if someone turns off the light switch?

Accepted Answer

Smart lights need to be connected to power in order for you to control them. The Philips Hue lights in your app will show as "unreachable," and you won't be able to control them until the switch is turned back on.

Question 6

Can I start with Bluetooth and add a Bridge later?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! All Philips Hue lights are Zigbee-ready, so you can switch to a Bridge any time.

Question 7

What about my lamps that have integrated non-smart lights?

Accepted Answer

Philips Hue makes a smart plug that you can use to control your non-smart lights with the Philips Hue app. Just plug your light into the smart plug, and add the smart plug to your system.

Question 8

Do I always have to use the app to control my lights?

Accepted Answer

Nope! There are plenty of ways to control Philips Hue smart lights. You can set up automations, so your lights turn on and off on a schedule. You can install dimmer switches, Tap dial switches, or smart buttons if you prefer a physical switch. You can also use voice control — just pair your setup with your smart home assistant.

Question 9

What's the difference between a smart hub and a Bridge?

Accepted Answer

Nothing — the Bridge is a smart hub!

Question 10

Where in my house is a good place to start?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you want to do with your smart lights. Most people start in the living room or bedroom. Wherever you start, make sure that you first put multiple lights in the same room — that's how you see the true effect of the lighting.

Question 11

Do I have to be "techy" to use smart lights?

Accepted Answer

We don't think so! The Philips Hue app guides you through setup, and installation is as simple as...well, screwing in a light bulb.

Question 12

What if I have a physical dimmer switch instead of a light switch?

Accepted Answer

You should remove wired dimmer switches, as they can interfere with the smart lights.

What you need for Philips Hue

I want to...

Get convenient smart control

Get cool light effects

Get outdoor lighting

Set up a security system

Get sleep and wake-up lighting

Sync lights to TV

Sync lights to music

Sync lights to PC

Get convenient smart control

Can I get this set up without a Bridge or Bridge Pro?

We recommend…

Get cool light effects

Can I get cool light effects without a Bridge?

We recommend…

Get outdoor lighting

Can I get outdoor lighting without a Bridge?

We recommend…

Set up a security system

How do I build a Philips Hue Secure setup?

We recommend…

Get sleep and wake-up lighting

Can I get sleep and wake-up lighting without a Bridge?

We recommend…

Sync lights to TV

Can I sync lights to my TV without a Bridge?

We recommend…

Sync lights to music

Can I sync lights to my music without a Bridge?

We recommend…

Sync lights to PC

Can I sync lights to my PC without a Bridge?

We recommend…

Questions & Answers

Why do some setups require a Philips Hue Bridge?

What do I do with my regular switches?

What happens if someone turns off the light switch?

Can I start with Bluetooth and add a Bridge later?

What about my lamps that have integrated non-smart lights?

Do I always have to use the app to control my lights?

What's the difference between a smart hub and a Bridge?

Where in my house is a good place to start?

Do I have to be "techy" to use smart lights?

What if I have a physical dimmer switch instead of a light switch?

How it works

App