Setup guide

How to set up smart bulbs and lamps

There are two ways to connect a Hue smart bulb or lamp to your system: with a Hue Bridge or with Bluetooth.

Connect with a Hue Bridge 

Connect with Bluetooth

Connect with a Hue Bridge

With a Hue Bridge, you get access to the full suite of smart lighting features — and setup is simple.

Before you start setup

Is your Hue Bridge connected and added to the Hue app?

Your Hue Bridge should already be plugged in, connected to Wi-Fi, and added to your Hue app. If you haven’t done that yet, first install your Hue Bridge.

Learn how to set up a Hue Bridge

Have you installed bulbs or lamps?

Screw in your bulbs, plug in your lamps, and power them on. If you are unsure about installation, refer to the manual that came with your Hue product.  

Set up a bulb or lamp with a Hue Bridge

  1. Open the Hue app.
  2. Go to the Home tab and tap on the three dots (…) icon.
Hue app

3. Tap Add lights.

Add lights

4. Tap Search. If the Hue app cannot find your light, enter the product’s serial number. 

Search

5. When the new light is found, tap Start configuration. You can now name your new light(s) and assign them a type.

Tap and hold

6. Move the new light(s) an existing Room or create a new one.

There’s a second way to add lights in the Hue app: go to the Settings tab, tap Lights, and tap on the plus (+) icon.

Need help?

If you need additional help setting up your bulb or lamp, browse our FAQ or get in touch with Philips Hue Support. 

Hue Bridge FAQ >

Hue app FAQ >

Go to Support >

Connect with Bluetooth

Connect up to 10 lights in one room with Philips Hue with Bluetooth — the easiest way to start with smart light.

Before you start setup

Is your light Bluetooth compatible?

Check your product’s box for a Bluetooth icon to ensure it has Bluetooth capabilities. If you don’t see the Bluetooth icon, you can connect your product to a Hue Bridge. 

Bulb bluetooth

Do you have the Hue app?

Download the Hue app from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Have you installed your Hue bulbs or lamps?

Screw in your bulbs, plug in your lamps, and power them on. If you are unsure about installation, refer to the manual that came with your Hue product.

Set up a bulb or lamp with Bluetooth

  1. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your mobile device.
  2. Open the Hue app.
Set up bulb or lamp with bluetooth

3. Go to Settings > Lights and tap the plus (+) icon at the top right of the screen.

Go to settings and lights

4. The Hue app will automatically find your lights. Once found, the lights will appear on the Home tab.

Need help?

If you need additional help setting up your bulb or lamp, browse our FAQ or get in touch with Philips Hue Support.

Go to Support >

*When a bulb displays "Up to" a certain number of lumens in its specifications, it displays the maximum lumen output of the bulb. It shows how bright the bulb can get at 2700 K (White bulbs) or 4000 K (White ambiance or White and color ambiance bulbs). Learn more about brightness