Question 1

Does the Wall Switch Module require a battery?

Accepted Answer

The on/off and dimmer wall switches designed for controlling traditional (non-smart) lights are wired directly to your home’s electricity supply via the wall switch and do not require a battery. 

If you're looking for wall switches compatible with Hue smart lights—allowing you to control them with your existing wall switch while keeping the lights always connected even when the switch is turned off—Philips Hue offers two solutions. The battery-powered Philips Hue wall switch module uses a coin cell battery and installs behind existing switches without requiring a neutral wire. In contrast, the Wired wall switch module connects directly to your electrical system without batteries but does require a neutral wire.

Explore our wall switch guide to understand the differences and find your best fit.

Question 2

Should I choose a smart bulb or smart switch?

Accepted Answer

If you have older, designer, or traditional light fittings that cannot accommodate a Philips Hue smart bulb, a smart wall switch is the best option. For lights that can be fitted with a Philips Hue smart bulb, choose smart bulbs for full app, voice, and color control. That said, you can still combine smart bulbs with a wired or battery-powered wall switch module, to get physical control without disconnecting your smart lights.

Question 3

What do I do with my regular switches?

Accepted Answer

Once the smart wall switches are installed, you can continue using your regular light switches as normal. Control your lights manually at the wall, or use smart control via the Hue app and voice control. Wired wall switches also let you assign additional lights throughout your home to the same switch.

Question 4

What happens if someone turns off the light switch?

Accepted Answer

No problem. If someone turns off the light switch, the wired on/off or dimmer switch module installed behind it ensures that power is always supplied to the light, so it remains reachable and controllable in the Hue app.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

If you have a physical dimmer switch, you should replace it with a push-button switch and then install the wired dimmer switch module behind it to maintain dimming control. Make sure the lights connected to the dimmer are compatible with dimming — which is likely if you’re already using a physical dimmer switch. The wired dimmer switch module works in the same way as the wired on/off module, ensuring that power is always supplied to the light so it remains reachable and controllable in the Hue app, even if the physical switch is turned off.

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Philips Hue smart control FAQ

Does the Wall Switch Module require a battery?

Should I choose a smart bulb or smart switch?

What do I do with my regular switches?

What happens if someone turns off the light switch?

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