Best Philips Hue set-up: Get the perfect Hue lighting with our guide

Every part that you must know concerning the good lighting system

Estimated studying time: 23 minutes

Regardless of the competitors heating up lately, Philips Hue nonetheless provides the most effective good lighting that you may purchase, and the excellent news is that it’s getting cheaper and simpler to trick out your property with the good mild.

Lengthy earlier than the likes of Nanoleaf, Govee, Lifx and Ikea Trådfri arrived on the scene, Signify (beforehand Philips Lighting) was providing up an array of related lightbulbs that might be managed from an app in your smartphone.

And its vary has grown since they have been first launched in 2012: Philips Hue Bluetooth bulbs have joined the present Zigbee-powered Philips Hue, which require you to arrange an exterior bridge. And there are even Hue filament bulbs too.

Nonetheless, a contented home of Philips Hue bulbs isn’t essentially the best factor to attain. It may be so simple as screwing in a lightbulb to get began, however there may be now a such an enormous vary of Philips Hue bulbs and equipment to select from, and there’s getting Google Assistant, HomeKit, SmartThings or Alexa and Philips Hue working collectively.

And we’ve not even talked about what Matter means for Philips Hue but.

Fortunately, you don’t need to do the tough Philips Hue analysis, as we’ve completed it for you. Learn on for our full information to the last word Philips Hue setup.

Replace: We initially printed this information just a few years again however we maintain it consistently up to date with the most recent data on all issues Hue. The newest replace, in October 2024, contains the small print on the most recent new Hue package and a few new options arriving within the coming months.


How you can arrange Philips Hue

The normal Philips Hue setup (as with most different good lighting methods) makes use of Wi-Fi and Zigbee wi-fi alerts to attach nevertheless many good lighting gadgets you need (nicely, as much as 50) inside your individual system, which you management utilizing an app, or a bodily distant.

As soon as put in (into the common bulb sockets in your house, or simply merely plugged in) you’ll be able to management brightness, colours, schedules, and integrations with different good residence tech.

In actual fact, because of the likes of Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, chances are you’ll discover you hardly use the app in any respect – and as a substitute your property’s lighting will likely be managed simply together with your voice, however we’ll come on to that extra within the subsequent part.

The opposite excellent news is that you just not must have a Hue Bridge or third-party Zigbee hub just like the Amazon Echo to run your Hue good lights. Again in 2021 Signify introduced that each one new lights going ahead will include the choice of Bluetooth assist; and we’ve seen the likes of the Lightstrip Plus, Perifo and Bloom arrive with BT on board.

When you select to depend on Bluetooth you’ll do all of the controlling straight out of your telephone, however you’ll be extra restricted in what you are able to do (you’ll be able to’t management them whenever you’re outdoors of that Bluetooth vary, for instance). Try our Hue Bluetooth evaluation to be taught extra.

It’s additionally essential to know that the model of the Hue Bridge that’s on sale now, the sq. one, is the 2nd-generation Bridge. The unique Bridge, a spherical model, noticed official assist and entry to the system’s on-line providers terminated in April 2020.

It’s extensively rumored {that a} new Third-gen Hue Bridge will arrive quickly… however these rumors have been dragging on for years now.


How you can arrange a Philips Hue Bridge

1. Plug the Hue Bridge into an influence socket and hook it as much as your router by way of ethernet cable.

2. Proceed as soon as the 4 lights on the Bridge mild up.

3. Go to Settings > my Hue System > + > within the Philips Hue app.

4. Observe the setup directions.

(Picture credit score: The Ambient)

How you can arrange a Philips Hue bulb

1. First, be sure the Philips Hue Bridge is all arrange.

2. Go to Settings > Lights > +

3. Hit Search or manually add the serial quantity listed on the bulb.

4. Observe the setup directions, from which level you’ll be able to identify your mild and put it into Rooms.

Arrange Philips Hue and not using a bridge

How to set up Philips Hue without a bridge
(Picture credit score: Signify)

A Philips Hue system usually consists of the Hue Bridge and at the least one Hue bulb.

Technically, you don’t really need a Philips Hue Bridge – you’ll be able to simply use a Hue Dimmer change or join utilizing Bluetooth on the newer bulbs – however you’ll be restricted to only a easy dimming mild state of affairs, for as much as 10 bulbs, and that’s hardly embracing the good residence revolution, is it?

When you’ve obtained an Echo Hub, Echo 4th-gen or one of many newer Echo Present gadgets, which all act as Zigbee hubs, you additionally gained’t want the Hue bridge to make use of your bulbs.

Nonetheless – there’s a small disclaimer right here. Whereas these Echo gadgets do certainly provide greater than the essential Dimmer change management, it’s nonetheless not the total Hue bells and whistles. You’ll want a Bridge “to unlock the total Philips Hue expertise” – Signify’s phrases, not ours… but it surely’s true nonetheless.

And not using a Bridge, you’ll be lacking out on key options akin to lights approaching or off routinely whenever you enter or go away your property, good switches and sensor controls, get up and sleep routines, customized scenes, syncing your lights with music, video and gaming, and entry to third-party apps.

Head over to our full information on this for extra in-depth directions on the totally different routes you’ll be able to take, together with the best way to substitute the hub with an Ikea gateway.

Philips Hue: Starter Kits

Philips Hue starter kits
(Picture credit score: Signify)

Starter Kits provide a mixture of the Bridge and several types of bulbs and there’s a variety of choices to select from. Costs begin from $69.99 / £69.99 for a package that comes boxed with the Bridge and two warm-white E26 lightbulbs.

There are additionally loads of different bundles accessible, with GU10 bulbs on provide, extra bulbs, Hue buttons and extra.

On the prime finish of the spectrum (spectrum, get it?) you’ll get a Bridge and 4 multi-colored lights for $199.99, or in case you’re within the UK, you will get a pack of three bulbs and a Hue Dummer change for £169.99.

You may, in fact, purchase a Bridge by itself for $59 / £49 after which add bulbs to it as you please. Even non-Hue, cheaper, ones; however we’ll get to that in a bit.

Philips Hue: What to purchase and the place to purchase them

There may be an absolute plethora of Philips Hue package at present on sale – greater than 100 totally different packs and gadgets on the final rely.

In each the US and UK, Signify has a devoted Hue Retailer the place you should purchase the most recent lights and equipment, whereas the model additionally has a storefront on Amazon as nicely – and there are sometimes reductions on there.

Right here’s a rundown of what to look out when purchasing for the most effective Hue lights and gadgets…

Philips Hue lightbulbs

Philips Hue lightbulbs
(Picture credit score: Signify)

The very first thing that you must resolve is the place you need your Philips Hue lightbulbs to go after which verify the sunshine fittings for these locations. Hue bulbs are like common lightbulbs – they are going to screw into just about any mild becoming or lamp in your house.

The excellent news is that there’s a variety of configurations and dimensions for screwing your bulb in. Within the US you’ll be able to choose up A21, E26, E12, BR30 and PAR16 screw-in bulbs and GU10 bulbs to your spotlights.

Within the UK, the names are barely totally different however the choices are just about on par. It’s E27 and E14 to your mild sockets with screw sockets, GU10s to your spotlights and likewise the old-style B22 Bayonets as nicely, if that’s what you want.

The subsequent factor that you must contemplate is bulb form. There are common spherical lightbulbs, candle formed bulbs, flat bulbs for ceilings and likewise slick-looking curved atmosphere bulbs too. Most of those can be found throughout the vary of fittings talked about above.

Hue’s additionally added good filament bulbs to the combination, which have that uncovered Edison-style classic look to them, and can be found in A19, ST19 and G25 sizings. They’re an effective way to modify up the look of various rooms or lights in case you’re going an in on Hue bulbs.

Philips Hue Filament
(Picture credit score: The Ambient)

Lastly, and the biggie – that you must resolve on colours. With the “primary” Hue bulbs, there’s a alternative between white, white atmosphere, and white and colour atmosphere. The final one is the flagship of the vary, providing a staggering 16 million colours and shades.

White atmosphere provides you extra management over the shade and temperature of your white mild (2200K-6500K) and plain previous white doesn’t have totally different temperatures however continues to be dimmable like each different Hue bulb.

On the entire, all of them shine round 800 lumens; though the brightest white bulb in Hue’s armory, an A21 bulb with 1600 lumens, went reside in June 2020.

The Filament bulbs talked about above shine at 550 lumens with a locked temperature colour of 2100K, in order that they’re dimmer than the flagship vary and solely shine in a single warm-orangey colour.

With all Hue lightbulbs – all LED bulbs, clearly – you’ll get 25,000 hours of life from a 9.5-10W most output.

You should buy bulbs in single, double or totally different sized multipacks, relying in your location, with costs ranging from $14.99 / £14.99 for a single white bulb to $49.99 / £49.99 for a solitary colour atmosphere one.

Costs fluctuate wildly although relying on what bulb becoming and form you need precisely.

Philips Hue lamps and lightweight fittings

Philips Hue lamps and light fittings
(Picture credit score: Signify)

Quite than making your present mild fittings and lamps extra related, Hue additionally provides you the chance to go all out good with lamps and lightweight fittings designed to completely substitute your 20th century lighting.

There’s round 40 totally different kinds to select from; the UK has a barely bigger choice than the Hue retailer Stateside.

There are wall lights, desk lamps, spotlights, suspension lights, ceiling lights, runner lights, recessed lights, mirror lights – you identify it, Signify has obtained it. Costs begin at across the $40 / £35 mark and go nicely above $350 / £350 relying in your décor preferences.

Philips Hue Lightstrips

hue lightstrip effect
(Picture credit score: Signify)

One of many coolest methods to mild up your property with Philips Hue is utilizing its coloured Lightstrips. These skinny strips may be hidden underneath kitchen counters, behind couches, round skirting boards – just about wherever you need – they usually add an array of futuristic trying lights round your property.

There’s even an outside model of the Lightstrip – good for Christmas or Halloween. They’re water-resistant and stick with your path by way of clips quite than sticky tape. Is smart, as they need to be out in nature’s glory.

You plug one finish into your mains socket after which 1m or 2m strips may be joined collectively to type a sequence so long as 10m. Don’t fear in case you can’t get a precise match – they may also be reduce to dimension.

The newest Lightstrip – the Bluetooth packing Lightstrip Plus – was introduced in mid-2020 and contains the choice to chop the Lightstrip to dimension and re-attach unused bits, or mix them with others utilizing adapters. You may’t do that on the non-Plus fashions.

The Plus additionally lets you add as much as eight extensions, as nicely – so a most size of 16m, based mostly on a tool measuring 2m.

There are additionally particular lightstrips designed for the again of your TV, however we’ll get to that in a bit.

Philips Hue outside

(Picture credit score: Signify)

These mild strips aren’t the one outside goodies, although. Philips Hue’s full outside good lighting vary launched in 2018 and there have been an absolute bonanza of latest arrivals within the years which have handed since then.

The vary consists of wall mounts, bulbs, spotlights and the already-mentioned Lightstrips. The Philips Hue Lily, which comes as a starter pack consisting of three spotlights and is designed to spotlight design options in your backyard and illuminate flower beds and vegetation.

There’s additionally the Philips Hue Calla (640 lumens, just like the Lily), which is a path lighting possibility. The bottom pack contains one bollard, further ones may be bought seperately.

When you’re searching for wall mounted fixture lighting you then’ll have an interest within the Philips Hue Inara (800 lumens), Lucca (800 lumens) or Ludere (2600 lumens). Philips additionally has a devoted outside bulb – the white PAR38 that are $29.99 every or $49.99 for a two-pack and are rated at 1300 lumens.

Different new arrivals such because the Daylo, Nyro, Impress and Entice have boosted the quantity of outside particular Hue lights to almost 50 choices.

You may, in fact, use a daily Hue bulb in a water-resistant outside fixing though Signify advises towards it.

Philips Hue within the lavatory

hue tap dial black
(Picture credit score: The Ambient)

Philips Hue Adore is its lavatory particular vary of good lighting. The star is the Adore White lighted mirror which has a hoop of white LEDs and may be managed by Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit or a dimmer change. It additionally has IP44 mud and water resistance.

Additionally within the vary: the Adore Lavatory spot mild, the Adore Lavatory mirror mild and the Adore Lavatory ceiling mild. They’re all white lighting, no colours, with chrome steel finishes and IP44 water resistance.

Philips Hue: The equipment

Proper, so that you’re all kitted up with the lights – now you simply want a means of controlling them. The app is clearly your finest guess (extra on that subsequent) however there are bodily controllers too.

We’ve already talked about the Hue Dimmer change, however in order for you one thing smarter you then’ll be trying on the $50 / £50 Hue Faucet Dial. Working off kinetic power – no batteries required – the Faucet Dial allows you to select your 4 favourite scenes wherever, on the contact of a button. You may stick it on a wall or use it as a distant management.

Alternatively, in case you’re searching for a minimalist possibility, there’s Hue good button that’s actually only a solitary push button. It might probably stick with fridges or steel magnetically, and lengthy presses can be utilized for extra management, however at $19.99 / £19.99 it’s an attention-grabbing possibility.

There are Hue Movement sensors which turns bulbs on based mostly on motion. The indoor model prices $39.99 / £34.99, it’s $10 / £10 extra for the outside mannequin.

Each have a daylight sensor so you’ll be able to select to solely have them operational when it’s darkish. (Professional-tip… you could possibly at all times use cheaper movement sensors and set off your Hue bulbs utilizing Alexa Routines and the like).

Best Philips Hue set-up: Get the perfect Hue lighting with our guide
(Picture credit score: Signify)

Signify debuted this long-awaited Wall Swap Module in 2021. With a Hue Wall Swap Module into your present mild change, your good bulbs are at all times usable, irrespective of the state of the change.

The Philips Hue Wall Module is $39.95 for one or $69.95 for a two pack.

Philips Hue super guide: How to set up and use your Hue lights
(Picture credit score: Signify)

Philips Hue: For TV and gaming

In 2018 Signify launched the Philips Hue Sync App for Home windows 10 PCs and Macs, which analyzes the content material you’re enjoying (or watching) and syncs up your Hue lights so you’ll be able to bathe your room in colours that match the motion.

That was tremendous for some desktop gaming, however in order for you it in your TV or front room console, you needed to hook it as much as your PC by way of HDMI, Chromecast or different means.

That drawback went away with the Hue Play Sync Field, an HDMI pass-through that additionally capabilities as a Hue gadget, so you’ll be able to plug in your varied TV packing containers and have all of the on-screen motion sync up together with your lighting.

The field supported HDMI CEC and HDMI 2.0, so you’ll be able to run 4K HDR content material via it at 60Hz. You may join as much as 4 gadgets into the field by way of HDMI, and sync with as much as ten color-changing Hue lights.

And there’s additionally now an 8K model of the Sync Field that boasts compatibility with HDR10 8K video at 60Hz, good for film buffs trying to stream the best decision content material, in addition to 4K at 120Hz for players utilizing next-gen consoles just like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Sequence X.

Fairly neat, and it’s simpler than ever to arrange with the likes of the Play-focused lights such the Gradient lightstrip.

The Philips Hue Play Gradient Mild Tube suits into this leisure facet of the Hue line-up nicely. It’s a follow-up to the Gradient Lightstrip, and provides a stable tube of LED lights quite than a strip you’ll want to connect to a wall or different floor. Simply place it above or beneath a TV, or wherever you want, and also you’re completed.

Philips Hue has additionally up to date a few its traces with Gradient tech. This lets Hue lights show a number of colours without delay, quite than biking via flat tones.

The Hue Signe desk and ground lamps are Gradient fashions, for $199.99 (desk) and $299.99 (ground).

Again in 2023 at CES, Signify and Samsung introduced a partnership that meant that individuals wouldn’t must cough up for a HDMI Sync Field to get that ‘Ambilight’ impact, because the duo launched a brand new app that does the job with out the necessity for added {hardware}.

Nonetheless, it wasn’t all excellent news as there was nonetheless the necessity to cough up $130 / £115 for the Philips Hue Sync TV app.

Quick ahead a 12 months or so and there’s now a extra interesting entry to the sunshine syncing TV motion, with a $2.99 / £2.69 month-to-month subscription on provide.

What the app does is basically replaces the exterior Hue Sync Field {hardware} and powers every part from inside your Samsung TV as a substitute, successfully that means your Samsung TV can act as a Play Sync Field, providing a singular mild syncing expertise with something you watch or play in your TV.

Philips Hue: Syncing with good assistants

As nice on the Hue app is, it’s not as important because it as soon as was. And that’s due to Philips’ Buddies of Hue program. Hue has at all times been open with the likes of IFTTT, Logitech and Xfinity however has added Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa to the combination.

This implies not solely voice controls for turning your lights on and off, however additional safety measures like having all your lights activate if movement is detected by a sure digicam, for instance.

Utilizing voice assistants or IFTTT you may as well create elaborate scenes throughout all your related tech akin to having your temperature set to your good sleeping stage, whereas on the similar time having your lights turned off, your blinds closed and your safety alarm armed.

The eventualities are seemingly countless and Hue is well some of the supported good residence platforms – you’ll wrestle to search out related package that doesn’t play properly with it.

Best Philips Hue set-up: Get the perfect Hue lighting with our guide
(Picture credit score: The Ambient)

Hue and Matter

And there’s, in idea at the least, additional smarts accessible to Hue customers because of Signify embracing the Matter good residence commonplace… kind of.

You may pair your Hue Bridge to a Matter controller and get all the advantages of the rising good residence platform.

These advantages aren’t going to make a lot of a distinction to Hue customers simply but however, as Matter matures within the months and years forward, Hue customers will be capable of benefit from every part that comes with that.

At current, the one Hue gadget that’s Matter licensed is the Bridge – the bulbs and lights will solely be capable of play part of a Matter good residence system when related to the Bridge.

For now, you’re most likely asking your self why precisely you’d even trouble utilizing Matter, quite than say Echo Talent, to sync up your Hue bulbs to your good residence ecosystem of alternative.

The primary purpose, for now at the least, is it could take a number of the heavy lifting off of the cloud-based integrations we at present all use, and convey issues in home.

Philips Hue and Spotify

Philips Hue announces new line-up and Spotify music sync feature
(Picture credit score: Signify)

Again in 2021, Spotify partnered with Philips Hue to develop “deep integration of lighting and music”. Bulbs and lightweight strips will pulse in time with the music, and use colour shades that match the monitor.

That is doable as a result of the Hue app will get entry to Spotify’s monitor metadata, which incorporates info on a tune’s tempo, style, temper and extra. It’s the data Spotify makes use of to assist categorise its hundreds of thousands of tracks into countless playlists.

Philips Hue Safe: good safety system and cameras

Philips Hue Secure Floodlight Camera purple on side
(Picture credit score: The Ambient)

Formally unveiled at IFA 2023, Philips Hue now provides good safety cameras and sensors too.

The Hue Safe cameras are available in each battery and wired choices, and there’s additionally a Floodlight Hue Safe digicam too.

A key promoting level is that the brand new Hue safety cam is end-to-end encryption by default. Which means that no processing of footage is completed within the cloud, all of it occurs domestically on the gadgets themselves.

Every part is powered within the new Safety Heart, which may be discovered within the Philips Hue app. You’ll want each a Hue Bridge and a Hue account to get began.

From the app you’ll be capable of do all the same old good safety stuff akin to manually triggering an alarm that flashes your Hue lights, sounding the siren in your Safe digicam, and even calling the police, or a good friend or member of the family.

As a result of Philips Hue has been round for some time, and since the platform is so open, there’s a heck of much more you are able to do together with your bulbs outdoors the official app and ecosystem.

In addition to the official app you’ll discover a tonne of third-party Hue apps throughout Google Play and the App Retailer – greater than 700, the truth is. Most are garbage – that’s at all times the best way with an open API – however there are just a few gems that add options to the combination that the official app doesn’t permit for.

Prime picks embody Hue Disco for including some colour to your property get together and OnSwitch for grouping your Hue bulbs together with your Lifx ones in the identical app. Try our information to the most effective Philips Hue apps for extra.

Right here’s one thing you gained’t learn on the Signify’s web site (truly you’ll, however you’ll need to do some digging): you don’t really need Philips Hue bulbs in an effort to have a Philips Hue system.

Philips Hue is a part of the Zigbee Mild Hyperlink commonplace protocol and, as such, Zigbee Mild Hyperlink compliant merchandise and gadgets work with the Hue Bridge.

It may be a bit fiddly, however you will get cheaper bulbs akin to Ikea’s, GE’s and Osram’s all arrange in your Hue system. To be taught extra, check out our information explaining the best way to arrange Ikea Trådfri on Philips Hue or getting your Innr bulbs working with Hue.

friends of hue outdoor switch
(Picture credit score: The Ambient)

Buddies of Hue

The Buddies of Hue initiative, whereby you purchase equipment – assume switches and the like (just like the Senic Outside Swap pictured above) – and, though they aren’t official Hue merchandise, they act as if they’re.

You add them via the Hue app they usually hook up with your Hue Bridge utilizing Zigbee.

Try our information to the most effective Buddies of Hue switches to your Philips Hue system.

Listed below are just a few extra how-tos to get you going…

How you can reset Philips Hue bulbs and Bridge

In case your bulbs or Bridge aren’t responding, you’ll must do a tough reset. On the subject of bulbs, you are able to do this reset via the app, however in case you’re not utilizing the Hue Bridge or app, you’ll need to go by way of whichever hub you’re related via. Head to our full explainer for extra.

How you can arrange Philips Hue with Alexa

1. Make sure that your Philips Hue mild is turned on and able to join.

2. Obtain the Philips Hue Talent in your Alexa gadget.

3. Say “Alexa, discover my gadgets” and look forward to 45 seconds whereas the assistant scans the realm for any new gadgets.

4. As soon as a bulb is found, you’ll be able to join it up via the Alexa app and management it manually or via your voice. Simply be sure to call it one thing simple to say.

5. Whether or not you will have a bridge or not, you’ll be able to management your lights utilizing simply your voice. Attempt a command akin to, “Alexa, flip bed room mild to 50%”.

Test our full information to Philips Hue and Alexa.

How you can sync your Hue lights with the climate

Whether or not it’s for setting the temper otherwise you simply fancy being a bit extra in contact with nature, one of many coolest Hue tips you are able to do is have them replicate a sure kind of climate or modify to sync with the circumstances outdoors. It’s not even that tough to do – right here’s how.

How you can sync Philips Hue with films and video games

As we talked about up above, one other trick the Hue Sync app provides is with the ability to add additional immersion to films and video games by having your Hue bulbs modify to what’s taking place on-screen. Head to our full information to learn the way.

Add a Buddies of Hue change too the combination

Buddies of Hue good switches are successfully good buttons that will let you management your Hue lights. And it’s simple to set these up straight within the Hue app.

Senic’s Buddies of Hue Outside Swap is considered one of our favorites on this space.

Philips Hue: The competitors

Philips Hue may be the main mild within the good lighting world, however there are many good lighting alternate options now on sale.

Lifx is the obvious pretender to Hue’s crown – it’s a bridge-less system that gives and app that (dare we are saying it?) is barely higher and simpler to make use of than Hue’s, with cheaper worth factors and an ever-growing military of bulbs and equipment. Watch this area for certain and take a look at our complete Lifx information.

Nanoleaf, which began out as a wise mild panel specialist has emerged as a real Hue various prior to now couple of years, because it expands into lightstrips, bulbs and spotlights too.

The Ikea Trådfri vary turned up on the good lighting get together in early 2017 and, whereas there nonetheless aren’t many bells and whistles, good assistants, coloured bulbs and elevated compatibility are respiration life into the platform – and as talked about above, you’ll be able to even get Ikea’s cheaper bulbs enjoying properly inside your Hue setup. Learn our Ikea Trådfri evaluation for extra.

Different names vying for area in an ever-expanding good lighting area are Innr, Nanoleaf, Osram, Wemo, Hive, Wyze, Sengred, Govee and Elgato. Try our good lighting hub web page to remain updated with all of the information, evaluations and evaluation.

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