This guide was created for first time users who have just purchased a Philips Hue Starter Kit. There are a few requirements needed to get started using your Philips Hue System that will be outlined in this guide.
Step 1: Connecting your Hue Bridge to your Router.
First, you will need to connect your Philips Hue Bridge to your router and plug in the power adapter to a wall outlet. If you are unsure of what a router is, it is typically a small black box that may have been installed by your internet service provider.
On the back of the router, you will have a few Ethernet ports. Connect the provided Ethernet cable to the back of the bridge and the other end into an available port on the router. Most routers have a separate group of 4 ports. The bridge should be plugged into an available spot within that group. Below is an example image of the back of a router.
Once the Ethernet cable is connected and the power adapter plugged in, the lights on your bridge should start coming online. They will flash and all 3 of the indicator lights should become solid blue. If any are flashing, please follow are hue bridge connectivity guide here.
Step 2: Install your Philips Hue Lights
Next, install your Hue bulbs into fixtures and power them on. We would recommend writing down or taking a picture of the serial numbers on your Hue bulbs before installing them into fixtures. This can help in the future with connecting the bulb without having to remove it from the fixture. The serial number will be written near the base of the bulb. If you are unable to find it, see our guide on bulb connectivity by clicking here.
It is recommended to install the lights into fixtures that are not on any type of dimmers or in a ceiling fan.
Step 3: Download and install the Philips Hue Application on your device.
On your phone or tablet, follow the links below to install the Philips Hue Application.
Step 4: Connecting to your Bridge with the Hue App
Before attempting to connect to the bridge, check your phone or tablet to ensure your wifi is on and that you are connected to the same network that your bridge is plugged into. Open the Philips Hue Application on your device and follow the initial set up prompts. Eventually you will get to a prompt to Start Setup.
When the app finds your Hue bridge, you will need to go press the big button on the middle of the physical bridge, not on the screen.
Out of the box, your bridge will likely have an update available.
Step 5: Adding Your Hue Lights to the Bridge
After the update has finished, you can start searching for your lights. Make sure they are installed and the light switch is powered on. Then select Search. The search can take up to 2 minutes. If your lights were not found, check out our bulb connectivity guide here.
If your lights are found, the app will display the number of lights found and you can select Start Configuration.
You can then choose a name for this light and select the type of bulb. You can name it something in reference to the room that it is in to help keep your lights organized in the app.
