Controlling hue smart plugs when away from home?

peter_h1979

Hey Guys,

A couple of questions regarding phillips hue smart plugs?

Can they be turned on/off when your not connected to the home wifi?

if yes to the above question I assume you need the bridge?

NewClareman

There is a Bluetooth version available, controlled from an app. No bridge required.

However, this only works locally. For remote operation a bridge and Internet is required.

peter_h1979

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118101111#Comment_118101111

Ok thanks. Can you use Bluetooth to configure the plug to turn on and off at certain times when your not at home (like a timer switch)?

NewClareman

Short answer, you need Internet and a bridge for what you want to do. (I don't have Hue Plugs, but expect them to work in a similar manner to Hue Bulbs. The bulbs have settings, brightness and colour, that can be controlled via routines. However, the routines are stored in the Bluetooth device or bridge. However, if using an app to control the lights the device (e.g. phone) has to be nearby as Bluetooth has a limited range.

Clareman

Personally I wouldn't bother with the hue plugs, they are too expensive for what they are if you don't already have a bridge. Just get a normal smart plug, almost all of them are remotely accessible.