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Philips Hue FAQ

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Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,942 ✭✭✭Danbo!


    Am I missing something or is there no white B22 starter kit available? I see this kit available in edison, but no similar with B22 - just not something they make?

    I wanted to start with this and dont need ambience yet (porch and hall only), though I'm sure I'll be bitten by the bug :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,514 ✭✭✭Shred


    bk wrote: »
    Use iConnectHue app on iOS, it is much more flexible.

    I'd being mulling over buying this app but it became a must when I bought a dimmer switch recently due to the restrictive nature of the official app. I was about to buy a second dimmer, but I don't think I've any need (maybe not until I add more lamps) due to the much greater flexibility of iConnecthue, it really is a great app.


  • Registered Users Posts: 463 ✭✭garion


    Shred wrote: »
    I'd being mulling over buying this app but it became a must when I bought a dimmer switch recently due to the restrictive nature of the official app. I was about to buy a second dimmer, but I don't think I've any need (maybe not until I add more lamps) due to the much greater flexibility of iConnecthue, it really is a great app.

    Looks like this is an iOS app only. The only Android one I can see with extra fuctionality is All4Hue. Seems like there's plenty of additional options but a little confusing to use.

    If anyone uses has anything better on Android let me know.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,023 ✭✭✭✭adox


    So I'm trying to get Alexa to control both my kitchen and front room using the official app to set up but can't find a solution so am trying to use yonomi.

    I want to be able to turn off and on the lights in the two rooms with one command for each "turn downstairs off" "turn downstairs on".

    Messing about in the app I've set up both routines.

    Now when I say "Alexa turn downstairs off" it works and the two Iris and the lightstrip in the kitchen turn off, but when I say "Alexa turn downstairs on" I get "ok" but nothing happens if they are off and if they are on it turns them off!

    Both routines work as set when used in the app.
    There must be a simple way of setting this up?

    Edit: got it sorted. I had to delete the routines I made myself, then use two recommended prepare ones "all lights on" and "all lights off". Delete the lights I didn't want, rename them both to "downstairs on" and "downstairs off" and now they are working.

    A lot of pfaffing about to get it done but got there in the end.


  • Registered Users Posts: 157 ✭✭supue


    My white and colour starter kit arrived today with three bulbs - it was a quick dash to install them before kids bedtime. Immediately noticed a big drop in brightness in the rooms where they were installed as I was dropping down from about 100W bulbs to about 60W equivalents with the new set.

    First impressions on the colours were slightly disappointing tbh (I thought they'd be more impressive), however I think a lot of this was based on installing them as main bulb as opposed to lamp lighting (where I think they'll be) and getting used to the new levels of brightness. My wife wasn't impressed with the colours one bit and asked me to set back to normal asap!

    App and network are great - I've two wifi networks in my house due to thick walls, I like the fact that I could control the lights regardless of which network I was connected to - frustratingly can't do similar with my Sonos once I'm on a different wifi.

    Are there apps which can set phases - I saw on routines that you can have lights go off night and come on in the morning (seemed to be 60 mins then on/off), however I'd like something which sets a landing light for example to ~30% dim from 11pm to 7am in case the kids wake up?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,784 ✭✭✭✭AndyBoBandy


    supue wrote: »
    Are there apps which can set phases - I saw on routines that you can have lights go off night and come on in the morning (seemed to be 60 mins then on/off), however I'd like something which sets a landing light for example to ~30% dim from 11pm to 7am in case the kids wake up?

    All in the hue app;
    Create a new scene for the landing that only sets the light(s) to come on very low (there is actually already a default scene called nightlight which is about 10% brightness anyway)
    Set a routine for your landing (nightlight scene, or your own custom scene) to come on from 11pm - 7am

    Job done.

    It is possible to have multiple routines all running at various times, in as many or as few rooms as you want.

    Example;
    Landing on full brightness from 6pm to 10pm (with or without fade in/out)
    Landing to come on low (nightlight) from 11pm-7am
    It's 2 routines for 1 room, just at different times (it's actually 4 routines, 2 on and 2 off)

    And on and on and on....... as often as you like.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,023 ✭✭✭✭adox


    supue wrote: »

    Are there apps which can set phases - I saw on routines that you can have lights go off night and come on in the morning (seemed to be 60 mins then on/off), however I'd like something which sets a landing light for example to ~30% dim from 11pm to 7am in case the kids wake up?

    You can set that up in routines-my routines. Set up two routines, one to turn landing light on at 11PM, you can choose the brightness level, and another routine to turn it off.

    I use routines in the morning and at night.

    Edit: actually you may have to make a custom scene first to get the exact brightness and colour you want but it's very simple to do that. Once you have save it as "landing nightlight" or name of your choosing, then when setting up the routinejust add that scene to be activated.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,784 ✭✭✭✭AndyBoBandy


    I have a total of 10 routines that run daily

    In the old app it was about 30/40 individual timers, but given the new app let's you add up to 4 rooms to a routine I was able to condense it down to the 10


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,023 ✭✭✭✭adox


    Also those 800 lumin bulbs do give off the equivalent brightness of a 60 watt bulb, they use a little under 10 watts of power so they are extremely energy efficient.

    For colour I always think it is more suited to mood lighting, splashing colour onto walls etc. or else a few bulbs at least used together.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,620 ✭✭✭Roen


    Having good fun with Thorlight for hue. Good app. Bit of a learning curve but much prefer it to iConnectHue. Using it for animations more so than routines or sensor or switch programs.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,784 ✭✭✭✭AndyBoBandy


    There's a good app called SyncMyLights for watching movies, it will sync up the hue lights with the movie you're watching.
    They have an ever growing list of movies in the library, and the effects can be pretty good with the colour bulbs.

    Newer version is much more responsive and the auto sync (via phone microphone) works much better.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,748 ✭✭✭Bluefoam


    Just received my hue starter kit and led strip, but not setting up fully yet, because I've also decided to move apartments... So I've just put two bulbs in the living room...

    I'm a bit confused by the app... Have I got the correct app? It seems very limited, I don't see any colour controls etc.

    Any suggestions?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,784 ✭✭✭✭AndyBoBandy


    Bluefoam wrote: »
    Just received my hue starter kit and led strip, but not setting up fully yet, because I've also decided to move apartments... So I've just put two bulbs in the living room...

    I'm a bit confused by the app... Have I got the correct app? It seems very limited, I don't see any colour controls etc.

    Any suggestions?

    The newer app is more awkward in my opinion for setting specific colours,

    it can still be done however, just select the room you want, and on each light bulb in that room, press the circle thats a particular colour, this should open up the entire colour palette for you to select which colour you would like that particular bulb.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,407 ✭✭✭OldBean


    I've had something strange happen with our Hue lights since last night - Google Home started saying some of the lights weren't available, then the Harmony remote wouldn't respond, then no lights responding to either GHome or Harmony but the Hue app was still working.

    As of the last hour, the Hue app is saying the lights are not responding. I've tried restarting the hub and the router. Any other ideas?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,346 ✭✭✭Double C


    Sorry if this has been answered already. Is there a way of setting up an applet in IFTTT where the lights turn on when you arrive home, but only if it's dark outside? There is one that turns the lights on when I get home but I find the lights on in the morning, which is obviously not ideal. Thanks in advance


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,407 ✭✭✭OldBean


    Update for anyone else with the same issue as I posted - turned off lights off by the switch, unplugged the Bridge and my router and left them off for about two hours. Turned everything back on and they came back no issues.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,745 ✭✭✭laugh


    Double C wrote: »
    Sorry if this has been answered already. Is there a way of setting up an applet in IFTTT where the lights turn on when you arrive home, but only if it's dark outside? There is one that turns the lights on when I get home but I find the lights on in the morning, which is obviously not ideal. Thanks in advance

    There is a thing called numerous you can use.

    They really need to add booleans.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,773 ✭✭✭Irish Gunner


    In relation to the first post
    But might people not accidentally turn off the light via the old light switch? Any way to protect against this?

    Yes this can happen, specially when family and friends are visiting and aren't use to it. People use a variety of methods to protect against this.

    - Similar to above, the following are more discrete version of the above for a standard UK switch. Very easy to install and still allow you to use the light switch in an emergency using a paper clip, etc.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/SwitchSafe-socket-protector-prevent-accidental/dp/B01634O2MS/ref=pd_sim_60_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=VMS1BH456Z1G9YN2XCRS
    I bought these and they don't fit over the light switches. I emailed the company and they said they are not intended to cover light switches they are for sockets.
    Has anyone used anything else to cover light switches as both of us trying to get out of the habit of using switch and use Echo instead?


  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 23,163 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    I bought these and they don't fit over the light switches. I emailed the company and they said they are not intended to cover light switches they are for sockets.
    Has anyone used anything else to cover light switches as both of us trying to get out of the habit of using switch and use Echo instead?

    You know that answer from them confuses me as I've found most homes use the exact same switch for sockets as they do for the light switches! In the end they are both just a switch.

    Some one else had the same issue in this thread, but they found they could get it to fit by filling done one side of the cover. Maybe you cold try that.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,918 ✭✭✭bittihuduga


    new to HUE - so silly question:
    if i have the hue light switched off via the app/alexa and i want to switch on the light but dont have phone/alexa.. can i switch off the wall switch off and on?
    would that light the bulb?

    if i put this in kids room, i am wondering what are the options to switch it on


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,555 ✭✭✭wexfordman2


    new to HUE - so silly question:
    if i have the hue light switched off via the app/alexa and i want to switch on the light but dont have phone/alexa.. can i switch off the wall switch off and on?
    would that light the bulb?

    if i put this in kids room, i am wondering what are the options to switch it on

    Yes it will turn on that way.

    Would be even better if it did it to turn it off as well, but unfortunately you can only turn it off using the the smart function, IE, if you toggle the switch of and back on again the bulb remains on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,023 ✭✭✭✭adox


    Nice update to the official app. You can now change to colour of a room by just moving over the colour pallet, instead of just individual lights.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,084 ✭✭✭jones


    The app has a much neater look now as well. Nice update


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 218 ✭✭dendof


    jones wrote: »
    The app has a much neater look now as well. Nice update
    Does it update automatically? Mine looks the same and can't see an Update option


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,784 ✭✭✭✭AndyBoBandy


    dendof wrote: »
    Does it update automatically? Mine looks the same and can't see an Update option

    are you on iOS?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 218 ✭✭dendof


    are you on iOS?
    Ah no, I'm on Android


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,084 ✭✭✭jones


    dendof wrote: »
    Ah no, I'm on Android

    Go into the play store and check your apps to see if you have an update. It might be set to only update on wifi or something.


  • Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 5,393 Mod ✭✭✭✭Optimus Prime


    It completely messed up my apple home app. Lights not responding etc. Still trying to fix it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,023 ✭✭✭✭adox


    It completely messed up my apple home app. Lights not responding etc. Still trying to fix it.

    When updated the official app asked me did I want to update Home which I said yes to but havent checked it as I rarely use it.


  • Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 5,393 Mod ✭✭✭✭Optimus Prime


    Yeh it seems to now sync the names of rooms between Hue App and Home and i had renamed all the ones in Home. It also couldnt connect to half my bulbs\lamps\sensors but i restarted the HUb and it fixed that.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,773 ✭✭✭Irish Gunner


    Ok nearly Hue'd out getting one white bulb for the landing and was looking at getting some for kitchen just have to check as lights in there are reflector bulbs so will hold off on that
    Picked up new TV and now looking at possible purchasing the Hue light strips for behind the tv. Wont be used to light up the room just more for affect etc when watching movies. Has anyone put any strips behind TV and have they put them on the TV itself, the tv stand or the skirting around back. ?
    Also price not coming down seem to be £60+ on amazon uk etc any other online stores selling them before the hole in my pocket from the cc gets bigger


  • Moderators Posts: 12,390 ✭✭✭✭Black_Knight


    Sorry if this has been answered, but I can't search the thread on my phone.

    With the starter kit, im thinking I'd use it in a few lamps I have. Does that mean I'd have to turn lamps on/off with the hue app? A wireless panel on the wall would be a bit weird/overkill for a single lamp, but having to use your phone every time to turn on/off a light would be a bit of an inconvenience.

    Ifttt could automate loads of that, but a simple "turn the light on for a second there" would be more awkward.

    Have I got this right, or is there a solution?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,555 ✭✭✭wexfordman2


    Sorry if this has been answered, but I can't search the thread on my phone.

    With the starter kit, im thinking I'd use it in a few lamps I have. Does that mean I'd have to turn lamps on/off with the hue app? A wireless panel on the wall would be a bit weird/overkill for a single lamp, but having to use your phone every time to turn on/off a light would be a bit of an inconvenience.

    Ifttt could automate loads of that, but a simple "turn the light on for a second there" would be more awkward.

    Have I got this right, or is there a solution?



    You can turn them on, by quickly toggling the local switch off and back on again, but to turn them off, you need to use a controller of some sort.

    Unless you just permanently turn them off at the lamp bit then you lose the automation aspect


  • Moderators Posts: 12,390 ✭✭✭✭Black_Knight


    You can turn them on, by quickly toggling the local switch off and back on again, but to turn them off, you need to use a controller of some sort.

    Unless you just permanently turn them off at the lamp bit then you lose the automation aspect

    That answers that. When turning the switch off and back on, do the lights turn on to a default colour and brightness? Or do they return to their last brightness and colour settings?


    Thinking of getting the starter pack, though the lack of bayonet type bulbs as a bit annoying. I know there's adapters but that's just Phillips providing a bit of an ugly fix.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,555 ✭✭✭wexfordman2


    That answers that. When turning the switch off and back on, do the lights turn on to a default colour and brightness? Or do they return to their last brightness and colour settings?


    Thinking of getting the starter pack, though the lack of bayonet type bulbs as a bit annoying. I know there's adapters but that's just Phillips providing a bit of an ugly fix.

    I only have white bulbs but I just tested and if I dim them, then turn them off, and then manually turn them on, they come on to 100%


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,784 ✭✭✭✭AndyBoBandy


    That answers that. When turning the switch off and back on, do the lights turn on to a default colour and brightness? Or do they return to their last brightness and colour settings?


    Thinking of getting the starter pack, though the lack of bayonet type bulbs as a bit annoying. I know there's adapters but that's just Phillips providing a bit of an ugly fix.


    The lights will always come on to a default setting of warm white regardless of the bulb type (colour, white ambiance, white) & regardless of what they were previously set at.

    Hue come in bayonet bulbs (B22) as well as E27 (Edison Screw)


  • Moderators Posts: 12,390 ✭✭✭✭Black_Knight


    The lights will always come on to a default setting of warm white regardless of the bulb type (colour, white ambiance, white) & regardless of what they were previously set at.

    Hue come in bayonet bulbs (B22) as well as E27 (Edison Screw)
    Cool, for some reason I could never find them.

    I had an idea for automating my living room bulbs, whereby if my TV connected to the network, they'd dim to a nice TV watching glow. Unfortunately it doesn't look as though there's any ifttt application to monitor network connected devices


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,514 ✭✭✭BoardsMember


    What would people do if they were rewiring and were thinking about hue in the main living areas? Would you wire to have lights always on and have a hue switch in each room?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,555 ✭✭✭wexfordman2


    What would people do if they were rewiring and were thinking about hue in the main living areas? Would you wire to have lights always on and have a hue switch in each room?


    I would wire switches as normal, and bypass them, so you can revert to normal if you ever choose to.

    I would also ensure a neutral is present at each switch, and TBH, I'd throw in a cat 5 cable as well.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,514 ✭✭✭BoardsMember


    When you say bypass the wires as normal switch, can you elaborate? Do you mean having the switch there but it not actually doing anything when you might use it, i.e. its always on unless you wire it in? Sorry, not to0 familiar with wiring.

    What would/could the neutral be for?

    I'll probably go for 2 cat 5 or 6 in each living room and the master bedroom to allow for decent wired broadband and maybe hdmi (or whatever) over cat 5/6. Not sure I'd wire it to where I would usually put a light switch though.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,942 ✭✭✭Danbo!


    Am I missing something or does the official hue app only allow routines based on time? I was hoping I could set up routines based on sunrise/sunset. I've used IFTTT to set up what I need, but it seems strange given the bridge has my location listed.
    Thinking of getting the starter pack, though the lack of bayonet type bulbs as a bit annoying. I know there's adapters but that's just Phillips providing a bit of an ugly fix.

    I was the same - there doesnt seem to be a bayonet starter kit in standard white (non-ambient) bulbs. I bought the Edison Screw kit and picked up adapters in Ikea (2 for €1.50) Yes, it's a bit of a pain.


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 18,604 CMod ✭✭✭✭The Black Oil


    For those of you with gu10s, how are they working out? I ask in that other members of my family have a few halogen (LEDs, better?) ones that seemingly don't last long. Hoping this is not the case in hueland.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,784 ✭✭✭✭AndyBoBandy


    For those of you with gu10s, how are they working out? I ask in that other members of my family have a few halogen (LEDs, better?) ones that seemingly don't last long. Hoping this is not the case in hueland.

    I've had 10 colour GU10's in my kitchen/dining room for about 3/4 months now and they are brilliant (they replaced 10 50w 12v Halogens).

    I've had 4 GU10 White Ambiance on my landing for about 2 months now, and they are also great (they replaced 4 standard LED GU10's).

    The ones in the kitchen/dining room are great, they do everything the halogens did and so much more, I use the concentrate/energise whites early evening, and have them go a more traditional warm white later on or when dining.
    I have a dimmer switch on the wall for dimming/changing tone on/off, as well as a sensor for night time.

    The landing ones wouldn't get used that much, but I have them timed on very low early evening, and around when the little guy goes to bed.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,514 ✭✭✭BoardsMember


    I've read here that they need a deeper fitting than traditional spots - if I am planning re-wire/new ceilings, should I buy one in advance to show architect/builder what they look like, or is there similar off the shelf available with same dimensions? Thanks.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,784 ✭✭✭✭AndyBoBandy


    I've read here that they need a deeper fitting than traditional spots - if I am planning re-wire/new ceilings, should I buy one in advance to show architect/builder what they look like, or is there similar off the shelf available with same dimensions? Thanks.

    My kitchen & landing fittings are these (which are not limited to GU10 only) so the only limit is the space in the ceiling above it (in my case, both kitchen & landing had ample space)(my kitchen/dining room lights were also not GU10, but were GU5, so I bought 10 GU10 fittings on eBay and easily wired them in while also removing the 12v transformers at each light).

    You might have an issue with this type fitting though as bulb size matters, (as theres only so much room inside for a bulb)

    The Hue GU10 colour is a lot bigger than a standard GU10 size bulb (but again in my situation, with my fittings, there were no issues)
    The Hue GU10 White Ambiance bulb is a lot more closer to a regular GU10 bulb in size


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,748 ✭✭✭Bluefoam


    I'm sure this has already been discussed... But I'm trying to find the best apps to use with my Hue lights.

    I'm on Android and so far have:
    • hueManic
    • Hue Halloween Connect
    • Hue Disco
    • Hue Fireworks

    The first one has more or less been cancelled out by the last three, which are all by the same developer.

    I'm also planning to have Hue Disco set up to react to movies, but a dedicated app would be much better... Just not one that needs your phone camera to be pointed at the TV.

    Add your favourites... We can keep a rolling list.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,784 ✭✭✭✭AndyBoBandy


    Bluefoam wrote: »
    I'm also planning to have Hue Disco set up to react to movies, but a dedicated app would be much better... Just not one that needs your phone camera to be pointed at a TV


    SyncMyLights does this, it's an iOS app (not sure if it's available on Android), it has a movie library with dynamic scenes for each movie, and actually works very well.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,748 ✭✭✭Bluefoam


    I'm considering some wall washers... They don't have to be anything spectacular, but would prefer something with the colour ambience (current gen) & can stay plugged in all of the time. I'm confused about the price points, is there something I'm missing? Do they have different capabilities?

    [URL="https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/27709/409049.png[/IMG][/URL] 10w, Lumens 210, £15.00


    [URL="https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/27709/409050.png[/IMG][/URL] 6w, Lumens (variable), £69.95


    [URL="https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/27709/409051.png[/IMG][/URL] 8w, Lumens 120, £119.99

    I don't really know what I'm looking at... Makes sense for me to get a couple of the Iris Lamps... @ £15 is there something I'm missing?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,784 ✭✭✭✭AndyBoBandy


    The Hue Iris lamps are more than £15,

    There is a non hue Iris that works with a remote control that some people have got to work with Hue.

    The Bloom is only €70 in Woodies, and most places online. (I think the starter kit is £120 for 2 blooms and a bridge)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,748 ✭✭✭Bluefoam


    The Hue Iris lamps are more than £15,

    There is a non hue Iris that works with a remote control that some people have got to work with Hue.

    The Bloom is only €70 in Woodies, and most places online. (I think the starter kit is £120 for 2 blooms and a bridge)

    Thanks... Glad I asked, or I'd be sitting here waiting for delivery of lights I didn't want...

    So, is there any reason to pick one of these lights above the others?


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