Control Philips Hue with Dimmer Switch - Setup & Guide
Philips Hue Dimmer Switch: A Convenient Control Solution
The Philips Hue lighting system offers remarkable control through smartphones, yet many users still prefer the simplicity of physical switches. The new Hue Dimmer Switch provides an ideal method for integrating a traditional wall switch into your existing Hue setup. Let's explore its functionality.
The Need for Physical Control
While smart lights are advantageous – and we are strong proponents of the Philips Hue system – the convenience of a conventional switch for managing your lighting shouldn't be overlooked. A physical switch is particularly useful when simply turning lights on or off upon entering or leaving a room.
The Hue Tap: A Previous Attempt
Philips initially addressed the demand for physical control with the Hue Tap switch. However, this initial offering was met with considerable criticism. The mechanical buttons proved difficult to depress, as the switch’s operation depended on the physical action of pressing them to generate power.
Furthermore, the Tap’s interface was notably unintuitive. Buttons were marked with dots rather than standard icons or text, hindering usability for those unfamiliar with smart lighting or without the accompanying smartphone application. Its primary advantage was the ability to select multiple lights or scenes from a single interface.
Introducing the Hue Dimmer Switch: A Refined Design
Recognizing the shortcomings of the Tap, Philips redesigned the switch, resulting in the Hue Dimmer Switch. This revised model addresses previous issues with a battery-powered operation, eliminating the need for forceful button presses.
The buttons are clearly labeled "On" and "Off," with intuitive brighten and dim icons positioned between them. Its traditional switch form factor includes a wall-mount plate, and it can be easily removed thanks to its magnetic attachment. Essentially, this Dimmer Switch represents the product that should have been launched initially.
Affordability and Value
A significant benefit is the price point. The Tap switch continues to be sold for around $60, while the Hue Dimmer Switch is available for a more accessible $25. A dimmer kit, including a bulb for independent, hub-free operation, can be purchased for just $35.
Setting Up Your Hue Dimmer Switch
Having highlighted the improvements and benefits of incorporating a physical switch into your smart lighting system, let’s now examine the setup process.
Installing and Setting Up the Hue Dimmer Switch
The physical setup of this device is remarkably straightforward, facilitated by the integrated magnetic plate and adhesive backing. Upon unboxing the switch and removing all protective coverings – retaining the battery pull tab initially to prevent premature activation – the primary consideration becomes optimal placement.
There are two distinct methods for mounting the switch. The first is a tool-free approach: simply remove the protective paper from the adhesive strips and firmly press the switch onto the desired wall location. This method was utilized during installation in the master bedroom, as illustrated previously.
Mounting Options
Alternatively, a more secure mounting can be achieved using screws and appropriate wall anchors. Flipping the plate reveals mounting holes and release tabs, which can be manipulated with a small screwdriver to detach the backing. This allows for traditional screw-based installation of the backplate.
However, this level of reinforcement is generally unnecessary unless the switch is likely to endure significant physical stress, or if the adhesive’s long-term reliability is questionable.
It’s crucial to ensure that the existing wall switch remains in the 'on' position for the Hue Dimmer Switch to function correctly. We recommend positioning the Dimmer Switch adjacent to the original switch. To avoid accidental operation of the original switch, consider using a switch cover designed to disable the physical toggle.
This prevents unintended interruptions to the Hue lighting system.
Connecting Your Hue Dimmer Switch to Your System
Should you have purchased the Hue Dimming Kit, complete with a Hue bulb, no explicit linking or pairing procedure is necessary. Upon installation of the bulb and activation of the dimmer switch, functionality is immediate, requiring no additional configuration.
However, if you intend to integrate a Hue Dimmer Switch with an established Hue setup, or to manage multiple bulbs, the following steps will guide you through the process.
Begin by launching the Philips Hue application on your smartphone. Navigate to the settings menu by tapping the gear icon located in the upper-left corner of the screen.
Select the "Accessory setup" option from the settings menu.
Tap the circular plus button situated in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Choose "Hue dimmer switch" from the presented options.
Two options will then be displayed. Opt for "Option 1" if the dimmer switch has not previously been paired with Hue lights. Select "Option 2" if prior pairing has occurred, or if the switch was included with a Hue lighting package, such as the Hue Dimming Kit.
Proceed to remove the battery pull tab from the dimmer switch. Verify that the orange LED indicator is flashing on the remote. If it isn’t, use a paper clip to depress the “Setup” button located within the pinhole on the back of the remote.
With the orange LED light flashing, tap the "LED blinking" option within the app.
The application will now initiate a search for the Hue Dimmer Switch. This process may take several minutes, though it typically completes within seconds.
Upon discovery of the switch, select "Done". If you are configuring a Hue Dimming Kit, the app will automatically search for the included bulb. If the bulb isn’t yet installed, you can proceed by selecting "Done", as the search will continue in the background.
Following successful pairing, a confirmation message will appear at the top of the screen. Below this, you will be prompted to select the room you wish to control with the switch. Tap "Done" in the top-right corner.
Your newly connected dimmer switch will now be listed alongside your other Hue accessories.
Related: How to Re-Program the Hue Dimmer Switch to Do Anything with Your Lights
Selecting your new switch from the list allows for customization, including renaming and assigning specific scenes to be activated by the switch. For advanced control, we suggest exploring a third-party application like iConnectHue, which offers extensive customization options.
The configuration is now complete. You can revisit the accessory setup menu at any time to modify the linked scenes or lights associated with the physical switch.