Philips Hue Wall Switch Fix - Keep Your Bulbs Connected

Philips Hue smart bulbs offer a lot of functionality, but traditional light switches can disrupt their operation. When a Hue bulb is connected to a conventional switch, physically flipping the switch cuts off its power supply, disabling features like smartphone or voice assistant control.

Several workarounds are available, generally requiring replacement of the existing switch with a smarter alternative. Today, Signify (formerly Philips Lighting) unveiled an official solution designed to integrate with your current switches, though it does come with some considerations.

Dubbed the “wall switch module,” it is anticipated to become available later this year – in the spring for European customers and during the summer for those in North America. After installation, this module transforms your standard light switch into a Hue control device, enabling it to cycle through various lighting settings instead of simply turning the power on or off.

Priced at $40 per module (or $70 for a two-pack), it represents a significant investment. Considering it operates on a battery – likely to avoid the need for a neutral wire and streamline installation – with an estimated battery life of approximately five years, a whole-house implementation might not be practical. However, it appears to be a viable option for one or two switches.

The company also revealed several new Hue products for those interested in expanding their system: 

• An updated version of its portable dimmer switch, scheduled for release in February at a price of $25. The separate on/off buttons are being consolidated into a single toggle, and a dedicated “Hue” button is being incorporated to activate a customized lighting scene.
• A new outdoor light fixture, the Philips Hue Amarant, designed for ground or overhang mounting. It will be available in North America in March, costing $170 per unit, but requires a separate outdoor Hue power supply box (priced between $60 and $70) if you don’t already own one.