Connect Philips Hue to Alexa for the Smart Home of the Future
What is Philips Hue?
Philips Hue Lights are a smart home lighting solution that work with popular assistants like Alexa, Google Home and Cortana. They come in three colors: basic white, white-ambiance, and multi-colored. And with the newest generation of smart lights from Hue, it’s surprisingly easy to connect Philips Hue to Alexa.
Hue lights work with your existing light fixtures, including lamps and in-ceiling lights. Hue Lights connect to Alexa either via Bluetooth or a hub, such as the Philips Hue Bridge or an Alexa-enabled device like the Echo Show which contains a built-in home hub.
Why should you connect Philips Hue to Alexa?
Like most smart home devices that pair with Alexa, one of the biggest benefits when you connect Philips Hue to Alexa is being able to control each device with simple Alexa voice commands like “Alexa, turn on living room lights!”
Hue Lights can be programmed using the Hue app, which allows you to set schedules, automate lighting routines when you’re away, and more. But when you connect Philips Hue to Alexa, you can get all of that AND easily control your lighting using voice commands. Controlling Alexa smart lights with your voice really is magical.
Plus, the powerful combo of Philips Hue and Alexa can be used to automate your morning routine, can integrate with alarms and timers, and make it look like you’re home, even if you’re away.
If you have the multi-colored Hue lights, you can change the color of your room by simply saying “Alexa, turn dining room lights to purple!”
Read the VoiceBrew Ultimate Guide to Hue Lights to learn more about how to make the most of your new smart home lighting.
How do you connect Philips Hue to Alexa?
There are a few ways to connect Philips Hue to Alexa. The easiest and fastest way is via the newer Bluetooth smart light bulbs, which connect directly to Alexa.
In the past, the set-up was more complicated because you needed a smart home like a Philips Hue Bridge or an Echo with a built-in hub. The new Bluetooth lights don’t require any extra equipment.
In order to start setting up the Bluetooth bulbs, first, screw the bulbs into your light fixture, then turn the lamp on. Now, follow these steps:
- Go to the Devices tab in your Alexa app (lower right corner of the bottom navigation bar)
- Tap/click the + in the upper right corner of the Devices tab
- Tap /click “Add Device”
- Tap “Light” (under the All Devices section)
- Select “Philips Hue” when prompted for the brand
- Tap the “Discover Devices” button (you can ignore the on-screen instructions for set up with an Echo Show or Echo Plus)
- You will see an “Alexa is discovering devices…” screen for up to 45 seconds
- Alexa will discover your new Hue lights!
- Tap through the 2 set up screens, skipping these steps for now
If you’re not using the Bluetooth bulbs, tap/click here to read our guide to setting up Hue Lights with a regular Echo device.
If you have an Echo Show or Echo Plus (with a built in home hub), tap/click here to read through instructions for your device.
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VoiceBrew was created to help people get more out of their Amazon Alexa devices. Whether you’re just setting up your first Alexa device, or are a seasoned pro looking for advanced tips, VoiceBrew can help.
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