Philips Hue is a popular smart lighting system that allows users to control their lights from their smartphone or voice assistant. However, many people wonder if Philips Hue can control other bulbs, both smart and normal lights. The answer is yes and no, depending on the type of bulb and how it is connected.
To understand how Philips Hue can control other bulbs, it’s important to first understand how the system operates. Philips Hue uses Zigbee wireless technology to connect its bulbs, lights, and controllers to the Hue Bridge smart hub. This allows users to control their lights through the Philips Hue app, which offers a variety of effects, such as dimming, changing color temperature, and even changing the lighting color.
While Philips Hue can control other smart bulbs that are Zigbee-based, it cannot control normal (dumb) bulbs without the help of a compatible smart plug or Zigbee switch. This means that users who want to integrate non-smart bulbs into their Philips Hue system will need to purchase additional hardware. In this article, we will explore the different options available for controlling other bulbs with Philips Hue and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Key Takeaways
- Philips Hue uses Zigbee wireless technology to connect its bulbs, lights, and controllers to the Hue Bridge smart hub.
- Philips Hue can control other smart bulbs that are Zigbee-based, but it cannot control normal (dumb) bulbs without the help of a compatible smart plug or Zigbee switch.
- Users who want to integrate non-smart bulbs into their Philips Hue system will need to purchase additional hardware.
Philips Hue can control other bulbs, but the compatibility depends on whether the bulbs are Zigbee-based or not. If the bulbs are Zigbee-based, then they can be controlled by the Philips Hue system, but if they are not, then a compatible smart plug or Zigbee switch is needed to control them.
Understanding Philips Hue
As someone who has used Philips Hue for years, I can confidently say that it is one of the best smart lighting systems on the market. Philips Hue is a smart lighting system that allows you to control your lights from your phone, tablet, or voice assistant. The system is made up of smart bulbs, a bridge, and an app.
Philips Hue bulbs are LED bulbs that are designed to be energy-efficient and long-lasting. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including A19, BR30, and PAR16. Philips Hue bulbs are compatible with most standard light fixtures, so you can easily replace your existing bulbs with Philips Hue bulbs.
The Philips Hue system is controlled by the Philips Hue Bridge, which is a small hub that connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network. The Bridge communicates with your Philips Hue bulbs and allows you to control them from your phone or tablet using the Philips Hue app.
The Philips Hue app is available for both iOS and Android devices and is very easy to use. You can use the app to turn your lights on and off, dim them, and change their color. You can also create scenes that allow you to set the mood in your home with just a few taps.
One of the great things about Philips Hue is that it is compatible with a wide range of other smart home devices. You can use your Philips Hue bulbs with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and more. This means that you can control your lights with your voice, or set up automations that turn your lights on and off based on other events in your home.
Overall, Philips Hue is a great smart lighting system that is easy to use and highly customizable. Whether you’re looking to set the mood in your home, or just want to control your lights with your voice, Philips Hue has you covered.
Philips Hue and Other Bulbs
Philips Hue is a popular smart lighting system that allows users to control their lights using a smartphone app, voice commands, or a smart home hub. One of the most commonly asked questions about Philips Hue is whether it can control other bulbs, both smart and normal lights. In this section, I will discuss the compatibility of Philips Hue with different types of bulbs.
Smart Bulbs
Philips Hue uses the Zigbee protocol to communicate with its bulbs. Zigbee is a wireless standard that allows smart devices to communicate with each other. This means that Philips Hue can control other smart bulbs that use the Zigbee protocol. Some of the compatible smart bulbs include:
- Innr Zigbee Smart Bulb
- Sylvania Smart+ Zigbee Bulb
- Cree Connected LED Bulb
- Lifx A60 LED Bulb
- Gledopto RGB+CCT LED Bulb
- Eria A19 Smart Bulb
- Friends of Hue LED Bulb
- Ikea Trådfri LED Bulb
It is important to note that not all smart bulbs that use the Zigbee protocol are compatible with Philips Hue. Some bulbs may require a firmware update or a bridge to work with Philips Hue.
Normal (Dumb) Bulbs
Philips Hue cannot control normal (dumb) bulbs directly. However, users can use a compatible smart plug or Zigbee switch to control their normal bulbs. Some of the compatible smart plugs and switches include:
- Ikea Trådfri Wireless Dimmer
- Philips Hue Dimmer Switch
- Sengled Smart Plug
- Gledopto Zigbee Smart Switch
- RGBgenie Zigbee Micro Switch
By using a compatible smart plug or switch, users can control their normal bulbs using the Philips Hue app, voice commands, or a smart home hub.
Third-Party Smart Bulbs
Philips Hue can also control some third-party smart bulbs that are not Zigbee-based. However, this requires a bit of setup. Users need to add the third-party bulbs to their Philips Hue system as a “new light” and assign them to a room. The third-party bulbs will then be controllable through the Philips Hue app, voice commands, or a smart home hub.
Some of the third-party smart bulbs that can work with Philips Hue include:
- Lifx Mini LED Bulb
- Sylvania Smart+ WiFi LED Bulb
- Geeni Prisma LED Bulb
- C by GE LED Bulb
It is important to note that not all third-party smart bulbs are compatible with Philips Hue. Users should check the compatibility of their bulbs before attempting to add them to their Philips Hue system.
Philips Hue can control other smart bulbs that use the Zigbee protocol, normal bulbs with the help of a compatible smart plug or Zigbee switch, and some third-party smart bulbs with a bit of setup. By using these compatible bulbs, users can expand their smart lighting system and control all their lights from a single app or hub.
Controlling Philips Hue
As an avid user of Philips Hue, I have often wondered whether I can control other bulbs with my Hue system. After conducting some research, I found that the answer is yes, but with some caveats.
Firstly, it’s important to note that Philips Hue operates using Zigbee wireless technology. This means that any bulbs you want to control with your Hue system must also be Zigbee-based. If they are not, you will need to use a compatible smart plug or Zigbee switch to control them.
Assuming your bulbs are Zigbee-based, you can control them using the Hue app or a compatible switch. The Hue app is the command center for your Hue system, allowing you to control your lights, create automations, set up voice control, organize your lights into rooms and zones, and more. You can also use a compatible switch, such as the Hue Dimmer Switch or Hue Tap Switch, to control your lights without needing to use the app.
In addition to controlling your lights manually, you can also set up automations to control them automatically. For example, you could set your lights to turn on automatically when you enter a room, or turn off automatically when you leave.
If you want to take your Hue system to the next level, you can also use a Hue motion sensor to control your lights based on motion. This can be particularly useful in areas like hallways or staircases where you may not want to fumble for a switch in the dark.
Overall, while there are some limitations to what bulbs you can control with your Hue system, the options available are still quite extensive. Whether you prefer to use the Hue app or a physical switch, there are plenty of ways to customize your lighting to suit your needs.
Philips Hue Setup and Configuration
Setting up Philips Hue smart bulbs and lamps is a simple process that can be done in two ways: with a Hue Bridge or with Bluetooth. With a Hue Bridge, you get access to the full suite of smart lighting features. The setup of the Hue Bridge is simple and can be done in a few steps:
- Connect the Hue Bridge to your Wi-Fi network using the included Ethernet cable.
- Download the Philips Hue app on your smartphone.
- Follow the in-app instructions to connect the Hue Bridge to the app.
- Once connected, the app will guide you through the process of connecting your Hue bulbs and lamps to the Hue Bridge.
With Bluetooth, you can connect your Hue bulbs and lamps directly to your smartphone without the need for a Hue Bridge. However, you will not have access to all the smart lighting features that come with a Hue Bridge. To connect your Hue bulbs and lamps with Bluetooth, follow these steps:
- Ensure that your smartphone has Bluetooth turned on.
- Screw in your Hue bulb or lamp and turn it on.
- Open the Philips Hue Bluetooth app on your smartphone.
- Follow the in-app instructions to connect your Hue bulb or lamp to the app.
Once connected, you can use the Philips Hue app to control your smart bulbs and lamps. You can turn them on or off, dim them, change their color temperature, and even change the lighting color.
Hue Starter Kits
Philips Hue also offers starter kits that come with everything you need to get started with smart lighting. These kits include Hue bulbs, a Hue Bridge, and the Philips Hue app. The starter kits are a great way to get started with smart lighting, as they provide everything you need to set up and control your smart bulbs and lamps.
Zigbee-based Mesh Network
Philips Hue uses the Zigbee protocol to connect its smart bulbs and lamps to the Hue Bridge. Zigbee is a low-power, low-bandwidth wireless communication protocol that is designed for home automation. The Zigbee-based mesh network used by Philips Hue allows for reliable connectivity between the Hue Bridge and its smart bulbs and lamps.
Rooms and Zones
The Philips Hue app allows you to create rooms and zones, which can be used to group your smart bulbs and lamps together. This makes it easy to control multiple bulbs and lamps at once. You can also set up routines and schedules for each room or zone, allowing you to automate your smart lighting.
Programmable Buttons
Philips Hue offers a range of programmable buttons that can be used to control your smart bulbs and lamps. These buttons can be programmed to perform a variety of actions, such as turning on or off specific bulbs, changing the lighting color, or activating a routine.
Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box
The Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box allows you to sync your smart lighting with your TV. The box connects to your TV and your Hue Bridge, allowing you to control your smart bulbs and lamps based on what you’re watching on TV. This is a great way to create an immersive viewing experience.
Hue Play Light Bar
The Philips Hue Play Light Bar is an accent light that can be used to add a pop of color to any room. The light bar can be mounted behind your TV or on a shelf, and can be controlled using the Philips Hue app. You can choose from a range of colors and lighting effects to create the perfect ambiance for any occasion.
Bandwidth and Connectivity
Philips Hue smart bulbs and lamps use a minimal amount of bandwidth, so they won’t slow down your Wi-Fi network. The Hue Bridge connects to your Wi-Fi network using an Ethernet cable, so you don’t have to worry about Wi-Fi connectivity issues. The Zigbee-based mesh network used by Philips Hue ensures reliable connectivity between the Hue Bridge and its smart bulbs and lamps.
Color Temperature
Philips Hue smart bulbs and lamps allow you to adjust the color temperature of your lighting. This means you can choose from a range of warm and cool lighting options, depending on your mood and the time of day.
Schedules and Automation
The Philips Hue app allows you to set up schedules and automation for your smart bulbs and lamps. This means you can automate your lighting to turn on and off at specific times, or based on certain triggers. For example, you could set your smart bulbs and lamps to turn on when you arrive home, or to turn off when you leave.
Central Location
It’s important to place your Hue Bridge in a central location in your home, so that it can communicate with all your smart bulbs and lamps. This will ensure reliable connectivity and optimal performance.
In conclusion, setting up and configuring Philips Hue smart bulbs and lamps is a simple process that can be done with a Hue Bridge or with Bluetooth. Philips Hue offers starter kits that come with everything you need to get started with smart lighting. The Zigbee-based mesh network used by Philips
Frequently Asked Questions
What other smart lights are compatible with Philips Hue?
Are there any outdoor lights compatible with Philips Hue?
Can I use a Hue compatible light switch with other bulbs?
What are the best Hue compatible bulbs?
What is Friends of Hue and what bulbs are compatible?
What can I control with Philips Hue besides lights?
Conclusion
Third-party bulbs can also be used with Philips Hue, but they need to be compatible with Zigbee and must be added to the Hue system manually. Some popular third-party bulbs that work with Philips Hue include Cree Connected and GE Link.
It’s important to note that while Philips Hue can control other smart bulbs, it cannot control normal (dumb) bulbs without the help of a compatible smart plug or Zigbee switch.
Overall, Philips Hue offers a great range of features and flexibility, allowing users to customize their lighting to suit their needs. With the ability to control other bulbs, users can expand their smart home setup and enjoy the benefits of smart lighting throughout their home.