Ishara Fernando

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• 7 min read

How to Connect Philips Hue Light to HomeKit

add-philips-hue-light-to-homekit

Connecting your Philips lights to HomeKit means you can control them with the Apple Home App and with your voice using Siri. It's super convenient, letting you turn off lights from the bed. Plus, you can sync your lights with other smart devices to create cool automation, like having lights turn on when motion is detected.

Let’s explore different ways to integrate your Philips Hue HomeKit. To connect your Hue lights to HomeKit, you'll need to create a bridge between them using third-party solutions. Here are several options to integrate Hue Apple HomeKit.

Add To HomeKit Bridge - Affordable Solution

ATH Bridge is a cost-effective option for connecting Hue light to HomeKit. It acts as a bridge, enabling communication between your Hue lights and Apple HomeKit.

Key Features of ATH Bridge

  • Affordable Bridge Solution
  • Enhanced Smart Home Experience
  • Add Any Non-HomeKit Devices
  • Simple Setup
  • Wide Compatibility

Step-by-Step Guide for Integrate Hue HomeKit Using ATH Bridge

1
Remove the pre-flashed SD card from the packaging.
2
Place SD card and connect the server to your router. After tern on the server.
3
Use your router to find the server’s IP address.
4
Enter the server’s IP address and port 8581 on your machine as: http://192.168.4.12:8581
5
Enter the login credentials (standard login credentials are admin/admin).
6
Download the Philips hue plugin and Configure yourself after logging into the server.

HOOBS

HOOBS offers a user-friendly alternative to HomeBridge. It simplifies the process of connecting non-HomeKit devices to Apple HomeKit, and you need some coding knowledge to work with it. Also, HOOBS is an ideal solution to Philips Hue Lights Apple Home integration.

Step-by-Step Guide for Integrate Hue Devices with Apple Home Kit Using HOOBS

1
Purchase HOOBS.
2
Plug in and set up HOOBS according to the provided instructions.
3
Connect your Hue devices to HOOBS.
4
Follow the on-screen prompts to integrate your Philips devices with Apple HomeKit.

HomeBridge

Homebridge is a software solution that enables connection with devices lacking native HomeKit support. It's ideal for users who prefer a straightforward setup with coding knowledge.

Step-by-Step Guide for adding Philips Apple HomeKit Using HomeBridge

1
Install and set up Homebridge on your preferred device.
2
Configure Homebridge to work with your Hue devices.
3
Follow the provided instructions to link Homebridge with Apple HomeKit.
4
Once connected, your Hue devices will be controllable via Apple HomeKit.

Using Philips Hue Bridge

You can also use the Philips Hue Bridge for Hue lights' HomeKit integration. It is the official method provided by Philips. To add Philips Hue lights to Apple HomeKit using the Apple HomeKit Hue Bridge, you need to:

  • Philips Hue Bridge (2nd gen, square-shaped)
  • Philips Hue lights (bulbs, lightstrips, etc.)
  • Apple device (iPhone/iPad) running iOS 10 or later
  • Home app installed
  • All devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network

Interested in the myQ devices? Find out how to add myQ Garage Door Opener to Apple HomeKit.

See step guide for adding Hue Light HomeKit using Philips Hue Bridge.

What You Can Do with Hue HomeKit Integration

Certainly! With Apple HomeKit Philips Hue integration, you unlock a world of smart home possibilities. Here are some exciting things you can do:

Voice Control

Use Siri to control your lights with simple voice commands:

  • “Hey Siri, turn on the living room lights.”
  • “Set the bedroom light to warm white.”
  • “Dim the kitchen lights to 50%.”

Custom Scenes

Create personalized lighting scenes for different occasions:

  • Movie Night:Dim the lights, set them to a cozy warm tone, and turn off unnecessary bulbs.
  • Morning Wake-Up:Gradually increase brightness to simulate sunrise.
  • Party Mode:Sync lights to music or change colors dynamically.

Automations

Set up automations based on time, location, or sensor triggers:

  • Arrival Scene:When you arrive home, lights automatically turn on.
  • Bedtime Routine:Lights dim gradually as bedtime approaches.
  • Motion-Activated Lights: Hallway lights turn on when motion is detected.

Geofencing

Define virtual boundaries using your phone’s location:

  • Lights turn off when you leave home.
  • Lights turn on when you’re near your doorstep.

Remote Control

Control your lights from anywhere using the Apple Home app:

  • Turn off forgotten lights while at work.
  • Adjust settings while on vacation.

Grouping and Zones

Organize lights into rooms or zones:

  • “Turn off all bedroom lights.”
  • “Set the dining room ambiance.”

Color Customization

If you have color-capable Hue bulbs:

  • Choose from millions of colors.
  • Create dynamic color flows for parties or relaxation.

Security Enhancements

Simulate presence when away:

  • Randomize lights to deter burglars.
  • Set lights to turn on/off during vacations.

Expand Your Ecosystem

Philips Hue lights integrate seamlessly with other HomeKit devices:

  • Smart Locks:Lights turn on when you unlock the door.
  • Thermostats:Adjust lighting based on room temperature.

Interested in the Tuya devices? Find How to add Tuya devices to Apple HomeKit.

Set Up Philips Hue Smart Lights in the Apple Home App

To set up your Philips Hue lights with the Apple Home app for Siri voice control, you'll need a Hue Bridge and an Apple device like an iPhone or iPad. Here's a simple step-by-step guide for adding Philips Hue light to Apple Home:

1
Open the Philips Hue app on your iPhone or iPad.
2
Navigate to Settings > Voice Assistant > Siri & HomeKit.
3
Tap on "Pair Bridge."
4
Name your home and tap "Create home."
5
Use your phone's camera to scan the HomeKit code on the bottom of your Hue Bridge.
6
Follow the prompts to connect your Hue lights.
7
The Hue app and the Apple Home app should sync your rooms automatically. If not, tap the Settings button at the bottom of the Siri & HomeKit page in the Hue app and select "Sync setup to HomeKit."

Once everything's set up:

  • Use Siri to control your lights with voice commands, like turning them on or off, adjusting color, and brightness.
  • You can also include your lights in HomeKit Scenes and Automations for more convenience.

That's it! Now you're ready to enjoy seamless control of your Philips Hue lights with Siri and the Apple Home app.

Set Up Hue Accessories in the Apple Home App

If you have physical control devices like a Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch or Hue Smart Button, you can pair them with Apple HomeKit too. Once set up in the Apple Home app, you won't control them in the Hue app anymore, but it's handy if you have other HomeKit-compatible smart lights.

Here's how to add your Philips Hue accessory switches to the Apple Home app:

1
Open the Philips Hue app.
2
Tap Settings > Accessories and choose the device you want to add.
3
Tap "Setup in Apple Home."
4
A pop-up will appear, confirming that setting up the device in Apple Home will remove your current configuration.
5
Tap "Set up in Apple Home."
6
The Hue app will automatically open the Apple Home app.
7
Tap the device's icon in the Home App.
8
Configure it to control other HomeKit accessories.
9
If you want to go back to using just the Hue app, you can reset the device and set it up again there.

That's it! Now your Philips Hue accessory switches are set up in the Apple Home app, ready to control your smart lights and other HomeKit-compatible devices.

How to Connect Hue Light Homekit Using Philips Hue Bridge

Let’s set up your Philips Hue lights with Apple HomeKit using the Philips Hue Bridge. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

1
Prerequisites
Ensure you have the following:
  • Hue Bridge:The central hub that allows HomeKit to communicate with your Philips Hue lights.
  • Philips Hue Lights: Smart bulbs, lamps, or ceiling fixtures compatible with Apple Home.
  • iOS Device: An iPhone or iPad with the Home app installed.
2
Open the Philips Hue App
  • Launch the Philips Hue app on your iOS device.
  • Navigate to Settings > Smart home & voice.
3
Connect to HomeKit
  • Tap Get started.
  • Select Siri & Apple Home.
  • Sign in with your Hue account.
  • Choose the Home you want to connect to or create a new one.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your lights in the Apple Home app.
  • Tap Done.
4
Organize Your Lights
  • Your lights will appear in a default room in the Home app.
  • To reflect their physical locations in your home, organize and group your lights into rooms.
5
Popular Voice Commands
Now that you’re set up, try out some voice commands with Siri:
  • “Turn on the lights.”
  • “Turn off the lights downstairs.”
  • “Turn on my desk light.”
  • “Turn the living room light blue.”
  • “Set Savanna sunset in the study.”
  • “Dim the lights to 10%.”

Philips Hue Matter Compatibility

Philips Hue is an early adopter of the Matter standard, ensuring that your smart lights work seamlessly with other devices in your smart home. Here’s what you need to know:

Matter is based on principles of simplicity, reliability, interoperability, and security. It’s a seal of approval that devices built on this protocol will work seamlessly together, both now and in the future.

Philips Hue Bridge Supports Matter

The Philips Hue Bridge has been updated to support Matter. This means that your Hue lights and accessories automatically support Matter as well. If you already have a Philips Hue Bridge, you’re all set! You’ll receive a software update enabling Matter automatically.

Integration with Other Smart Home Devices

With Matter, you can easily integrate your Philips Hue lights with other smart home devices:

  • Amazon Alexa
  • Apple Home
  • Google Assistant

And any other smart home devices and apps that support Matter (including future ones).

Conclusion

Integrating Philips Hue lighting with Apple HomeKit elevates your smart home experience to new heights. By using the solutions outlined above, you can seamlessly connect your Apple Home Hue. Also, you can control your Hue with the Home app and unlock the full potential of automation and customization.

FAQs

Does Philips Hue work with HomeKit?
Yes, Philips Hue works with HomeKit. You can integrate Philips Hue HomeKit using the ATH Bridge, HOOBS, HomeBridge and the Hue Bridge.
Can I use Philips Hue with Siri?
When you pair Philips Hue with Apple Home, you can use Siri to control your lights with your voice.
Is Philips Hue a Zigbee?
Yes, Philips Hue uses Zigbee to communicate between the Apple Home Hue Bridge and the lights.