How to Set Up Philips Hue Bridge Pro

What You Will Need

• Philips Hue Bridge Pro
• An Ethernet cable (included)
• The Hue Bridge Pro power adapter (included)
• A Wi-Fi router with an available Ethernet port
• A smartphone or tablet with the Philips Hue app installed

What Is Different About the Bridge Pro?

The Hue Bridge Pro includes everything the standard Hue Bridge does, plus several significant upgrades:

• Thread border router: The Bridge Pro acts as a Thread border router, enabling it to communicate with Thread-based smart home devices directly. Thread is a low-power, mesh networking protocol used by many Matter devices.
• Matter controller: Built-in Matter support allows seamless integration with Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Amazon Alexa.
• Increased capacity: Supports more lights and accessories than the standard Bridge.
• Enhanced processing power: Faster response times and more complex automation handling.

Step 1: Connect the Bridge Pro to Your Router

1. Plug the included Ethernet cable into the port on the back of the Bridge Pro.
2. Connect the other end to a free LAN port on your Wi-Fi router.
3. Plug the power adapter into the Bridge Pro and connect it to a wall outlet.
4. Wait for the Bridge Pro to complete its boot sequence. This may take up to 2 minutes. The indicator LEDs on the device will show its status.

Step 2: Set Up in the Hue App

1. Open the Philips Hue app.
2. If this is a new setup, tap Get Started.
3. If you are upgrading from a standard Bridge, the app will guide you through the migration process to transfer all your devices, rooms, scenes, and automations to the Bridge Pro.
4. When prompted, press the round link button on top of the Bridge Pro.
5. The app will connect and configure the Bridge.

Step 3: Update Firmware

Immediately check for firmware updates. Go to Settings, then Software Update. The Bridge Pro may ship with older firmware, and updates enable the latest Thread and Matter features. Install all available updates and wait for the Bridge to restart.

Step 4: Add Your Hue Devices

If this is a fresh setup (not a migration), add your Hue bulbs and accessories:

1. Go to Settings, then Lights, and tap Add Light.
2. Power on your Hue bulbs and the app will discover them over Zigbee.
3. Assign each device to a room.
4. Set up scenes and automations as desired.

Step 5: Enable Matter and Thread

The Bridge Pro's Matter and Thread capabilities are key upgrades. To enable them:

1. Go to Settings in the Hue app.
2. Tap HomeKit & Matter.
3. Enable Matter and note the setup code.
4. Use this code to pair the Bridge Pro with Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, or Amazon Alexa.

Step 6: Set Up Thread Border Router

The Bridge Pro automatically functions as a Thread border router once connected to your network. Thread is a mesh networking protocol that provides:

• Reliable connectivity: Thread devices self-heal their network connections, automatically routing around failed nodes.
• Low latency: Thread provides faster response times compared to Wi-Fi for smart home commands.
• Extended range: Each Thread device extends the mesh network, improving coverage throughout your home.

Any Thread-compatible devices on your network will automatically discover the Bridge Pro as a border router. You do not need to configure this manually.

Step 7: Migrate from a Standard Bridge (If Upgrading)

If you are replacing a standard Hue Bridge with the Bridge Pro:

1. Keep both bridges powered on and connected to the router during migration.
2. The Hue app will guide you through transferring all your devices, rooms, scenes, and automations.
3. After migration, your old Bridge can be disconnected and stored as a backup or sold.
4. All your existing automations, third-party integrations, and voice assistant connections may need to be re-linked after migration.

Tips

• Place the Bridge Pro in a central location for the best Thread mesh coverage. Its role as a border router means its position affects Thread device connectivity throughout your home.
• The Bridge Pro works with all existing Hue Zigbee devices. You do not need to replace any of your current Hue bulbs or accessories.
• As a Thread border router, the Bridge Pro can improve the performance of non-Hue Thread devices like Eve sensors or Nanoleaf lights.
• Keep the firmware updated regularly. Thread and Matter are evolving standards, and firmware updates add new features and compatibility improvements.
• The Bridge Pro connects via Ethernet only. It does not support a wireless connection to your router.