How to Set Up Your Lutron Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer

What's in the Box

Your Lutron Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer package includes the Aurora rotary dimmer knob, a quick start guide, and a battery (pre-installed). The Aurora is designed specifically to fit over an existing toggle light switch, capping the switch in the "on" position while providing a smart dimmer knob on top. This prevents family members from turning off the toggle switch and cutting power to your smart bulbs, solving one of the most common frustrations with smart lighting installations.

Prerequisites

Before you begin setup, ensure you have:

• A standard toggle-style light switch (not a rocker or Decora-style switch)
• Philips Hue smart bulbs or other Zigbee-compatible smart bulbs installed in the fixture controlled by the switch
• A Philips Hue Bridge set up and connected to your network (the Aurora pairs directly with the Hue Bridge via Zigbee, not with a Caseta bridge)
• The Philips Hue app installed on your phone

It is important to note that the Aurora uses Zigbee to communicate with the Hue Bridge, not Lutron's Clear Connect RF. This makes it unique in the Lutron lineup as a device that integrates with a third-party ecosystem rather than the Caseta system.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Make sure the toggle switch is in the "on" position so that your smart bulbs have power.
2. Slide the Aurora dimmer knob over the toggle switch. The spring-loaded clip on the back grips the toggle paddle securely. The knob should sit flush against the switch plate and prevent the toggle from being flipped.
3. Open the Philips Hue app on your phone. Navigate to Settings, then "Accessory Setup," and tap "Add Accessory."
4. Select "Lutron Aurora" from the list of compatible accessories. The app will instruct you to put the Aurora into pairing mode.
5. Press and hold the Aurora knob in (like a button) for about 5 seconds until the attached bulbs blink, indicating the Aurora is in pairing mode.
6. The Hue app will detect the Aurora and add it to your system. Assign it to the room and specific lights you want it to control.
7. Test the dimmer by rotating the knob clockwise to brighten and counterclockwise to dim. Press the knob in to toggle the lights on and off.

Smart Home Integration Tips

Since the Aurora works through the Philips Hue Bridge, all existing Hue integrations apply. The lights controlled by the Aurora remain accessible through Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit (via the Hue Bridge), and the Hue app. The Aurora provides local physical control without disrupting any smart automations or schedules you have configured. If you have multiple Hue rooms, you can assign the Aurora to control an entire room or a specific zone within a room.

For best results, configure the Aurora's dimming range in the Hue app to match your bulb's capabilities. Some smart bulbs can dim lower than others, and setting appropriate limits prevents the lights from flickering at very low levels.

Smart Bulb Compatibility

The Aurora is certified as a "Friends of Hue" device and works with all Philips Hue bulbs, including White, White Ambiance, and White and Color Ambiance models. It also works with other Zigbee-compatible bulbs paired to a Hue Bridge. However, it does not work with standard non-smart bulbs, as the Aurora dims by sending wireless commands to the bulbs rather than reducing electrical current.

Quick Troubleshooting

If the Aurora does not pair with the Hue Bridge, ensure you are within range of the bridge and that the bulbs controlled by the switch are Hue-compatible. Reset the Aurora by pressing and holding the knob for 15 seconds until the lights flash rapidly. If the knob feels loose on the toggle switch, adjust the spring clip or ensure your toggle switch is a standard size. The Aurora does not fit paddle-style Decora switches. If the dimming feels uneven, recalibrate by removing the Aurora from the Hue app and re-adding it.