How to Set Up Your Philips Hue Bridge (Matter)

What You Will Need

• Philips Hue Bridge (Matter-enabled)
• An Ethernet cable (included)
• The Hue Bridge power adapter (included)
• A Wi-Fi router with an available Ethernet port
• A smartphone or tablet with the Philips Hue app installed
• A Matter-compatible smart home platform (Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, or Amazon Alexa)

What Is Matter and Why Does It Matter?

Matter is a universal smart home connectivity standard that allows devices from different brands to work together seamlessly. When your Hue Bridge supports Matter, your Hue lights and accessories can be controlled directly from Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and other Matter-compatible platforms without needing brand-specific integrations. This means you can control your Hue lights alongside non-Hue devices in a single app.

Step 1: Connect the Hue Bridge

1. Plug the included Ethernet cable into the back of the Hue Bridge.
2. Connect the other end to an available LAN port on your Wi-Fi router.
3. Plug the power adapter into the Bridge and connect it to a wall outlet.
4. Wait approximately 60 seconds for all four LED indicators on the top of the Bridge to light up solid blue.

Step 2: Set Up the Bridge in the Hue App

1. Open the Philips Hue app and tap Get Started.
2. The app will search for the Bridge on your network.
3. When found, press the round link button on top of the Bridge within 30 seconds.
4. The app will connect and bring you to the home screen.

Step 3: Update the Firmware

Matter support requires the latest firmware. Go to Settings, then Software Update, and install any available updates. The Bridge may restart during the update process. Wait for all four LEDs to return to solid blue before continuing.

Step 4: Add Your Hue Devices

Before enabling Matter, add all your Hue bulbs, switches, and sensors through the Hue app as you normally would. Go to Settings, then Lights, and tap Add Light to discover and pair your devices. Assign them to rooms and configure scenes.

Step 5: Enable Matter

1. In the Hue app, go to Settings.
2. Tap HomeKit & Matter.
3. Tap Enable Matter.
4. The app will generate a Matter setup code. You will need this code to pair the Bridge with your Matter-compatible platform.

Step 6: Pair with Your Smart Home Platform

Each platform has a slightly different process:

• Apple Home: Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus icon, then "Add Accessory." Scan the Matter setup code or enter it manually. Your Hue rooms and lights will appear in Apple Home.
• Google Home: Open the Google Home app. Tap the plus icon, then "Set Up Device," then "New Device." Follow the prompts to scan or enter the Matter code. Your Hue devices will appear in Google Home.
• Samsung SmartThings: Open the SmartThings app, tap the plus icon, then "Device," and search for Matter devices. Enter the Matter setup code when prompted.
• Amazon Alexa: Open the Alexa app, go to Devices, tap the plus icon, then "Add Device," and select "Matter." Follow the instructions to enter the Matter code.

Step 7: Verify Cross-Platform Control

After pairing, test controlling your Hue lights from your chosen platform. Try turning lights on and off, adjusting brightness, and changing colors. All control should work directly from the third-party platform without needing to open the Hue app. The Hue app still works alongside the Matter integration for Hue-specific features.

Tips

• Matter works locally on your network. Even if your internet goes down, Matter-connected devices will still respond to commands from platforms running on your local network.
• You can pair the Hue Bridge with multiple Matter platforms simultaneously. For example, use both Apple Home and Google Home to control the same lights.
• Some advanced Hue features like Entertainment Areas and specific Hue scenes may only be available through the Hue app, not through Matter.
• The Hue Bridge exposes your lights as Matter devices. Individual accessories like motion sensors and switches remain Hue-specific and are managed through the Hue app.
• Make sure the smart home platform you are pairing with has a Matter controller on your network, such as an Apple TV, HomePod, Google Nest Hub, or SmartThings Hub.