How to Set Up Your Philips Hue Secure Floodlight Camera

What You Will Need

• Philips Hue Secure Floodlight Camera
• A Philips Hue Bridge (set up and connected to your router, firmware up to date)
• An existing outdoor junction box with wiring (replaces a standard floodlight)
• Basic tools: screwdriver, drill, wire nuts, voltage tester
• A Wi-Fi network with strong signal at the installation location
• A smartphone or tablet with the Philips Hue app installed
• An electrician (recommended if you are not experienced with hardwiring)

Important Safety Note

The Hue Secure Floodlight Camera is a hardwired outdoor fixture that connects to your home's electrical system. Always turn off the circuit breaker before working with wiring. If you are not experienced with electrical work, hire a licensed electrician for the installation.

Step 1: Turn Off Power

Switch off the circuit breaker controlling the outdoor circuit where the floodlight will be installed. Use a non-contact voltage tester at the junction box to confirm the power is completely off.

Step 2: Remove the Existing Fixture

If you are replacing an existing outdoor floodlight or wall fixture, unscrew the mounting hardware and disconnect the wires. Leave the junction box and wiring in place. If this is a new installation, an electrician will need to install a junction box and run wiring first.

Step 3: Mount the Floodlight Camera

1. Attach the mounting plate from the Hue Secure Floodlight to the junction box using the provided screws.
2. Connect the wiring: match black to black (hot), white to white (neutral), and green to ground. Secure each connection with a wire nut.
3. Carefully tuck the wires into the junction box.
4. Attach the main fixture body to the mounting plate and tighten the screws.
5. Adjust the angle of the floodlight heads and the camera to cover the area you want to monitor and illuminate.

Step 4: Restore Power and Test

Turn the circuit breaker back on. The floodlight should illuminate and the camera's LED indicator should begin blinking, showing it is ready for setup. If nothing happens, switch the breaker back off and recheck your wiring connections.

Step 5: Add the Floodlight Camera to the Hue App

1. Open the Hue app and go to Settings, then Lights & Devices.
2. Tap Add Device and select Hue Secure Floodlight Camera.
3. Scan the QR code on the device or the included quick-start card.
4. Connect the camera to your Wi-Fi network when prompted. Enter your Wi-Fi password.
5. Wait for the device to fully connect. The floodlight and camera will both appear as controllable devices.

Step 6: Configure Motion Detection

The Floodlight Camera combines motion-activated lighting with video surveillance. In the app, configure:

• Motion detection zones: Draw zones on the camera view to define areas that trigger the floodlight and camera recording. Exclude areas like busy sidewalks or roads to reduce false alerts.
• Sensitivity: Adjust motion sensitivity to avoid triggers from animals, swaying trees, or passing cars.
• Light behavior on motion: Set the floodlight to turn on at full brightness when motion is detected, then dim or turn off after a configurable delay.
• Notifications: Choose when to receive push notifications on your phone.

Step 7: Set Up Integrated Automations

Leverage the Hue ecosystem to create powerful security automations:

• Camera plus interior lights: When the floodlight camera detects motion at night, turn on interior lights to make it appear someone is home.
• All-lights alert: Flash all outdoor Hue lights when the camera detects unexpected motion.
• Away mode: When you mark yourself as away in the app, increase camera sensitivity and enable all security automations.
• Scheduled lighting: Keep the floodlight at a low ambient level from dusk to dawn, then brighten to full when motion is detected.

Tips

• The Floodlight Camera is rated for outdoor use and designed to withstand rain, snow, and temperature extremes.
• The integrated floodlights produce bright, wide-area illumination that serves both as functional lighting and as a deterrent to unwanted visitors.
• A Hue Secure subscription adds cloud recording, 30-day video history, and advanced person detection. The camera works without a subscription for live viewing.
• Ensure strong Wi-Fi signal at the installation point. Outdoor walls can significantly reduce Wi-Fi strength. Consider a Wi-Fi mesh node near the exterior wall.
• The floodlight operates as a Hue light and can be controlled independently of the camera. You can adjust its color temperature and brightness like any other Hue light.
• Keep the circuit breaker on at all times. Control the light and camera exclusively through the Hue app.