When Philips Hue lights show as unreachable or not responding in the app, it is usually a Zigbee communication issue between the lights and the Hue Bridge. This guide covers the most common fixes.
Why Hue Lights Become Unreachable
- Light switch turned off (Hue bulbs need constant power)
- Bulb is too far from the Hue Bridge
- Zigbee interference from WiFi router
- Hue Bridge needs a restart
- Zigbee mesh network is broken
How to Fix Unreachable Hue Lights
Check the Light Switch
Hue bulbs need constant power to work. If you turn off the wall switch, the bulb loses power and becomes unreachable. Make sure all switches controlling Hue bulbs are turned on.
Restart the Hue Bridge
- Unplug the power cable from the Hue Bridge
- Wait 30 seconds
- Plug it back in
- Wait 2-3 minutes for all lights to reconnect
Move the Bridge Away from Your Router
Zigbee and WiFi both use the 2.4GHz band and can interfere with each other. Move your Hue Bridge at least 3 feet away from your WiFi router. A more central location in your home also helps.
Change the Zigbee Channel
- Open the Hue app
- Go to Settings then Hue Bridge
- Tap your bridge, then Zigbee channel
- Try channel 11, 15, 20, or 25
- Wait a few minutes for lights to reconnect
Power Cycle the Problem Bulb
Turn off the light switch for the unreachable bulb, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. This forces the bulb to rejoin the Zigbee network.
Add More Bulbs to Strengthen the Mesh
Hue bulbs create a mesh network - each bulb can relay signals to others. If you have a bulb far from the bridge, add more bulbs in between to extend the range.