Philips Hue Smartthings Without Bridge – Complete Guide

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The Philips Hue Smartthings light bulbs* are popular. They allow you to set the mood in your home and adjust the lighting to your needs. While the Hue Bridge* is the standard control unit, there are other options available for operating the bulbs. Before you decide on one of these, it’s a good idea to read up on their advantages and disadvantages.

Can Philips Hue Smartthings be controlled without a bridge?

You don’t necessarily need the Hue Bridge to control Philips Hue Smartthing’s light bulbs. Meanwhile, this is also possible with Bluetooth and via Alexa.

Many users wonder if it is possible to operate Philips Hue Smartthings lamps without the Bridge. This can be answered with a clear “Yes”. They can now be connected to several systems that ensure intuitive control of the same. In this article, you will learn what these components are and what makes them stand out.

With These Components, you can Bypass the Hue Bridge

In this chapter, you will learn which functions and components you can use to bypass the bridge of the same name in Philips Hue Smartthings. There are several options available to you in this regard.

Bluetooth

This option is especially useful for you if you are not too experienced with smart home systems. Because with this component, you save yourself long and complex cabling. However, you will need the Philips Hue Bluetooth App to control it – this software is available for both Android and iOS devices.

This way you have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the system without having to buy a Hue ecosystem. You can save yourself a lot of money. Up to ten smart lamps can be controlled via Bluetooth. You can also connect them to the Alexa voice wizard if required. This is especially useful if you want to control the light bulbs by voice command.

The disadvantage of controlling via Bluetooth is that you can’t send commands to the Philips Hue Smart Things lamps beyond its range. This is only possible with a Hue Bridge.

These functions are at your disposal

Via Bluetooth, you can enjoy a wide range of functions. The Philips Hue Bluetooth App allows you to do the following

• switching the light on and off
• dimming or brightening the lighting
• choose your desired color from the Philips Hue color palette
• select preset scenes and adjust the light to your mood
• also, you can adjust the lighting to your daily routine
• the control of Philips Hue Smartthings proves to be flexible – it can be done by multiple users

The functionality of the app at a glance

In terms of design and functionality, the Bluetooth app is very similar to the standard Hue app. So if you are already familiar with the latter, you don’t have to change much. However, it is not possible to create rooms separately. 

Instead, you have to select the individual lamps from a menu and set the desired option individually for them. Of course you can use preset scenes for this. Furthermore, the app allows you to use the dimming function.

If you decide to upgrade your system later and buy a Hue Bridge, you can seamlessly transfer the lamps to the Hue Bridge via the app.

The advantages at a glance:

One of the biggest plus points of the Bluetooth control is that it is easy to set up. The app with all its functions is clearly arranged, so you can find your way around quickly. This aspect is especially advantageous if you want to get acquainted with Philips Hue Smartthings without obligation.

You do not need a bridge for this type of control. This saves you high acquisition costs. Of course you can upgrade the system with a Hue Bridge at a later date.

If you wish, you can also control the lamps with Alexa. This will give you more comfort when operating the lamps. As long as the Bluetooth connection is maintained, you don’t have to be in the same room as the lamp in question.

You must reckon with these disadvantages:

If you use Philips Hue Smartthings bulbs, you have to accept a limited range. If the Bluetooth connection is no longer established, the bulbs can no longer be controlled. You also have no control over the settings and functions of your home.

In addition, Bluetooth alone does not provide you with the full range of functions of the products. In this case, you should purchase the entire Hue ecosystem. But make sure you’re happy with Philips Hue Smartthings beforehand – that way you’ll get a return on your investment.

Philips Hue Dimming Switch

The Philips Hue Dimming Switch* is an option that allows you to bypass the bridge completely. However, even in this case you will have to do without some features – but this will be limited. A big advantage of the dimmer is that it also saves you the trouble of installing the app and using your smartphone. You can still use Alexa to control the light bulbs.

In terms of installation, the dimming switch proves to be even more intuitive than the Bluetooth version. To do this, turn the Philips Hue Smartthings into the lamp of your choice, activate the light switch and insert the batteries into the dimmer.

Even with this method only ten light bulbs can be operated. For particularly large rooms, this option does not prove to be the right choice – but in most private households you will not have this problem. You also have the option of installing a separate dimmer in each room. However, you do not have the option of switching off all the lights in your home with just one button. Meanwhile, you have special accessories available that allow you to connect several lamps to a light switch. This process is a bit more complex than activating the dimmer.

The advantages at a glance:

A big advantage of the dimmer is its low price. This proves to be cheaper than buying the Hue Bridge. This makes it a component that is affordable for the majority of users. This is especially true if you are looking for an easy way to enter the Philips Hue system.

The installation also proves to be uncomplicated. It is intuitive to use and you don’t need to install an app or use your smartphone. So you don’t have to open an application to make the desired settings.

The practical design of the dimmer should also be mentioned. It can be fixed to the wall or removed and used as a remote control. So you are always flexible when using it.

These disadvantages are to be expected:

The functions of Philips Hue Smartthings bulbs are severely limited with this option. So you have neither the possibility to program scenes nor can the bulbs change their color. So if you want to use the dimmer, you should limit your household to models with white light. This option has the advantage that it costs you less, but on the other hand you can’t create a good atmosphere with them.

For the dimmer switch you have to limit yourself to ten bulbs per switch. This is a disadvantage especially in larger rooms. If you want to control all the lights in a room in this way, you may have to install more switches.

Amazon Echo

Echo products can be used to control Philips Hue Smartthings if they are equipped with a ZigBee Hub. This allows you to connect the light sources to the device and control them via Alexa’s voice control. However, even in this case you will have to do without some options. For example, you don’t have access to sleep routines and the geofencing feature, nor the synchronization with music and video.

The control via an Echo device from Amazon is especially recommended if you want to expand your smart home system in the future. With such a product you have a reliable base station at your disposal. With it you have the possibility to control not only light bulbs but also other smart home functions comfortably.

However, an Echo product can not only be used to operate household appliances. You can also use it for entertainment and play music with it. Think about what functions the device should have. This way you can buy a model that meets your needs. If in doubt, ask a specialist for advice. This will enable you to make a well-considered choice.

The advantages at a glance:

With the integrated ZigBee Hub, Philips Hue Smartthings light bulbs can be easily controlled via an Amazon Echo device. The integration is quick and easy.

For the control of the lamps you use Alexa. This gives you the possibility to control the light bulbs even from a greater distance. Furthermore, depending on the model, there are more functions available. For example, you can use an Amazon Echo device for entertainment or to integrate other smart home devices.

So if you want to expand your smart home system further, an Amazon Echo* is a very good base station.

These disadvantages are to be expected:

When buying an Amazon Echo device, you have to expect a higher purchase price. However, for the majority of users such an investment is worthwhile in the long run. It should also be noted that these are robust, low-maintenance products that will serve you well for several years.

You can’t use all features via Amazon Echo either. Sleep routines and the geofencing feature are not available in this case.

Further Information

Is it worthwhile to buy Philips Hue Smartthings?

Whether the purchase of the smart light bulbs is worthwhile for you, depends on your preferences as well as on the desired field of application of the same. If you want to furnish your home smart, you should definitely consider these products. 

They also guarantee you great comfort and allow you to fully adjust the lighting to your needs. In general, Philips Hue Smartthings bulbs are durable and easy to use.

Which control option is the right one?

Think carefully in advance about how you want to use Philips Hue light bulbs. Based on your preferences, you should choose the control system. For example, if you want to have the full range of functions at your disposal, you are better off with the Bridge. It’s different if you want to use the bulbs exclusively as an intelligent light source – in this case, dimmer switches or the Bluetooth connection will be a better choice.

On the other hand, if you are looking for an option that provides entertainment in addition to light bulb control, you should familiarize yourself with Amazon Echo devices. By now you have a wide range of models available.

Related Questions

What about the costs?

Light bulbs from Philips Hue Smartthings are of course slightly more expensive than standard light bulbs. However, the former score points for their perfect quality and long life. In addition, they can be fully adapted to the user’s needs thanks to the intelligent control system. With them, you also have the opportunity to save on running costs. Because by connecting to the Smart Home System, you can ensure that the lamps are actually only in operation when you need them. The product often remembers your daily rhythm and activates or deactivates itself according to it.

How does the installation of Philips Hue Smartthings work?

The installation of Philips Hue bulbs depends on the control option you choose. For example, if you use the dimmer switch, all you need to do is turn the bulb and insert the batteries into the switch. If you use Alexa, Bluetooth or the Hue Bridge, you have to wait until the system recognizes the bulbs. Then you can make the desired settings for the individual lights. In general, this process is uncomplicated. So even as a layman, you should be able to get to grips with it quickly.

What colors are available to users of Philips Hue light bulbs?

To make your room shine in different colors, you have to choose the colored bulb model. There you can choose from up to 16 million colors. But you cannot use this option with the dimmer.

Can Philips Hue also be used outdoors?

There are also Philips Hue Smartthings lamps available for outdoor use. These are more robust and can withstand different weather conditions. The control and setup of the light bulbs is the same as for the indoor models.

Conclusion – Control Philips Hue Smartthings Even Without Bridge

Today you have the possibility to operate Philips Hue Smartthings lamps* without a bridge*. This option is especially interesting if you want to test the intelligent light bulbs first. After all, the purchase of the entire system involves higher expenses for you.

If you want to save money, the control options via Bluetooth and dimmer* are a good choice. They allow you to easily control up to ten lamps in a room. It also allows you to familiarize yourself with the smart bulbs and some functions. If necessary, you still have the option of upgrading the system with a bridge.

Amazon Echo* is also an option available to you for control. This is a slightly more expensive purchase. However, it pays off if you want to invest in an additional entertainment product. First of all, however, make yourself familiar with the different Amazon Echo models. But remember that even with this control option, not all the features of Philips Hue Smartthings are available to you.

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Attention: When installing electronic equipment, please be sure to observe the manufacturer’s safety instructions. You have to take care of your own safety. The information on this site only helps you to learn.
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