Resetting Philips Hue lamps with the new dimmer switch

In the past few days I have sorted out some old lamps and sold them on eBay. Several buyers had no idea how to reset the lamps so that the new Bridge would find them immediately – although it is so easy with the dimmer switch.

This is how easy it is to reset a Hue lamp

I have often explained how to reset a lamp with the dimmer switch. In the past few weeks, however, I have repeatedly received questions on this very topic, because the labelling of the buttons on the Philips Hue dimmer switch of the second generation are somewhat different. The new switch no longer has two buttons for “On” and “Off”, but a combined On/Off button and a “Hue” button.

Fortunately, the practical function has not changed, even though the switch has a new design. You still hold the dimmer switch close to the desired switched-on lamp and press the top and bottom buttons simultaneously for about 10 seconds. The lamp should then start to flash for a few seconds and is then reset.

In these cases, a Hue lamp is not immediately found by the Hue Bridge.

This function is especially practical in these situations:

• you have bought a used lamp and want to pair it with your Bridge
• you need a second Bridge and want to move a lamp from the first Bridge
• you have bought a White Ambiance ceiling light that is coupled with the dimmer switch that comes with it

In all three cases, your Bridge may not find the lamp immediately. In this case, simply use any dimmer switch and reset the lamp – your Hue Bridge will then find it immediately.

Finally, a small tip: The dimmer switch must always be held as close as possible to the ZigBee module of the lamp. In the case of a Light Strip, for example, this is the small box as you can see in the following picture.

Even if you don't need a dimmer switch at the moment, it can be very useful to have one of the practical switches as a helper in your drawer. By the way, the dimmer switch does not even have to be paired with your Hue Bridge to reset the lamps.

Philips Hue Dimmer Switch

$27.99 / €21.99 / £19.99

Dim or brighten the room, toggle light scenes or get the best light based on the time of day. The Hue dimmer switch attaches to walls or magnetic surfaces, but can also be used as a remote control anywhere in your home.

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