FabianJust earlier this week I informed you that the Hue switches now also appear in the Alexa app as Smart Home devices. However, there wasn’t much you could do with the switches in the Alexa app yet.
This has changed today, because the individual buttons of the switches can now be used as triggers for Alexa routines. Until now, this function was only available in the USA, but not in Germany or other European countries. And this opens up numerous new possibilities, because the Alexa universe is huge, as we all know.
This is how the setup works in the Alexa app
To configure the Philips Hue switches, first tap “More” at the bottom right of the Alexa app. Then select “Routines” from the following list and create one using the large plus symbol.
In the following menu, you can first select a name for the routine and then tap “When the following happens”. Then select the desired Hue switch and one of its buttons under “Smart Home”.
Then, under “Add action”, you can select what should happen when the button is pressed. An incredible amount is possible here, from Alexa commands and voice prompts to controlling a Fire TV or using a skill. You’ll just have to see for yourself which ideas can be realised.
Hue switch still works via the Hue app
Important to know: Similar to the use of HomeKit, the Alexa routine placed on a switch is executed in addition to the commands stored in the Hue app. I would not necessarily see this as a disadvantage, but rather as an advantage. This directly offers even more possibilities.
There is only one restriction in the Alexa app: The switches only recognise a single, short button press. Actions for double or long button presses cannot currently be used.
It seems these developments are coming from Amazon side rather than Hue?
Whilst this is now great to trigger things like IFTTT or other non hue things like, activate/deactivate a camera/plug/alarm system, I am still restricted by the bulb/accessory limit of a single hub.
If I register a second hub with a different email address, will is connect in parallel with the first hub in Alexa?
Will they both work with the hue app on my phone?
I have a Hue Dimmer Switch v1. I’ve set the switch up in the Alexa app so that when I press the top button, a smart plug (Meross) comes on. When I press the play button for the routine from within the Alexa app, the routine works. When I press the actual physical button on the Hue switch, the routine does not work. Any ideas?!
I have the same problem. :/
Yeah this was working for me in the UK but stopped after a few days. Currently alexa routines not being triggered by button press for whatever reason.