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For a standard Philips Hue Bridge, connect it to a LAN port on your new router with an Ethernet cable, then open the Hue app on a phone connected to your home network. The Bridge does not join Wi-Fi or need the new Wi-Fi password. Philips says the Bridge stores your settings, so changing routers or internet providers should not require setting up your Hue system again.
If you have a Hue Bridge Pro, the steps differ: its setup supports either Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Check which model you own before choosing a connection method.
Check which Hue Bridge you have
| Model | Connection to the router | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Hue Bridge | Ethernet; it does not connect directly to Wi-Fi | Connect the Bridge to a LAN port on the new router. Philips Hue’s connection guidance |
| Hue Bridge Pro | Wi-Fi or Ethernet | Use the app’s setup flow for Bridge Pro and choose a connection method. Philips says not to use the provided Ethernet cable if selecting Wi-Fi. Philips Hue Bridge Pro setup |
Do not look for a Wi-Fi password field for the standard Bridge. Your phone connects to the home network over Wi-Fi; the Bridge reaches the router over Ethernet, allowing the Hue app to communicate with it.
Reconnect a standard Hue Bridge to the new router
- Keep your existing Bridge and Hue app installation. A router replacement alone is not a reason to add a new Bridge or reset the current one.
- Make sure the Bridge is powered, then connect its Ethernet port to a LAN port on the replacement router.
- Connect your phone to the home network served by the new router and open the Hue app. Check whether your existing Hue system is available.
Philips says settings are stored on the Bridge and that changing internet providers or swapping routers does not require setting the system up again. See the Hue Bridge product page.
#1 Best Overall
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX: Includes one Hue Bridge that unlocks the full potential of your Philips Hue system, including automations, smart control from anywhere in the world, and so much more
- SECURE AND STABLE CONNECTION: With Zigbee advanced technology, the bridge ensures a reliable connection that won't strain your Wi-Fi, Hue lights work when your Wi-Fi is down
- CONTROL LIGHTS FROM ANYWHERE: The Hue hub enables out-of-home control, control your lights with the Hue app anywhere you have an internet connection, with your home assistant
- ENJOY SMART LIGHTING FOR YOUR ENTIRE HOME, INDOORS AND OUT: Add up to 50 lights and accessories to your smart lighting system, a Hue Bridge is required to control Hue outdoor lights and accessories
- LEVEL UP YOUR MOVIES, MUSIC, AND GAMES WITH SURROUND LIGHTING: Make your lights dance, flash, dim and brighten along to your movies, TV shows, PC and music, the sync requires HDMI Sync Box
If the Hue app cannot find the Bridge
Check the two network connections
- Confirm the phone is connected to the home network served by the replacement router, rather than a different Wi-Fi network.
- Confirm the Bridge’s Ethernet cable connects it to the new router.
If the existing system still does not appear, consult Philips Hue’s connection guidance or contact Philips Hue support for help based on your Bridge model and app state. The app’s Bridge setup route is available if it asks you to add a Bridge; Philips’ guide describes scanning the Bridge QR code and following the on-screen instructions. That setup route does not mean every router change requires adding the Bridge again. See Philips Hue’s Bridge setup guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do not factory-reset the Bridge as a first step
A factory reset deletes saved Bridge settings, so it can turn a straightforward router change into a fresh setup. Philips recommends trying to reconnect or soft-reset the Bridge before a factory reset. If a reset is necessary, follow Philips’ current Hue Bridge reset instructions and be prepared to set up the system again.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX - This starter kit includes one Hue Bridge and four E26 smart light bulbs; to get started, install your Bridge and color changing light bulb using the Hue app, and you’re ready to go
- CREATE AMBIANCE WITH COLOR - Set the mood with millions of colors and a library of preset light scenes designed by Hue’s lighting experts—with special holiday scenes and the option to create your own
- DIM EASILY - Adjust from full brightness all the way down to 2% using the Hue app to achieve the right level of lighting with your smart light bulb, whether you’re reading or unwinding before bed
- CONTROL WITH YOUR VOICE - Connect to your preferred home assistant and control your led light bulb effortlessly with voice commands—compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home
Rank #3
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX - Includes one Hue Bridge and four Hue White and Color Ambiance smart 75W A19 light bulbs suitable for most fixtures; Perfect for decorative and general lighting anywhere in your home
- UNLOCK THE FULL POWER OF HUE WITH THE INCLUDED BRIDGE - Enjoy automations control from anywhere in the world, and a secure, stable connection that won't drain your Wi-Fi. Use Matter to connect smart home devices to your Hue smart lighting system.
- ENJOY PRESET SCENES - Light your routines throughout the day; Set a 24-hour natural light scene that mimics the sun or choose light to help you focus unwind, and more
- VOICE CONTROL - Convenient smart control; Set up voice control in the Hue app and use simple voice commands to control your lights with Alexa or Google Assistant
- PERSONALIZE YOUR LIGHT - Create the ultimate mood lighting with dynamic light effects that show subtle changes in brightness and color; Customize in the app
Rank #2
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX: Includes one Hue Bridge and two Hue white and color ambiance LED smart 60W A19 E26 base light bulbs suitable for most fixtures; perfect for general lighting anywhere in your home
- UNLOCK THE POWER OF THE HUE BRIDGE: Enjoy automations, control from anywhere, a secure, stable connection that won’t drain Wi-Fi, use Matter to connect your devices to your Hue smart lighting system
- MILLIONS OF COLORS: The White & Color Ambiance range offers warm-to-cool white and millions of colors. Simply screw it in - our smart LED bulbs can dim, brighten, and set the mood instantly
- ENJOY PRESET SCENES: Light your routines with Hue lamps throughout the day; set a 24-hour natural light scene that mimics the sun or choose light to help you focus, unwind, and more
- VOICE CONTROL: Set up voice control in the Hue app and use simple voice commands to control your Hue lights with Alexa or Google Assistant
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