Philips Hue: set time control - how it works

Philips Hue is an intelligent lighting system with a wide range of personalization options. We explain step by step how to set a time control in these instructions.

Philips Hue: Set time control - the preparations

Before you can set a timer for your Hue lamps, you must first set up your Hue system: the Hue bridge is a mandatory requirement for using and controlling the Hue system. You also need at least one Hue bulb. When purchasing, you should immediately make sure that the light bulb has the same socket as the lamp in which it is to be operated. Here's how to do it:

1. Simply screw the bulb into any lamp and switch it on.
2. Now it's time to connect the Hue Bridge to your WiFi router. Use the included Ethernet cable for this. Alternatively, you can also connect other devices with an Ethernet port to the bridge, provided that they are also connected to your WLAN router.
3. Install the free Philips Hue app on your smartphone. You need this to control the lamps and create groups, for example for individual rooms.
4. Open the app and log in to your My Hue account. If you do not already have one, you have to create it here in order to be able to use the full range of functions of your Hue system. This also includes control via timer or on the go.
5. After logging in or creating a new My Hue account, tap the plus symbol within the app to search for and add light bulbs. If you have decided to buy the starter set, the corresponding bulbs should be displayed from the start.
6. If all the bulbs are connected, you can name rooms and lamps for orientation.
7. Simply go to "Settings" and then to "Room Settings". You can use the plus symbol to create additional rooms to which you can assign the corresponding lamps.
8. All the prerequisites for using your Hue system are now complete.

Philips Hue: Set time control - you need to know that

After successfully setting up the Hue system in your home, you can now use the full range of functions with your Hue lamps.

• This also includes defining a time control, in which you use a timer to determine when your lamps should come on automatically. Either at a specific time or after a defined period of time.
• The first question, of course, is why it makes sense to set a timer, as the Hue system can also be controlled at any time on the go via the mobile data network.
• Automation, of course, greatly simplifies use and light regulation, so you can, for example, determine when your lamps should be used to deter burglars before you go on vacation. Similar to how it used to be for time switches.
• But light can also be very beneficial when you wake up in the morning: According to studies, you feel fitter and more awake when the light is already switched on when you wake up.
• The Hue system can also be linked to other home automation systems. For example with intelligent kitchen systems, which then adjust the light color throughout the house or a special room when the cake is ready in the oven.
• Finally, the automatic control of the light can also have the advantage of more effective time management, for example if you set out to deal with a certain topic for a certain period of time. The change in the light color then shows you, similar to an alarm clock, the expiry of this period.
• In principle, the timer of the Hue system is a quieter alternative to the alarm clock, but it also brings some practical benefits.

Philips Hue: Set time control

1. Open the Hue app and swipe left once to reach the "Routines" tab.
2. Here you select what routine the desired timer should be, for example an individual routine, a wake-up routine, a sleep routine or even a routine that is activated when you leave and re-enter the house.
3. The routines are more or less self-explanatory. First name the routine and specify the time and day of the week on which the respective timer should start. A setting for every working day, for example, is also possible.
4. In the next step, you set the period within and before and after the actual routine that the lamps should become brighter and darker. You can also choose that the light comes on immediately with the set brightness and then goes out again without delay.
5. Then, of course, the lamps must be determined, which are summarized under the respective routine. You can switch on entire rooms at a defined time, but also individual lamps.
6. You can also define lighting scenes at the end, for example, pleasant dimming lighting, a bright light or a night light.
7. After completing the settings, do not forget to press the "Save" button in the top right corner.
8. Now your routine and with it your timer is set up. Of course, you can also select several complementary timers. For example, one for the bedroom and one for the bathroom, so that the light is already on when you enter the room.

Tip: How to properly dispose of your old lamps

Another practical tip shows you how to connect and control your Philips Hue system with Amazon's Alexa.