Philips Hue bulb · Reset guide
How to reset Philips Hue bulb
Sources checked · how we check
Philips Hue documents five ways to reset a light. Pick the one that matches what you have: a Bridge, a dimmer switch, a Tap dial switch, or only the app in Bluetooth mode.
01 · Start here
Restart before erasing your setup
- Decide which method you can use. Deleting a working light from the app needs a Bridge; the switch methods need the light powered off and on again first.
02 · Factory reset
How to factory reset Philips Hue bulb
Before you confirm
A factory reset erases all personal settings and data on the light. Philips Hue advises doing it only when necessary.
Hue app with a Bridge
Settings → Lights → choose light → Delete
- Use this only when the light is already in your app and working normally.
- Open Settings, select Lights, choose the light, tap Delete and follow the on-screen instructions.
Serial number
Settings → Lights → + → Use serial number
- Open Settings, select Lights and press the blue plus button.
- Select Use serial number and enter the six-character code from the light. It uses the digits 0–9 and letters A–F, never the letter O.
- Tap the plus button, then Search. The light flashes to show it has been reset and appears in the app.
Hue dimmer switch
Power cycle → top + bottom buttons · at least 10 seconds
- Disconnect the light from power and connect it again. The reset must be done within 30 minutes.
- Hold the dimmer switch near the light and press and hold the top and bottom buttons together for at least 10 seconds.
- Release the buttons after the light flashes.
Hue Tap dial switch
Power cycle → Setup button · at least 10 seconds
- Disconnect the light from power and connect it again. The reset must be done within 30 minutes.
- Hold the Tap dial switch near the light and press and hold the Setup button on its back for at least 10 seconds.
- Release the button after the light flashes.
Hue app in Bluetooth mode
Settings → Lights → choose light → Reset
- Use this if you have no Bridge, dimmer switch or Tap dial switch.
- If the light is not in the app yet, go to Settings → Lights → Add lights and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Go to Settings → Lights, tap the light, then tap Reset.
After the reset
Add the light to your Bridge or Bluetooth setup again in the Hue app.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reset a Hue bulb without a Bridge?
Yes. Philips Hue documents a Bluetooth app reset, and the dimmer switch and Tap dial switch methods do not need a Bridge.
Why is my dimmer switch reset not working?
The light must have been powered off and on within the last 30 minutes, and the switch must be held near it for at least 10 seconds.