Connecting to Hue Bridge for Homekit

Totally useless response

It’s been awhile since I set up my bridge but for starters you need the Philips Hue App installed on your iOS device. (iPad or iPhone or both). The app is needed to connect the bridge. I thought I did it by going into the Hue App where it found the bridge, then it prompted me to press the button on the bridge. Once you do this, it gets added. I do not recall scanning, or typing it in but things change. Anything you set up in the Hue App will always automatically transfer over to the Home App/HomeKit. I recommend using the Hue App to add lights, set your lighting scenes etc. the App provides more advanced settings and is easy (once you get the hang of it). To add bulbs you do type in the serial number, so always get this number written down before you’ve gone and screwed it into the ceiling! Then you make sure the light is powered on before it can be discovered. Most new bulbs say to do a software update, this is done via the Hue App.

Hue says to do this:

• Open the Philips Hue app and navigate to Settings > Voice assistants. 
• Tap Siri & HomeKit. 
• Tap Set up. 
• Select the home you want to connect. 
• Press the button in the center of your Hue Bridge to connect. 
• Tap Scan code to scan the HomeKit code on the back of your Bridge.

https://www.philips-hue.com/en-us/explore-hue/works-with/apple-homekit/set-up

As to the wifi signal, I’m not sure what my Bridge is using. It gets plugged into the wifi router and might be deciding for itself. I’m mostly using my 5G for everything in my house.

Hello boisebimmer,

Thank you for reaching out to Apple Support Communities, and we'll be happy to help in any way we can. We understand you're having issues with adding an accessory with HomeKit. Try the following steps to see if they resolve the issue:

"Use these steps first and try again after each

1. Check that you have iOS 10 or later, tvOS 10 or later, macOS 10.14 or later, or watchOS 3 or later.

2. Check that you've turned on Bluetooth on your iOS device.

3. Check that you're connected to Internet over Wi-Fi.

4. Power cycle the device by unplugging it and plugging it back in.

5. On iOS 10.3 or later, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud and turn on Home and iCloud Keychain.

6. Download the manufacturer app* for each accessory, then check for updates. If an update is available, check that the accessory is on and keep it nearby until the update finishes. 

You can add accessories only from an iOS or iPadOS device. 

7. Check the accessory manual for extra hardware requirements. If extra parts are required, you need to buy the hardware, get the manufacturer app, and set up through that app. For example, to set up the Philips Hue, you need to buy the Philips Bridge (extra hardware that "bridges" the Hue to Home) and download the Philips Hue app. Then you can set up the Bridge and add the Hue light bulb in the Philips Hue app.

8. Turn off every iOS device or Mac that you use with the Home app. Then turn them back on."

We hope this helps.

Cheers!