Philips Hue Lightstrip Not Connecting? Here’s How to Fix It

Step-by-step fix guide | Philips Hue

Try this first — Remove the Philips Hue lightstrip from the Philips Hue app and add it again, then check for a firmware update. Hue’s US strip light help says re-adding the strip “can resolve minor software conflicts.”

This guide is for anyone whose Hue Gradient lightstrip, Flux strip light, Essential strip light or Play gradient lightstrip won’t connect or keeps dropping out. The steps come from Hue’s US strip light help, Hue’s UK product pages and Hue’s UK reset guide.

What This Problem Means

A strip that won’t connect doesn’t show up in the Philips Hue app, or works only some of the time. Hue’s US strip light help says removing and re-adding the strip “can resolve minor software conflicts”, and that “Outdated firmware can cause flickering or intermittent failures.” If problems persist, Hue’s next step is a factory reset.

Common Symptoms

  • The strip doesn’t show up when you try to add it
  • The strip works only some of the time
  • An extension won’t work with your strip
  • The Play gradient lightstrip is running from a different power supply

Safe Checks You Can Try

1. Use the strip’s own power supply

For the original Play gradient lightstrip, Hue’s product page says: “Please use the power supply unit included in the box for your Play gradient lightstrip.”

2. Don’t mix strip types

If you’ve added an extension, check it matches your strip. On the Gradient lightstrip, Hue says: “The two types of lightstrips and extensions are not interchangeable.”

3. Remove the strip and add it again

Remove the strip from the Philips Hue app, then add it again. Hue’s US strip light help says this “can resolve minor software conflicts.” When you add it, if it doesn’t have a QR code, tap No QR code to add it by searching or using its serial number.

4. Update the strip’s firmware

Check for a firmware update for the strip in the Philips Hue app. Hue’s US strip light help says: “Outdated firmware can cause flickering or intermittent failures.”

5. Factory reset the strip

If problems persist, factory reset the strip. Hue’s UK reset guide covers all Hue lights and gives five methods: by serial number, by deleting the light in the app, with a Hue dimmer switch, with a Tap dial switch, or in Bluetooth mode.

When To Contact Support

If none of these steps fix it, contact Philips Hue through Hue’s UK support site.