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

Step-by-step fix guide | Philips Hue

Try this first — If you’re adding the Philips Hue smart plug without a Bridge, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone, then add the plug from the Settings tab in the Philips Hue app.

This guide is for anyone who can’t get a Hue smart plug to show up in the Philips Hue app. The steps follow Hue’s UK setup guide for the smart plug, with and without a Hue Bridge.

What This Problem Means

Hue lists the smart plug’s communication protocols as “Bluetooth, Zigbee”, and says it “Works without Wi-Fi”. Hue says you can “Use Bluetooth for instant light control or connect to the Hue Bridge to unlock more features.” So you add the plug either over Bluetooth from your phone, or through a Hue Bridge that’s already in the Philips Hue app.

Common Symptoms

  • The Philips Hue app doesn’t find the plug
  • The plug’s QR code won’t scan, or it has no QR code
  • You’re adding the plug without a Hue Bridge
  • You’re trying to connect the plug to your Wi-Fi

Safe Checks You Can Try

1. Without a Bridge: turn on Bluetooth

Hue says: “Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your mobile device.”

2. Without a Bridge: add the plug from Settings

In the Philips Hue app, “Open the Settings tab and then tap Devices. Tap the blue plus (+) icon in the top right corner.” Then scan the plug’s QR code.

3. With a Bridge: check the Bridge first

Hue says: “Your Bridge should be connected and added to your Hue app.” Then, in the Philips Hue app, go to the Home tab, tap the three dots icon, then tap Add devices and scan the plug’s QR code.

4. No QR code? Search or use the serial number

Hue says: “If your product doesn’t have a QR code, tap No QR code to add it by searching or using its serial number.” Then “Follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup.”

Two ways to add the plug

Route Before you start Where to add it
Without a Bridge (Bluetooth) Bluetooth enabled on your phone Settings tab > Devices > blue plus (+)
With a Hue Bridge Bridge connected and added to the Philips Hue app Home tab > three dots > Add devices

When To Contact Support

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