Level 1

64 points

Hue Bridge suddenly not working with Home app

I am running an Apple Home setup with two HomePods (v1), three HomePod minis, an Apple TV 4K (v1), and an Apple TV 4K (v2). My Apple devices are an iPhone 15 Pro, iPad Pro 11" M2, and iPad (9th gen), and MBP 14" M2 Max, as well as an M1 Mac mini running as a Homebridge server to create dummy switches and give me access to my Nest Learning Thermostat. Everything is running the most recent OS/firmware (iOS/tvOS/iPadOS 17). I have an AmpliFi Alien router, and all of my Home devices and bridges have static IP addresses. I have done extensive troubleshooting and can verify that all of my devices are updated and in good working order.

After realizing that my Home app was running in the background and killing my iPhone's battery on my brand new iPhone 15 Pro, I tried tinkering with settings, selectively unpairing devices, and ultimately wound up running the Apple HomeKit reset profile and completely nuking my HomeKit setup with something like 40-50 devices on it. After that, I spend hours trying to get my HomePods updated and initialized, as they kept getting stuck on "Configuring" for hours, and finally had to open a case with Apple Support. Then, as if by miracle, the HomePods started coming online one by one, after not working for nearly 48 hours, and I was able to begin rebuilding my Home setup.

I had just gotten all of my devices linked with HomeKit (a pain because Hue apparently doesn't transmit the names and rooms of the lights to HomeKit anymore) when all of a sudden all of my Hue devices stopped responding. My Hue hub now shows as being disconnected from HomeKit in the Home app, but the lights all work in the Hue app and can be controlled using the Hue dimmer switches. The Hue app says it is connected to Apple Home. I have tried unlinking (losing all the names and locations of the Hue lights and switches in the process) and Hue will stay connected for 15-30 minutes and then disconnect again. I am beyond frustrated at this point. Does anyone have any ideas/solutions? Anyone having the same issue?

Posted on Sep 26, 2023 9:08 PM

Top-ranking reply

arsmatticus Author

Level 1

64 points

Posted on Sep 30, 2023 7:18 PM

Go in the Apple Home app and use the add device button (plus sign). Instead of scanning the code on the bottom of the Hue bridge or adding it from the Hue app, you need to select “More options” while standing near the Hue bridge and then tap on the big white button on top of the Hue bridge. When I did this, it then appeared under “Nearby.” Do not—I repeat, do not—select the Hue Bridge under Matter devices, this will not work well, will not preserve your bulbs’ names or locations, and will not support adaptive lighting. Instead, wait until the one with the string of numbers appears.

View in context

Similar questions

58 replies

Elvgif

Level 1

8 points

Nov 14, 2023 1:24 PM in response to arsmatticus

Thanks for making that detailed guide, however I think I’m stuck.

1) deleted bridge from home app

2) deleted bridge from matter accessories in settings > general

3) when trying to add accessory in home, I select more options and then there’s just an infinite loading screen. I press the button on top of the bridge and nothing’s happening.

I know it should show up as a device to connect to via homekit but it’s not happening, any suggestions or idea?

Dec 2, 2023 3:22 AM in response to arsmatticus

Thanks for this. I am having the same issue and it is super frustrating as you know. When you say tap the button (on the hue bridge) and wait for it to be displayed… where will it be displayed?

thank you

itstheju

Level 1

9 points

Dec 12, 2023 9:53 PM in response to arsmatticus

I followed these steps after unlinking the HomeKit in the Hue app and also removing the Hue Bridge from the HomeKit, but it still doesn’t work. My setup worked perfectly fine until iOS 17.2 was installed on my iPhone Monday night. I don’t show any updates available on my HomePod minis, so they should be up to date as well. (Also made sure to NOT select the Matter option.) I think Apple screwed the pooch on this one. Any other suggestions? ):

Dec 29, 2023 1:09 PM in response to arsmatticus

Could you be a little more descriptive of the process, please. For instance - tap which button on top of what? Not sure what “button” you’re referring to. Thank you kindly. I am going mad trying to get this thing to work.

itstheju

Level 1

9 points

Dec 29, 2023 4:38 PM in response to arsmatticus

@arsmatticus not to be mean, but you don't have to be rude about it. Some people aren't as technically inclined. If you can't prevent yourself from being rude, then just don't answer. Be respectful of others. I'll save the colorful language I would have loved to use in this.

arsmatticus Author

Level 1

64 points

Dec 29, 2023 4:51 PM in response to itstheju

My post, my solution, and not violative of the rules. It’s not a matter of being tech inclined, just not reading the whole thread in chronological order. If anybody posted the same question without reading a thread on Reddit, mods would yell at them and delete their post.

I get notified every time someone replies asking stuff that’s already been addressed, it gets old. I don’t care if you think I’m rude, my solution was effective and it has helped several people who can read, make logical inferences where I wasn’t perfectly and abundantly clear, and follow directions. My setup has been pretty stable since, so I know it works.

Dec 29, 2023 5:13 PM in response to arsmatticus

Wow. Even after an apology, you’re grumpy. I guess you have to just embrace the fact that you’re grumpy. I hereby retract my wishes for a Happy New Year and wish you an Irritation Free New Year and that you don’t have to deal with any more incompetents like myself.

Jan 10, 2024 7:21 PM in response to arsmatticus

Okay, I am having the same exact problem as you and I'm starting to lose my mind trying to fix it. I removed all light accessories from the home app. Lights still work from the Hue app though. I noticed that my home pod says it's in standby mode so I'm not sure if that is part of the problem. It also says my apple TV is connected though and that this device can act as a home hub. Anyway...How did you solve the issue again? You held down the button on the white hue bridge?

Sean S

Level 1

65 points

Jan 12, 2024 5:46 AM in response to arsmatticus

I just started having this issue.

I’ve removed the hue hub from the Home app.. I’ve reset the hub to factory settings. I have tried to add the hub through both the Hue app and the Home app. The bridge can’t be found.

I tried your recommendation to press the button on the top of the bridge. The hub still doesn’t appear.

I am not sure what else I can try and do.

appreciate any suggestions.

Sean S

Level 1

65 points

Jan 16, 2024 10:24 AM in response to PMMad1969

Do you happen to have an Xfinity router? Spoke to Hue support and it is an issue with Xfinity routers. Hue bridge can’t be seen when trying to add to HomeKit. Their developers are working on a solution.

Jan 20, 2024 2:17 PM in response to arsmatticus

I'm glad you found a fix. We just started dealing with this yesterday. Unfortunately, when we tap the button on top of the Hue bridge nothing happens. It never appears on the list of devices. Still waiting on advice from Hue, Apple, and Xfinity. So far everyone is just pointing fingers.

Jan 20, 2024 3:48 PM in response to PMMad1969

I got a similar response from HUE support. Two weeks into this since it first started and no answers or resolutions.

I tried everything in these threads with no success.

HUE support is blaming the Xfinity router in my case. The funny thing is that the router has not changed in years now. I think they have NO IDEA but at least they engage and respond. Apple Support no where to be found.

Jan 20, 2024 4:02 PM in response to arsmatticus

Hi Arsmatticus!

Great instructions. Read all the prior threads.

How do you "ensure the Hue hub is removed in the Apple Home app ? asking because in my case it dissappear to begin with from the Home Settings / Home Hubs & Bridges. Thanks!

dcmoose

Level 1

12 points

Mar 1, 2024 4:22 PM in response to Accountucator

Ive been dealing with this for 3 weeks. I’ve tore down my my whole HomeKit to ground. I’m going to be relieved and angry if all it’s going to take is swapping my router from Xfinity. I have the XB-7 right now, they are sending me the XB-8. Fingers crossed this works. I’ll update it when i get it.

Vancouver22

Level 8

37,622 points

Sep 30, 2023 6:55 PM in response to arsmatticus

Oh well then, I don’t look forward to the day I might need to add it all from scratch. Glad you got it working.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Hue Bridge suddenly not working with Home app