Upgrading Hue bridges has been a topic of interest for many users, especially with the new power outage/restore features in the V2 bridge. I recently upgraded my Hue bridge and wanted to share my experience and some tips for those considering the same.
One common question is what to do with the old bridge after upgrading. While it’s tempting to keep both bridges online, managing two bridges can become cumbersome, especially if you’re not frequently using the Hue app. However, there are scenarios where keeping the old bridge could be beneficial. For example, if you have areas in your home where power outages are a concern, the V2 bridge’s feature can be a lifesaver. On the other hand, if you have bulbs that frequently show as unreachable, placing the old bridge in such locations might help stabilize the connection.
Another consideration is the control flow. If you’re using a hub like Homey or another central system, integrating multiple Hue bridges can be done, but it requires careful setup. I’ve found that using the Hue app or integrating through a hub like Homey allows for seamless control across both bridges, though it does add a layer of complexity.
For those who rarely use the Hue app, keeping both bridges might not be necessary. However, if you want to experiment with different setups or have specific areas where reliability is key, it’s worth exploring.
In my experience, the upgrade process was straightforward, and the new features have been a great addition. If you’re considering an upgrade, I recommend checking out the official Hue documentation and community forums for additional insights and troubleshooting tips. Happy smart lighting! 