Hue accessories update through the Bridge: in the Hue app open Settings, Software update, and it lists the Bridge and the accessories and lights that have updates. Accessories update only when the Bridge is online and they are in range with fresh batteries, since a weak battery can fail an update. Keep the Bridge updated first, since the third light confirms it is on the latest software and accessories need a current Bridge. Updates roll out gradually, so an accessory may update days after another, and you may need to repeat the update step.
The checks in more detail
If an accessory shows an available update and fails, move it closer to the Bridge, replace the battery and try again. A soft reset of a dimmer, holding all four buttons about five seconds, can clear a stuck state without erasing settings. After an update check that buttons and sensor settings survived. Hue publishes release notes for the Bridge, and accessory updates follow the Bridge's version, so check them. If the accessory never updates, contact Hue support with the model and firmware.
Do not remove the battery during an update and do not run updates when the sensor is triggering constantly. Note the versions before and after so you can tell whether an update really arrived. An update that fails once often succeeds after a fresh battery. Give updates a quiet moment. Give a new accessory update a day of normal use before deciding it caused a problem, since a fresh battery or a moved Bridge often explains the change.
If an update was installed while you were away, look at the accessory list when you return and confirm each device still shows online, since a missing accessory after an update is a reason to soft reset it before you assume it is broken. A sensor that has just updated may report a fresh battery level or restart its reporting, so give it an hour before judging its behavior, and check that your automations still target it by name after the update finishes. Accessories depend on the Bridge's version, so if an accessory update is missing, update the Bridge first and repeat, since the Bridge is the thing that offers the update.
Differential
Likely causes of “Hue accessories firmware update is stuck or failed”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A weak battery
What separates it The update fails because the accessory's battery is too weak to complete it
How to confirm Replace the battery with a fresh one before you try the update again
- 2
Out of range
What separates it No update happens because the accessory is out of range of the Bridge
How to confirm Move the accessory closer to the Bridge while it updates, then put it back afterwards
- 3
An old Bridge
What separates it The accessory update is missing because the Bridge itself has not been updated yet
How to confirm Update the Bridge first, since accessories update through it, and then check again
- 4
A stuck state
What separates it The update stalls and the accessory seems stuck part-way through
How to confirm Do a soft reset of the accessory and try the update again from the start
- 5
A staged rollout
What separates it No update is offered yet because Hue rolls updates out in stages to different homes
How to confirm Wait for the update to reach you, checking again after a day or two
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The status of the update as shown in the app
- The battery in the accessory and its age
- The software version of the Bridge
- The distance between the accessory and the Bridge
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedUpdate the Bridge first
ReversibleUpdate the Bridge first, checking that the third light is on, since accessories update through it and need it to be current.
Open Software update
ReversibleOpen Software update in the Hue app, which lists the Bridge and the accessories and lights that have updates waiting.
Replace low batteries
ReversibleReplace low batteries before updating, because an update draws power and a weak battery can make it fail.
Move the accessory closer
ReversibleMove the accessory closer to the Bridge for the update, so that the radio link is strong all the way through.
Soft reset if stuck
ReversibleSoft reset the dimmer if the update is stuck, holding all four buttons for about five seconds, then try again.
Check settings after
ReversibleCheck the settings after the update, including the buttons on a dimmer and the sensitivity of a motion sensor.
Contact Hue
ReversibleContact Hue if it never updates, and tell them the model, the Bridge version and the accessory's battery.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Bridge
- Must be current.
- Accessories
- Update over Zigbee in range.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the Hue dimmer switch v2.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If an update keeps failing after these steps, contact Philips Hue support
- !If the Bridge is out of date, update it before you look at the accessory
- !If settings change after an update, rebuild them in the app
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Bridge lights and updates.
Soft reset and factory reset.
Bridge software history.
Matter with and without a Bridge.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
How do accessories update?+
Accessories update through the Bridge, so keep the Bridge online and up to date to receive accessory updates.
Do batteries matter?+
Yes, batteries matter, because a weak battery can make an update fail or leave the accessory stuck.
Should the Bridge update first?+
Yes, update the Bridge first, because accessory updates are delivered through it and may not appear otherwise.
Can updates be staged?+
Yes, updates can be staged, so they may reach some homes before others, and yours may simply not have arrived.
What if an update stalls?+
If an update stalls, do a soft reset of the accessory and try again with a fresh battery.
Are there release notes?+
Yes, there are release notes for the Bridge, and they describe what each software version changes or fixes.
Can I mount the dimmer on a wall?+
Yes, the dimmer switch can be fixed to a wall with the supplied plate or with adhesive.
What app configures accessories?+
The Philips Hue app configures accessories, including what each button does and how the sensor behaves.
Can I customize buttons?+
Yes, you can customize each button and each type of press in the Hue app, to run the scenes you want.