How to update Philips hue bulb without bridge

Updating your Philips Hue bulb’s firmware ensures that you get the latest features and bug fixes from the manufacturer. In most cases, to update your Philips Hue bulb, you need the Hue Bridge. The Hue bridge is a separate device that connects upto 50 bulbs together and helps integrate your Philips bulbs with smart voice assistants such as Google Assistant or Alexa.

However, if you have one of those Philips Hue bulbs that support Bluetooth, you don’t need the bridge to update your bulbs. All you need the Philips Hue Bluetooth App(not the main Philips Hue App) which you should setup with the bulb. I have already written a post on how you can set up your Philips Hue bulb using this App without the bride.

Read more: How to setup Philips Hue smart bulb without a bridge

Now to update your Bluetooth compatible Hue bulb, open the Philips Hue Bluetooth or Hue BT App, then select Settings > Lights. Now tap on your bulb. In my case, it’s the Hue white Lamp. Select Update.

While the update is running, just keep your power on. The lights will temporarily turn on/off or flicker during the update. You can tell the firmware version of the Hue bulb from the checking on the light bulb details under the software section.

That’s it. Remember, for this to work, you must have the Bluetooth-compatible Hue light and you should use the Hue BT App.

About David Okwii

David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he's not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.