This Accessory Tackles the Main Issue with Philips Hue Smart Bulbs [Enjoy 20% Off]

Philips Hue bulbs provide a fantastic way to upgrade your regular light fixtures into smart home devices, seamlessly integrating with Apple’s HomeKit platform. However, one substantial drawback is that when the wall light switch is turned off, the smart lights cease to respond.

The Lutron Aurora dimmer presents a clever solution to this issue and ought to be on every smart home enthusiast’s holiday wish list.

Moreover, they are currently available at a 20% discount on Amazon…

Update: Following the initial publication of this review, I have expanded my Lutron Aurora setup and can attest to its long-term dependability. It has become an essential component of my smart home system. I do wish it had compatibility beyond just Philips Hue products, but aside from that, my concerns are minimal.

The perfect long-term choice would be dedicated Lutron Caséta switches, but for renters, that might not be feasible, making the Lutron Aurora my top recommendation for those in the U.S. where flip switches are standard.

The issue

My entire household features Philips Hue bulbs in both lamps and fixtures. Over the years, I’ve gradually expanded my HomeKit lighting system, and the flexibility of Philips Hue bulbs has simplified this, regardless of moving between apartments and eventually to a home.

Philips Hue bulbs are particularly beneficial for renters, as they easily replace conventional bulbs without necessitating any wiring changes or upgrades that might be disallowed by landlords.

I’ve grown accustomed to managing everything without a physical light switch, relying solely on the Home app on my iPhone, iPad, and Mac, as well as Siri. I have routines set for specific times, distinct scenes for work and relaxation, and automations for arriving and departing.

Yet, every Philips Hue smart bulb user has faced the same frustration: when the wall light switch is flipped off, the smart lights become inactive. This is because Hue bulbs need to remain in the “on” position to be operable via the Hue app or HomeKit. More often than not, it’s not you toggling that switch, but rather housemates or guests.

The Lutron Aurora dimmer was developed to tackle this issue.

The solution

The Lutron Aurora is a straightforward accessory designed to fit over your current toggle switches. The installation is easy: the round dimmer simply snaps over your toggle switch, after which you tighten the base with a screwdriver and install the front cover.

Once the hardware is in place, you can integrate the Aurora with the Philips Hue app. The Aurora dimmer connects to Philips Hue using the “Friends of Hue” platform. As depicted in the screenshots below, select the Lutron Aurora from the “Friends of Hue” menu in the Hue app. From there, you can determine what occurs when the Lutron Aurora is activated.

Just a note: All management is conducted through the Hue app — not the Home app or the Lutron app. This means you need to ensure your rooms and devices are consistent across both the Home and Hue apps. While this can be a meticulous task, it ultimately pays off.

You can pair the Lutron Aurora with several devices, allowing one switch to control multiple light sources. For instance, I’ve configured mine to manage both an overhead fixture and a floor lamp, each equipped with Philips Hue bulbs.

This also means you may not need to purchase several Lutron Aurora dimmers for different rooms. If you have two fixtures or lamps, one Lutron Aurora can manage both, or even all of the room’s lights.

Once the setup is finished, the Lutron Aurora functions similarly to a standard light switch. You can press the Aurora like a button to turn devices on and off, or turn it left or right to adjust brightness.

The primary advantage is that you maintain smart home control, even if someone inadvertently toggles the traditional light switch.

There are some restrictions. Firstly, the Lutron Aurora is only compatible with Philips Hue bulbs, so if your smart home setup includes other brands of bulbs, keep this in mind. Secondly, the Lutron Aurora dimmers are designed to fit traditional United States “flip” style switches; thus, other styles of wall switches will not be compatible.

Alternative solutions

There are various alternatives available for controlling smart home lighting via wall switches. For instance, the Lutron Caséta in-wall dimmers (review) replace existing light switches with connected ones. Philips Hue also offers its own Smart Dimmer Switch, although this does not fit over current switches.

These options come with their unique advantages; for example, Lutron Caséta switches can also control ceiling fans (review), but neither offers the same ease of installation or renter-friendliness as the Lutron Aurora.

The Lutron Aurora can be found on Amazon for just under $40. If you’re already using Philips Hue products, this accessory adds a layer of convenience to your smart home setup, making it especially beneficial for your housemates and guests more than for yourself.