Often, we wonder if we can connect the advanced Hue bridge without ethernet cables. Before answering this, we should mention that there is no in-built WiFi feature in the Hue Bridge.
This is mainly why people are curious to know if they can use it without an ethernet cable.
Thankfully, we found out a few ways you can make this happen. We have tried these ways ourselves, and the results are promising.
There are namely two ways to use the Hue Bridge without Ethernet:
- First, you can use the Hue Bridge router in bridge mode, and then the device can be connected wirelessly.
- Secondly, you can rearrange the internal circuits of the Hue bridge and make it entirely wireless.
How to Connect a Hue Bridge Without Ethernet Cable?
To begin with, we would like to mention that the Hue Bridge by Philips is designed precisely to run with an Ethernet cable alone, and it does not have an in-built WiFi system.
Unfortunately, this will imply high complexity in making it compatible with using it without Ethernet. However, even being a complex process, it is still possible to make this work.
One with relevant knowledge of circuitry and the soldering process can make this idea a viable technique.
Although this idea has a productive possibility, we cannot simply suggest that everyone try this process. If anything, we will recommend it to you otherwise.
If you couldn’t get it right, that may damage the Hue Bridge, which will void your device’s warranty. Now, that is something no one would want to go for.
Coming back to our own experience from using Hue Bridge, we observed an unusual element included inside it. There is a disabled WiFi radio inside the Hue Bridge.
With the help of the disabled WiFi radio, soldering through the device, and wiring the serial ports, Hue Bridge can be actively transformed into a wireless device.
This isn’t recommended, but this can be a technical success if you have the right knowledge and experience regarding the device.
If you are confident that you will be able to make this a productive endeavor, then there are some decent steps to perform this on your own.
What is the alternative option?
We have found an amazing alternative to this. Despite hooking up the Ethernet, there is another way you can use your Hue Bridge without an Ethernet cable.
We are highly positive that with this, the risk involved is zero. Hence, this is the most effective option for everyone who wishes to use their Hue Bridge without an Ethernet Cable.
You will have to make some small investment to do this, which is probably the only downside to this whole idea. Follow the steps mentioned below:
- To perform this whole process, you will need wireless point access or a router with in-built Ethernet ports to begin.
- Now, connect this kit in bridge mode to the hotspot.
- Eventually, you will need to ensure that the kit you have purchased can be used in bridge mode.
- With the help of a new router and the hotspot in bridge mode, you can then avoid using an Ethernet cable completely.
Final Verdict
These are some of the few troubleshooting ways to use a Philips Hue Bridge lighting system without an Ethernet connection.
Although this whole process is quite beneficial and potentially possible, we would still not recommend the users apply it.
Like we mentioned earlier, if this doesn’t go right, it will jeopardize the warranty and hamper the device entirely.
On the contrary, it will require you to invest some money to perform it with caution.
Therefore, while the decision lies entirely on personal preferences, we would still suggest you consider all the possible outcomes before you proceed with the process.
