How do you reset a Philips Hue Bridge?

If you’re looking to sell or give away your Philips Hue Bridge, or maybe you’re just having major issues with it, then it’s a good idea to try a quick factory reset.

Fortunately, this isn’t hard to do. However, before we explain how, we need to mention a few caveats…

1. This is for the 2nd generation Hue Bridge (if your Bridge is completely round rather than squarish with rounded corners, then that’s the 1st generation version – the image below is the 2nd generation).
2. Resetting the Bridge will delete all your preferences and configurations – this includes your scenes, routines, widgets, and room configurations. Additionally, bulbs and lights, which had been previously found via the automatic search function, may now require that you manually input their serial numbers to reconnect them.
   
   Therefore, it is strongly advised that you only return your Bridge to its factory settings if giving it away/selling, or if Philips advised you to do so.

Okay, so now you know that, let’s explain how to do it…

How to reset the Philips Hue Bridge

• Remove the Ethernet cable from the Bridge but keep it powered on.

• Turn the Bridge upside down. You should find there’s an assortment of badges and certificates, all of which distract you from the fact that there is actually a tiny button there. However, use these to orientate the Bridge the “right way” up.
• If you look about half way up, on the right hand side, there will be a small button. If you’re lucky if may even say “Restore Factory Settings” to the left of it.
• The button is both tiny and slightly recessed so you’ll need something pointed – a pencil or un-bent paperclip, for example.
• Press and hold the button for 5 seconds.
• The LED on the front should now be blinking – when it stops, the reset has completed.