Philips has announced free replacements for Hue Bridge Pro devices that stopped working after installing a firmware update released in June. The company confirmed that fewer than 100 units were affected by a specific update scenario. Affected owners can contact support for a new unit regardless of warranty status, but must set up the hub from scratch.
A specific update scenario bricks the Bridge Pro
The issue arose after installing firmware version 2071353020. According to Philips, the malfunction occurs only in a very particular scenario: users must have disabled automatic updates, stayed on an older version for an extended period, and then manually installed the update after storing it on the device for more than ten days. This caused some Bridge Pro units to become completely unresponsive. Philips stated that fewer than 100 devices were impacted, a small number but still significant for those affected.
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The company quickly launched a free replacement program. Any owner of a bricked Hue Bridge Pro can contact technical support to receive a new device at no cost. Given the recent price increase for US customers, this gesture has been well received. However, users will need to reconfigure the entire hub, which can be time-consuming because the Bridge Pro supports up to 150 lights and 50 accessories, along with custom shortcuts and schedules.
Philips rolls out new update to prevent further issues
Philips has already started distributing a corrective update that should prevent other Bridge Pro units from encountering the same problem. The company recommends that all users keep automatic updates enabled to avoid manual installation scenarios that could lead to failures. This incident highlights the importance of thorough firmware testing before broad release, especially for devices managing home infrastructure.
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In the smart home landscape, update management is critical. Devices like the Even Realities G2 smart glasses focus on productivity without a camera, showing how innovation must balance features and stability. Similarly, Philips must ensure its updates do not compromise product reliability.
For more details, visit the official Philips Hue support page or Wikipedia entry for Philips Hue.
