The biggest complaint Hue owners have with their brand new smart lighting systems is the dreaded wall switch issue. You see, Hue bulbs require an always-on circuit to maintain hub connection and execute home automation commands. But then the spouse and kiddos, out of habit, turn off the lights from the wall switch. The lost power prevents Hue bulbs from operating as intended and prevents important updates.
While the options for preventing this problem are few, the most popular seems to be eliminating the wall switch altogether by hardwiring the light bulb into an always-on state. This isn’t ideal, not to mention unsafe for the home owner. So then what?
I feel like my solution is the safest and most handsome method for fixing this issue. The light switch remains fully functional, but it’s not easy for someone to blindly switch on and off. Keep in mind this requires your home has the newer rocker-style wall switches. My solution will require purchasing the following products from Amazon (affiliate links): Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch, Dual Option Wall Switch Guard, and Neodymium Magnets. You’ll also need a few spots of superglue and a slotted screwdriver.
First, you’ll ditch the included magnetic plate from the Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch package. You don’t need it. Next, you’ll dab some superglue to one side of the Neodymium Magnet and attach that to the underside of the Dual Option Wall Switch Guard. Let it dry. If desired, pry off the corners of the Switch Guards so that you still have access to your light switch when needed. Attach the Switch Guard over the top of the wall switch and then snap the Hue Smart Dimmer Switch over the magnet. Boom. Done.
