Philips Offers Free Replacements After Firmware Update Bricks Hue Bridge Pro Hubs

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Philips has confirmed that a recent firmware update has rendered a small number of Hue Bridge Pro devices inoperable — and the company is offering free replacements to affected customers regardless of warranty status.

As first reported by Ars Technica, the issue stems from firmware version 2071353020, released in June 2026. Users began reporting that their Bridge Pro units were bricked shortly after installing the update, prompting an investigation from Signify (the parent company behind the Philips Hue brand).

A Perfect Storm of Conditions

According to Philips, the bricking only occurs under a very specific set of circumstances. Affected users had to have automatic updates disabled on their Bridge Pro, remained on an older firmware version for an extended period, and then manually triggered the update after the firmware file had been sitting stored on the device for more than 10 days.

Philips confirmed to Ars Technica that “fewer than 100 Philips Hue Bridge Pro devices have been impacted” globally — a relatively small number considering the installed base, but a disruptive problem for those unlucky enough to hit the specific update scenario.

Free Replacements, Regardless of Warranty

In a statement that should reassure affected customers, Philips said it is replacing any bricked Bridge Pro units free of charge and regardless of whether the device is still under warranty. Owners who believe their device has been affected can contact Philips support directly to arrange a replacement.

The catch? Affected users will need to set up their new Bridge Pro from scratch — a potentially hours-long process given that the Bridge Pro can connect up to 150 lights and 50 accessories, along with custom shortcuts, schedules, and routines. There’s no cloud backup or migration tool to transfer settings between units.

Preventative Update Rolling Out

Philips told Ars Technica that it has already begun rolling out a new firmware update designed to prevent other Bridge Pro devices from encountering the same issue. The company recommends all Bridge Pro users ensure automatic updates are enabled to avoid manual update pitfalls.

The timing is particularly awkward given that Philips recently increased the price of the Hue Bridge Pro for US customers. The goodwill gesture of offering free replacements regardless of warranty status is a welcome move for affected smart home enthusiasts.

What Hue Bridge Pro Owners Should Do

Check your Bridge Pro — if it stopped working after the June firmware update, contact Philips support for a free replacement
Enable automatic updates to avoid the manual update scenario that triggers the bricking
Keep an eye on the Hue app for the new preventative firmware update that Philips is currently rolling out

While the number of affected units is small, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in connected device firmware updates — especially when manual update paths are involved. For now, Philips appears to be doing right by its customers, even if the restoration process is less than seamless.

Philips Hue on Know the Tech

Philips Offers Free Replacements After Firmware Update Bricks Hue Bridge Pro Hubs

A Perfect Storm of Conditions

Free Replacements, Regardless of Warranty

Preventative Update Rolling Out

What Hue Bridge Pro Owners Should Do