Question 1

What is the Philips Hue smart home security system?

Accepted Answer

The Hue smart home security system goes beyond cameras and notifications. With a Hue Bridge, your lights can react to activity — turning on automatically or triggering light and sound alarms — all managed in one app.
Secure cameras, sensors, video doorbells and chimes detect motion within their field of view and instantly respond based on your settings. When motion is detected, you'll receive a notification sent directly to your mobile device, showing you exactly where and when it happened. With a Secure plan, you can even see whether the motion was caused by a person, an animal, a vehicle,or a package.
Open the Security Centre to check the live view and see what (or who!) triggered the alert, then decide what to do next. With a Secure plan, you can also review saved video history in the timeline for extra peace of mind.
If something seems suspicious, take action instantly. Trigger an alarm that flashes your lights or sound the siren on your Secure camera with a tap in the app. You can even use two-way talk to warn off a potential intruder — or simply say hello to a friendly face.
The Hue app gives you complete control over your smart security and lighting. Manage Hue cameras, video doorbells and sensors, receive instant notifications and trigger automations or alarms – all from your phone. Pair with smart lights to enhance security and customise your setup, all in one app.

Question 2

What do I need to start using Philips Hue security features?

Accepted Answer

That depends! If you already have a Philips Hue set up with a Bridge and lights, you can set up a Mimic presence automation in the Automations tab. Also have an indoor motion sensor? Set up motion alerts in the Security Centre!
If you're new to Philips Hue, you can use a Secure camera without a Bridge. However, you'll need to add a Bridge and lights to take advantage of light alarms. To get motion alerts when a door or window opens, add a Secure contact sensor.

Which Philips Hue products work with a Hue Secure setup?
Your Secure devices integrate seamlessly into your Philips Hue system — and work with your other Philips Hue products. Lights can become part of a light alarm, which you can trigger after receiving a motion alert from a Secure device or an indoor motion sensor.

Question 3

What types of security cameras are available?

Accepted Answer

Currently, there are three cameras available. The Secure battery camera, the Secure wired camera and the Secure floodlight camera. You can also choose the wired camera that comes with a desktop stand if you'd like to place the camera on a shelf or table.

Question 4

What is the best smart security camera?

Accepted Answer

Philips Hue smart security cameras rank as top choices for smart home security. Available in 1080p HD or 2K resolution for sharp and detailed visuals, they also include motion detection, two-way communication, real-time notifications in the Hue app and compatibility with popular voice assistant platforms.

Question 5

What is the best doorbell camera?

Accepted Answer

The Philips Hue Secure doorbell camera is an excellent security option, providing high-quality video, motion-activated alerts and two-way communication. Paired with the Hue app, it ensures convenient monitoring and control from anywhere.

Question 6

Can I use Secure cameras both indoors and outdoors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our Secure cameras are rated for installation both indoors and outdoors.

Question 7

Do smart security cameras have audio?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Philips Hue Secure cameras feature two-way communication, enabling you to speak with visitors or deter unwanted intruders from a distance.

Question 8

How many Secure cameras, video doorbells or chimes can I have in one Philips Hue Home?

Accepted Answer

You can have up to 10 Secure cameras, video doorbells or chimes per Philips Hue Home.

Question 9

Can I add Secure devices to my Bluetooth-controlled Philips Hue set-up?

Accepted Answer

The Secure camera can be set up and installed without a Bridge. However, to get the complete suite of smart security features – such as light alarms – you'll need a Hue Bridge.

Question 10

What can I do with my security system if I think there's an intruder in my home?

Accepted Answer

In the event of a potential intrusion, you can:
• Trigger alarms through the app
• Activate automated lighting to deter the intruder
• View live camera feeds via the app for immediate visual confirmation

Question 11

How does a Hue Bridge improve my Hue smart home security system?

Accepted Answer

The Hue Bridge acts as the central hub for your Secure system, enabling advanced features such as:
• Real-time alerts
• Reliable performance, with or without Wi-Fi
• Seamless connection of multiple devices
• Access to automations and customisation

Question 12

How long do smart security cameras store footage?

Accepted Answer

Using the Hue app, Philips Hue Secure cameras provide cloud storage plans, allowing footage to be stored for varying durations based on your subscription.

Question 13

Which smart security cameras work with voice control apps such as Alexa, Google Home or Apple HomeKit?

Accepted Answer

Philips Hue Secure cameras are designed to be fully compatible with Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit, making them an excellent choice for seamless voice control integration in your smart home.

Question 14

Do Secure plans have a limit as to the number of cameras I can add?

Accepted Answer

With the Basic plan, you can add up to two cameras and pay per camera. With the Plus plan, you can add up to 10 cameras and pay one flat price.

Question 15

Is there a free trial of the Secure plan's paid features?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Every Secure camera comes with a free 30-day trial of the Secure Basic plan.

Question 16

Is my data encrypted with a Secure plan?

Accepted Answer

Your privacy is our priority. By default, every Philips Hue Secure camera uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE). All video, audio and snapshots are encrypted with a passphrase that only you have.

Question 17

Do the advanced features I get with a Secure plan require a Philips Hue Bridge?

Accepted Answer

The advanced features you get with a Secure plan – such as video clips, video history, activity zones and advanced alerts – don't require a Hue Bridge. However, in order for your camera to work with other Secure devices or trigger your lights, you'll need a Hue Bridge.

Question 18

What can I see on a secure timeline with my video doorbell and chime?

Accepted Answer

With the secure timeline, you can view a history of events, such as when someone pressed your video doorbell or when motion was detected by your Hue Secure camera or sensors. This helps you stay informed about activity around your home at any time.

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