Philips replaces bricked Hue Bridge Pro units after faulty firmware update
▼ Summary
– A firmware update (version 2071353020) caused some Philips Hue Bridge Pro hubs to stop working and display a red LED.
– The update was released in early June and described by Philips as containing “several small changes” to improve performance.
– Users reported the update “bricked” their devices, with one Reddit user noting it required resetting over 50 lights.
– Philips confirmed the issue only affects users who disabled automatic updates, remained on an old version, and manually installed the update after it had been stored for more than 10 days.
– Philips stated they have no further information on why the firmware problem occurred.
A faulty firmware update has been officially linked to recent malfunctions in certain Philips Hue Bridge Pro smart hubs, as confirmed by Ars Technica.
Reports first surfaced in late June of smart hubs failing after users applied a new software patch. Philips had released firmware version 2071353020 in early June, describing it as containing “several small changes” to improve performance. However, for some customers, the result was the opposite: their devices went offline, displaying a persistent red LED.
One Reddit user, going by the handle statelymachine, shared their frustration online, stating the update “bricked” their unit. “My Hue Bridge Pro updated a few days ago, and I immediately got the solid red light. I ordered a replacement because I didn’t feel like dealing with a support agent, but now I see what a pain it’s going to be to reset my 50+ lights to attach them to the new bridge. … I’m pissed,” they wrote.
A spokesperson for Signify, the company behind Philips Hue, confirmed to Ars that firmware 2071353020 was the culprit. “We have identified a firmware issue affecting a limited number of Philips Hue Bridge Pro devices under a very specific software update scenario,” the spokesperson explained. “The issue affects users who disabled automatic software updates, remained on an older software version for an extended period, and then manually installed a firmware update after the update package had been stored on the Bridge for more than 10 days.”
The spokesperson added that Signify could not provide further details on why the problem occurred. For affected users, the company is reportedly replacing bricked units, though the process of reconnecting dozens of lights to a new hub remains a significant inconvenience.
(Source: Ars Technica)
