How to Install Philips Hue Sync for Mac and Windows

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn How To:

• Install Philips Hue's Hue Sync application to control your Hue Lights from your computer.

Before We Begin:

• Have your Hue lights setup.
• Be at your computer.
• Be able to access your Hue Bridge.

2. OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your computer is using.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for personal computers currently available, Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS.

Microsoft WindowsApple macOSMicrosoft Windows runs on computers produced by multiple companies, such as Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and Sony.Apple is the only company that makes macOS computers.

3. Install

1. Open your preferred browser.
   

1. Type www.meethue.com/entertainment/hue-sync and press Enter on your keyboard.
   

1. Scroll down the page, and select "Download for Windows".
   

1. Open the download.
   

1. Windows will ask for permission to start the install program. Select Yes.
   

1. A welcome screen will be displayed, select Next.
   

1. The Installer will ask where you want Hue Sync installed. The default is fine, select Next.
   

1. The Installer will ask what icons you'd like created. The defaults are fine, select Next.
   

1. A summary of the choices will be shown. Select Install.
   

1. Hue Sync has been installed. We need to set it up in the next step. Make sure the Run Hue Sync option is checked, then select Done.
   

4. First-Time Setup

In order to use Hue Sync, you must connect the Hue Sync program to your Philips Hue bridge.

1. Open Hue Sync if it's not already open.
   

1. Select Search for bridge.
   

1. Once your bridge is found, place a checkmark to indicate you agree with the terms and conditions and privacy policy, then select Connect.
   

1. You will be asked to press the button on your Hue Bridge.
   

1. Press the large button on the center-top of your Hue Bridge.
   

1. Select the entertainment area or room your computer is located in.
   

1. Hue Sync is now fully setup, and you can begin using the program to sync your lights to the music, video, and games on your computer!
   

5. How to Use Philips Hue Sync Software

Show Me How

Clicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

6. Install

1. Open your preferred browser.
   

1. Type www.meethue.com/entertainment/hue-sync and press Return on your keyboard.
   

1. Scroll down the page, and select "Download for Mac OS".
   

1. Open the download.
   

1. The Hue Sync installer will open and show a few notes about the installation. Select Continue.
   

1. The standard install options will be selected automatically, and the installer will inform you how much space will be used. Select Install.
   

1. In order to install any software on your Mac, you must provide your macOS password. Type in your macOS password, then select Install Software.
   

1. Hue Sync installs as an 'Accessibility Service'; this is so it can listen to audio, watch your screen, then sync that information up to your Hue lights. Select Open System Preferences.
   

1. In Security & Privacy Preferences, select the Lock in the bottom-left corner so we can make changes.
   

1. To make changes to Security & Privacy Preferences, macOS needs your password. Type in your macOS password, and select Unlock.
   

1. Place a checkmark next to Hue Sync.
   

1. The installer will complete. Select Close.
   

1. The installer will ask if you wish to move it to Trash. The software is installed, we do not need the installer program any longer. Select Move to Trash.
   

1. Select Finder from your Dock.
   

1. From the menu at top, select Go, then Applications.
   

1. In your Applications, open Hue Sync, so we can complete the setup of the software.