Bridge
A bridge is a small hub made by one brand, such as the Philips Hue Bridge, that connects that brand’s devices to your network and its app.
What it means for you
Brand bridges usually plug into your router by Ethernet, and many can expose their devices to Matter so Apple Home, Google Home and Alexa can control them. A bridge keeps the brand’s devices off your Wi-Fi, which can help if you have lots of bulbs.
Guides on this topic
- Philips Hue Bridge Setup, Matter and Unreachable Lights
Bridge and Bridge Pro lights, adding Hue to Apple Home, Google Home or Alexa with Matter, and fixing unreachable lights.
- Lutron Caséta Setup and Troubleshooting
Smart Hub setup over Ethernet, Pico pairing, LED flicker and low-end trim, FASS and over-temperature fixes, and dimmer reset, from Lutron's guides.
- Best Smart Lighting Starter Kits
Philips Hue Bridge and Bridge Pro kits vs hub-free Wi-Fi Matter bulbs from Tapo and WiZ, and what to check before you buy.
- Do Smart Plugs Need a Hub?
When a plug needs a hub: Wi-Fi vs Matter, Thread border routers, Zigbee and Z-Wave.
Related terms
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Definitions are short and general. For model-specific details, check your device maker’s own documentation.