Troubleshooting

This guide covers common issues with We Love Lights and their solutions. If you can't find your issue here, check the FAQ or report an issue for help.

Bridge Connection Issues

Bridge Not Found

Problem: We Love Lights can't find your bridge during setup.

Solutions:

1. Verify Network:

   • Ensure Mac and bridge on same WiFi network
   • Check bridge has solid blue light (Philips Hue)
   • Verify bridge connected via Ethernet cable
   • Try pinging bridge IP address from Terminal

2. Check Bridge:

   • Power cycle bridge (unplug, wait 10 seconds, replug)
   • Wait 1-2 minutes for full boot
   • Verify bridge working in Hue mobile app

3. Try Manual Discovery:

   • Find bridge IP address (router admin panel or discovery.meethue.com)
   • Add bridge manually in Studio with IP address
   • See Bridge Discovery guide

4. Network Issues:

   • Temporarily disable VPN
   • Check firewall isn't blocking discovery
   • Verify no network isolation enabled (guest network)
   • Try from different Mac if available

Bridge Showing Offline

Problem: Previously connected bridge now shows offline.

Solutions:

1. Check Basics:

   • Verify bridge has power
   • Check Ethernet cable connected
   • Look for solid blue light (Hue)

2. Network Changed:

   • Bridge may have new IP address
   • Set static IP in router
   • Reconnect with new IP if needed

3. Restart Components:

   • Restart bridge (power cycle)
   • Restart router
   • Restart We Love Lights
   • Restart Mac (if needed)

4. Re-authenticate:

   • Remove and re-add bridge
   • Press button during authentication
   • Complete setup again

Authentication Failed

Problem: Can't authenticate with bridge.

Solutions:

1. Button Press:

   • Press button FIRMLY on top of bridge
   • Hold for 1-2 seconds
   • Bridge should respond with light
   • Try again within 30-second window

2. Timing:

   • Click authenticate in We Love Lights FIRST
   • Then immediately press bridge button
   • Don't wait too long between steps

3. Bridge Ready:

   • Ensure bridge fully booted (wait 2 minutes after power on)
   • Blue light should be solid, not blinking
   • If blinking, bridge still starting up

4. Bridge Full:

   • Check bridge isn't at user limit (rare)
   • Remove old apps/users from Hue app settings
   • Try again

Remote Access Not Working

Problem: Can't connect to bridge remotely.

Solutions:

1. Verify Setup:

   • Bridge must be registered to Hue account
   • We Love Lights must be authenticated with account
   • See Remote Access guide

2. Check Requirements:

   • Philips Hue Bridge v2 (square) only
   • Internet connection at home
   • Internet connection at current location
   • deCONZ bridges don't support remote

3. Test Connection:

   • Verify bridge online (check Hue mobile app)
   • Check home internet working
   • Confirm bridge has internet (Ethernet cable)

4. Re-authenticate:

   • Sign out of Hue account in We Love Lights
   • Sign in again
   • Verify authorization

Device Issues

Device Not Responding

Problem: Can't control a specific light or device.

Solutions:

1. Check Device Power:

   • Verify light has power (switch on)
   • Try device in different fixture (if possible)
   • Check circuit breaker hasn't tripped

2. Check Distance:

   • Device may be too far from bridge
   • Maximum range: ~30-50 feet depending on obstacles
   • Add Zigbee repeater (smart plug) between

3. Device State:

   • Light shows "unreachable" in app
   • Power cycle the light (off/on at switch)
   • Wait 30 seconds for reconnection

4. Bridge Communication:

   • Refresh devices in We Love Lights
   • Check in Hue mobile app
   • Re-pair device if persistent

Lights Not Turning On

Problem: Command sent but lights don't respond.

Solutions:

1. Verify Power:

   • Physical switch is ON
   • Light has electricity
   • Bulb properly seated in socket

2. Check Reachability:

   • Device shows as reachable in app?
   • If not, see "Device Not Responding" above

3. Test Individual:

   • Try turning on single light
   • If individual works, group or scene issue
   • If individual fails, device issue

4. Bridge Connection:

   • Verify bridge online
   • Check network stability
   • Restart bridge if needed

Colors Don't Look Right

Problem: Colors appear different than expected.

Solutions:

1. Understand Gamut:

   • Different bulb models have different color capabilities
   • Some colors impossible for certain bulbs
   • Use CIE picker to see what's possible

2. Check Bulb Type:

   • Verify bulb supports color (not just white ambiance)
   • Check model specifications
   • Some whites-only bulbs can't do colors

3. Environmental Factors:

   • Room color affects perceived light color
   • White walls reflect colors differently than colored walls
   • Lampshades filter and change colors

4. Try Different Picker:

   • Switch between color pickers
   • RGB for exact values
   • CIE for accurate capabilities
   • See Lights documentation

Smart Plug Not Working

Problem: Can't control smart plug.

Solutions:

1. Check Basics:

   • Plug firmly in outlet
   • Outlet has power (test with other device)
   • Device plugged into smart plug

2. Device Requirements:

   • Connected device switch in ON position
   • Device compatible with power cycling
   • Device within plug's power rating

3. Network Issues:

   • Plug reachable in app?
   • Within range of bridge?
   • Add repeater if needed

4. Reset and Repair:

   • Reset smart plug (check manual)
   • Re-pair with bridge
   • Test after pairing

Sensor Issues

Motion Sensor Not Triggering

Problem: Walking past sensor doesn't activate lights.

Solutions:

1. Check Battery:

   • Low battery primary cause
   • Replace with fresh batteries
   • Verify correct polarity

2. Check Range:

   • Sensor effective within ~5 meters
   • Line of sight important
   • Large objects block detection

3. Verify Rules:

   • Rules properly configured?
   • Time-based conditions met?
   • Light level threshold appropriate?
   • See Motion Sensors

4. Test Sensor:

   • Check sensor status in app
   • Last motion detected timestamp
   • Verify sensor reachable

False Motion Triggers

Problem: Lights turning on without motion.

Solutions:

1. Check Placement:

   • Sensor pointing at window? (sunlight triggers)
   • Near heat source? (vents, radiators)
   • Pets triggering sensor?

2. Adjust Sensitivity:

   • Reduce sensitivity if available
   • Some sensors have adjustable settings
   • Check sensor configuration

3. Secure Mounting:

   • Loose sensor vibrates and triggers
   • Ensure firmly mounted
   • Check mounting surface stable

4. Environmental:

   • Moving curtains near sensor
   • Air conditioning blowing objects
   • Shadows from outside

Switch Not Working

Problem: Physical switch button does nothing.

Solutions:

1. Battery:

   • Check and replace battery
   • Clean battery contacts
   • Verify correct battery type

2. Range:

   • Switch within range of bridge?
   • Test closer to bridge
   • Add repeater if needed

3. Configuration:

   • Buttons properly configured?
   • Actions assigned to buttons?
   • See Switches documentation

4. Pairing:

   • Switch paired with bridge?
   • Check in Hue app
   • Re-pair if needed

5. Physical:

   • Press button firmly
   • Some switches need harder press
   • Check for physical damage

Performance Issues

Slow Response Times

Problem: Long delay between command and light response.

Solutions:

1. Network Quality:

   • Check WiFi signal strength
   • Reduce distance to router
   • Minimize interference (microwaves, other WiFi)

2. Bridge Performance:

   • Too many devices on bridge?
   • Approaching 50-light limit?
   • Consider second bridge

3. Command Frequency:

   • Don't send too many commands at once
   • Allow commands to complete
   • Batch changes when possible

4. Remote vs Local:

   • Remote always slower than local
   • Use local when home
   • Verify not accidentally using remote

5. App Performance:

   • Restart We Love Lights
   • Check Mac performance (CPU, memory)
   • Close unnecessary apps

App Feels Sluggish

Problem: We Love Lights interface is slow.

Solutions:

1. Too Many Items:

   • Hide unused devices
   • Limit visible items
   • Clean up old scenes/groups

2. Mac Performance:

   • Check Activity Monitor
   • Close other apps
   • Restart Mac if needed
   • Check available RAM

3. Network Issues:

   • Slow network affects bridge communication
   • Improve WiFi if possible
   • Check no network congestion

4. Studio vs Menu Bar:

   • Close Studio when not needed
   • Menu bar lighter weight
   • Studio more resource intensive

Automation Delays

Problem: Rules or Shortcuts execute slowly.

Solutions:

1. Simplify Rules:

   • Complex rules take longer
   • Reduce number of conditions
   • Simplify logic

2. Network Path:

   • Ensure good connection to bridge
   • Minimize network hops
   • Check no VPN interference

3. Timeout Values:

   • Some delay is normal (1-2 seconds)
   • Motion sensor processing time
   • Zigbee mesh communication

4. Multiple Bridges:

   • Coordinating bridges takes time
   • Sequential execution adds delay
   • Expected with complex multi-bridge rules

macOS Integration Issues

Menu Bar Icon Missing

Problem: Can't find We Love Lights in menu bar.

Solutions:

1. Check Running:

   • App actually running?
   • Check Dock or Activity Monitor
   • Launch from Applications

2. Menu Bar Full:

   • macOS hides icons if menu bar full
   • Quit other menu bar apps
   • Hold ⌘ and drag icons to reorganize

3. Display Issues:

   • Check if app crashed
   • Restart We Love Lights
   • Restart Mac if persistent

4. Preferences:

   • Check app preferences
   • Ensure menu bar icon enabled
   • Verify no "hide icon" setting active

Global Hotkeys Not Working

Problem: Keyboard shortcuts don't respond.

Solutions:

1. Accessibility Permissions:

   • System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility
   • Ensure We Love Lights enabled
   • May need to remove and re-add

2. Shortcut Conflicts:

   • Check for conflicts with other apps
   • Try different key combination
   • Avoid system shortcuts

3. App Running:

   • We Love Lights must be running
   • Can be in background
   • Check Activity Monitor

4. Hotkey Enabled:

   • Verify hotkey enabled in preferences
   • Check not accidentally disabled
   • Re-create if needed

Shortcuts Automation Not Triggering

Problem: macOS Shortcuts automation doesn't run.

Solutions:

1. Check Permissions:

   • System Settings → Privacy & Security → Automation
   • Shortcuts must have permissions
   • We Love Lights must be authorized

2. Verify Trigger:

   • Trigger conditions correct?
   • Time accurate?
   • Location services enabled (if location-based)?

3. Test Manually:

   • Run shortcut manually first
   • If works manually but not auto, trigger issue
   • If fails manually, shortcut issue

4. Notifications:

   • Check if notification asking for approval
   • Disable "Ask Before Running" in automation
   • Enable "Notify When Run" to verify execution

Data and Sync Issues

Changes Don't Sync

Problem: Changes made don't appear on other devices/apps.

Solutions:

1. Refresh:

   • Click refresh in We Love Lights
   • Wait 10-30 seconds
   • Check in other app

2. Bridge Storage:

   • Changes stored on bridge
   • Verify bridge connection stable
   • Check changes saved (not just previewed)

3. App Compatibility:

   • Ensure using compatible features
   • Some advanced features may not sync everywhere
   • Official Hue app may not show all We Love Lights features

Lost Configuration

Problem: Scenes, groups, or rules disappeared.

Solutions:

1. Check Bridge:

   • Verify connected to correct bridge
   • Multiple bridges? Check bridge selector

2. Hidden Items:

   • Check Settings → Hidden Items
   • Items may be hidden, not deleted
   • Unhide to restore

3. Bridge Reset:

   • Did bridge reset?
   • Power loss or factory reset?
   • May need to reconfigure

4. App Update:

   • Recent app update?
   • Check release notes
   • Report if bug

Getting More Help

If these solutions don't resolve your issue:

1. Check Documentation:

   • Search documentation for specific feature
   • Review relevant guides
   • Check FAQ

2. Gather Information:

   • Note exact error messages
   • Document steps to reproduce
   • Check app version and macOS version

3. Report Issue:

   • Use in-app bug reporter
   • Include logs and details
   • See Reporting Issues

4. Try Demo Mode:

   • Test if issue is app or hardware
   • Demo Mode useful for isolation
   • Compare behavior

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Still need help? Report an issue or check the FAQ.