Security

FAQ list

Where are the video clips from my Secure camera stored?

Video recordings are stored in Philips Hue's secure cloud storage and are encrypted end-to-end. You can also download a recorded video via the Philips Hue app and store it locally in a location of your choosing. Read more about the tools we provide to protect your data and privacy.

Does the Secure camera or Philips Hue cloud analyze my camera feed?

Philips Hue and its cloud will never analyze your camera feed. The Secure camera’s built-in AI analyzes the feed, which is done on the camera itself. Any video that leaves the camera is end-to-end encrypted to ensure it cannot be viewed anywhere except for authorized apps.  

Will I be asked to share my encryption passphrase?

You should only share your encryption passphrase with people you want to give access to your video recordings. If you share your passphrase, they will be able to connect to your cameras. For your security, treat these passphrases with extreme care. Philips Hue will never request your passphrase. 

What is end-to-end encryption?

End-to-end encryption is a security method that keeps your data secure. With end-to-end encryption, no one, including Philips Hue or third parties, can access your video clips or live view. All data is fully encrypted in the camera and requires an encryption key (passphrase) to access it. End-to-end encryption is enabled by default to ensure your data is protected. 

The end-to-end encryption keys are never sent via the Philips Hue cloud. Philips Hue will never request your passphrase. 

I don't want to use my Secure camera anymore. How do I remove everything from my system?

To remove the Secure camera from your system, unlink it from your Philips Hue app by going to Settings > Camera. Select the camera you want to remove and tap Delete. Deleting a camera or removing it from your Home automatically factory resets the camera. 

Once you do this, any recorded video clips are automatically deleted. You can download the ones you'd like to keep beforehand. 

Who can access my video history?

Only admins and users with Security: Advanced permissions in your Philips Hue Home can see your video history.

You can check what permissions you have in the Philips Hue app by going to Settings > My Hue system. Tap the "i" icon next to the Home name, and then tap My permissions.

Is two-factor authentication mandatory if I want to use a Secure camera with my Philips Hue account?

Two-factor authentication is not mandatory, but it's strongly recommended as it provides an extra layer of security for your account.

How do I know if a Secure camera is recording?

If you're near the Secure camera, look at the LED indicator. If it is pulsing red, the camera is recording.

Where should I store the encryption passphrase to access my Secure camera?

You can look up your passphrase in the Philips Hue app by going to Settings > Security > Video encryption. However, we recommend saving it somewhere secure, such as a password manager. You’ll need to enter this passphrase on each mobile device with access to this Home. 

What should I do if I lost my end-to-end encryption passphrase?

Anyone in the Home with admin or Security: Advanced permissions who has entered the passphrase can share it at any time. Ask another member of your Home with the passphrase to share it with you. They can find it in Settings > Security > Video encryption. 

If no one else has these permissions, you can create a new passphrase in Settings > Security > Video encryption. This will delete all video clips, and you will have to reconnect all cameras to your Home. This is to ensure that your data remains private. 

What should I do if the Hue app doesn't recognize my passphrase?

Check the following:

  • Is this the right passphrase for this Home?
  • Is another device connected to the same Home?
  • If so, share the passphrase with the mobile device with which you are having an issue. You can also ask another admin or member with Security: Advanced permissions.

If you're still unable to enter your passphrase, reset it in the Philips Hue app. Go to Settings > Security > Video encryption. Note that this will delete all video clips, and you will have to reconnect all cameras to your Home.

Is there anything I'm not allowed to record with Secure cameras?

Laws may vary by your location, so it's your responsibility to make sure the recordings meet privacy laws in your area. Consult your local legislation for more information.  

To help you comply with these laws, Philips Hue Secure offers Blackout zones. This setting “blacks out” (or obscures) certain areas of your camera's field of vision. 

Can someone disable a Secure camera?

Any security camera can be disabled, but because Philips Hue Secure cameras start recording as soon as motion is detected, the person and their actions will be captured on video as long as your system is armed. 

*When a bulb displays "Up to" a certain number of lumens in its specifications, it displays the maximum lumen output of the bulb. It shows how bright the bulb can get at 2700 K (White bulbs) or 4000 K (White ambiance or White and color ambiance bulbs). Learn more about brightness