Create a Shortcut
- Open the Shortcuts app
- On the My Shortcuts tab, tap the + button at the top
- Tap Add Action
- Search for Hue Essentials and add one of the actions
- Now configure the action. For example you may need to select a group or a scene
- You have created a shortcut. Tap the play icon at the bottom to try it out. Multiple actions can be added to a single shortcut.
Usage of Siri Shortcuts requires Premium package in Hue Essentials.
See also: Shortcuts User Guide - Apple Support
Add a Shortcut to the Home screen
You can add shortcuts to the Home screen for quick control of your lights.
- First create a shortcut which is shown above
- On the Home Screen touch and hold an empty area until the apps jiggle.
- Tap the Add + button at the top
- Search for the Shortcuts app and add a widget
- Tap the widget to configure it (if the apps do not jiggle, long press it instead)
- Select the shortcut you created
- Tap Done at the top
If you selected one of the larger Shortcuts widgets (for multiple shortcuts), you may need to add your shortcuts to a Shortcuts Folder first before configuring the widget.
Old Today View widgets (iOS & iPadOS 13)
- Go to the Today View on your Home screen (1st page)
- Scroll to the bottom
- Tap the Edit button
- Choose one of the Shortcuts widgets by tapping the + icon
- Tap Done at the top
If a widget is missing from the list, restart your device and try again.
Run actions with automations
- Open the Shortcuts app
- On the Automation tab, tap the + button at the top
- Tap Create Personal Automation
- Select any automation you want, configure it on the next page, and tap Next at the top.
- Tap Add Action
- Search for Hue Essentials and add one of the actions
- Now configure the action. For example you may need to select a group or a scene
- Tap the play icon at the bottom to try it out. Multiple actions can be added to a single shortcut
- Tap Next at the top, and then Done to save it. Your automation is now enabled