(working step-by-step plan at the bottom of the review)
After getting started with the Philips Hue starter package, we missed an extra remote to operate separate groups. This was the most convenient and inexpensive solution. This is because we did not want to do everything via Google Home voice control or pick up the phone every time, open the app and operate the lamps from there.
It took some effort to get it working, but now that it does work, I'm very satisfied!
The step-by-step plan:
Take remote out of the box (duh)
Remove the battery tab
Open the Philips Hue app, click on settings --> Accessory configuration --> Add accessory --> Hue dimmer switch --> Option 1 ---- Do nothing else
Stand as close to the Hue Bridge as possible (within 2 meters)
Press and hold the button with the 2 lamps on the remote. LEDs 1, 3, 5 flash. Quickly press the LED flashes in the Hue app. Continue to hold the button until all 5 LEDs light up.
You can now release the button.
Now we are going to connect the lamps and here is the punch line.
If you've only just screwed in your lamp and turned on the power, it's pretty easy. Hold the remote up to/against the correct lamp, choose a channel and hold the "I" button (On button) until the lamp flashes 3 times and then after a short pause it quickly flashes 2x again. Release.
If you've been using your Hue lights for a while, do the following:
Turn off the physical switch so that the lamp has no power at all. Wait at least 5 seconds and turn it back on. The lamp should now burn at full power by default. Now you can go through the same pairing steps.
If you want multiple lamps on one 'group', you repeat the process without switching groups (there is a maximum of lamps per group)