TamselGuides · Updated 11 October 2026
Hue switch and sensor batteries: which battery goes where
Hue switches and sensors run on batteries for years – and then all at once you need the right cell. Here is which one goes where, according to Philips.
Battery overview
| Device | Battery | Battery life (Philips) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimmer switch (current model, one on/off button) | 1× CR2032 | at least 2 years |
| Dimmer switch (older model, separate on and off buttons) | 1× CR2450 | – |
| Smart button | 1× CR2032 | – |
| Tap dial switch | 1× CR2032 | – |
| Wall switch module (battery version) | 1× CR2450 | at least 5 years |
| Motion sensor (indoor) | 2× AAA | at least 2 years |
| Outdoor motion sensor | 2× AA (LR6) | at least 2 years |
| Hue Tap switch (original) | none – powered by the button press | – |
A dash means Philips does not state a figure. Real battery life depends on use: a motion sensor in a busy hallway wakes far more often than one in a guest room.
CR2032 and CR2450 are not interchangeable
The digits of a coin cell give its size: a CR2032 is 20 mm across and 3.2 mm thick, a CR2450 is 24.5 mm across and 5.0 mm thick. A CR2032 does not fit an older dimmer switch, and a CR2450 does not fit the current one. Check which dimmer you have before buying: the older one has separate on and off buttons.
How you notice a low battery
The Hue app tracks the battery level of each switch and sensor and shows a warning when one needs replacing. What it does not offer is an overview across all devices and bridges, or an idea of when the next cell will be due. Tamsel, a Mac app for Hue, lists the levels of all switches and sensors on every bridge, estimates when each will run low, builds a shopping list (for example “3× CR2032, 2× AAA”) and checks after the swap that the device reports a fresh battery.
Swapping the battery
- Note which way the old cell sits (the + side is marked) and insert the new one the same way.
- Use fresh cells from one pack; for sensors, replace both batteries together.
- Afterwards press a button or walk past the sensor once, so it reports to the bridge.
- Coin cells are dangerous if swallowed – keep new and used cells away from children, and get medical help immediately if one is swallowed.
Tamsel: all your Hue Bridges on the Mac
Rooms by floor across every bridge, a floor plan that glows, scenes and effects, and a maintenance view with battery levels and unreachable devices. €2.99, no subscription.
Questions
Which battery does the Philips Hue dimmer switch use?
The current dimmer switch with one combined on/off button uses one CR2032. The older model with separate on and off buttons uses one CR2450.
Which batteries does the Hue motion sensor need?
The indoor motion sensor takes 2× AAA, the outdoor motion sensor 2× AA. Philips states a battery life of at least two years.
Can I use a CR2032 instead of a CR2450?
No. A CR2450 is 24.5 mm wide and 5 mm thick, a CR2032 only 20 mm and 3.2 mm. It would not sit firmly in the holder.