FlowBits

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Multi-Scene Light Switch ​

FlowBits step sequences and timers make it easy to create a smart light switch that cycles through scenes with quick presses, but turns off after a pause. This creates an intuitive user experience: tap quickly to browse scenes, wait a moment and tap again to turn off.

This example shows how to set up a Philips Hue Wall Switch Module that cycles through different lighting presets in your living room.

What you'll get ​

A wall switch that behaves intelligently:

  • Lights off → First press turns on the first scene
  • Lights on + quick press (within 3 seconds) → Cycles to the next scene
  • Lights on + press after 3 seconds → Turns lights off

The available scenes are:

  1. Off — All lights off
  2. Bright — Full brightness for activities
  3. Relaxed — Warm, dimmed lighting for the evening
  4. Movie — Very dim ambient light

Requirements ​

  • A Philips Hue Wall Switch Module (or similar smart wall switch)
  • Smart lights in the room
  • Scenes configured in your Philips Hue app

How it works ​

The logic uses a timer to track whether the button was pressed recently:

  1. When the button is pressed and lights are off, go to step 1 and start a 3-second timer.
  2. When the button is pressed and the timer is running (quick press), cycle to the next scene and restart the timer.
  3. When the button is pressed and the timer is not running (after cooldown), turn off the lights.

Flow ​

Step 1: Press when lights are off ​

When the lights are off (sequence is at step 0), turn them on to the first scene.

Hue Wall Switch - Living room
Button 1 pressed
FlowBits
Sequence Living room switch equals 0
FlowBits
Set sequence Living room switch to 1
FlowBits
Start timer Living room switch with 3 seconds

Step 2: Quick press to cycle scenes ​

When the lights are on and the timer is still running (pressed within 3 seconds), cycle to the next scene.

Hue Wall Switch - Living room
Button 1 pressed
FlowBits
Timer Living room switch is running
FlowBits
Next step in Living room switch ( 1 – 3 )
FlowBits
Start timer Living room switch with 3 seconds

Step 3: Press after cooldown to turn off ​

When the lights are on and the timer has finished (pressed after 3 seconds), turn the lights off.

Hue Wall Switch - Living room
Button 1 pressed
FlowBits
Timer Living room switch is finished
FlowBits
Set sequence Living room switch to 0

Step 4: React to sequence changes ​

Now set up flows that react when the sequence reaches each step.

Turn off lights (step 0):

FlowBits
Sequence Living room switch reaches 0
Philips Hue
Turn all lights off in Living room

Activate Bright scene (step 1):

FlowBits
Sequence Living room switch reaches 1
Philips Hue
Activate the Living room bright scene

Activate Relaxed scene (step 2):

FlowBits
Sequence Living room switch reaches 2
Philips Hue
Activate the Living room relaxed scene

Activate Movie scene (step 3):

FlowBits
Sequence Living room switch reaches 3
Philips Hue
Activate the Living room movie scene

Tips ​

  • Adjust the cooldown — Change the 3-second timer to suit your preference. A shorter time requires quicker presses, while a longer time gives you more time to decide.

  • Use button 2 for instant off — If your wall switch has a second button, use it to turn off the lights immediately:

Hue Wall Switch - Living room
Button 2 pressed
FlowBits
Set sequence Living room switch to 0
FlowBits
Stop timer Living room switch
  • Reset when leaving — Reset the sequence when you leave home to ensure lights start from "off":
FlowBits
Away is activated
FlowBits
Set sequence Living room switch to 0
FlowBits
Stop timer Living room switch

Used FlowBits features ​