Home Assistant Guide

Simple tutorials for powerful automations

Home Assistant Add-ons – Beginner's Guide

Add-ons are optional tools and extra services that you can install to expand what your Home Assistant system can do. Think of add-ons as "mini apps" that run alongside Home Assistant to add features like file editing, secure remote access, backups, or running other software (such as databases or code servers) right on your Home Assistant device.

What's the difference between Add-ons and Integrations?

  • Integrations connect Home Assistant to devices, services, or platforms (like Philips Hue lights, Google Home, or your weather service). They help Home Assistant talk to your smart home devices and cloud services.
  • Add-ons install extra software that runs beside Home Assistant, not within it. Add-ons might provide tools for managing your system, extra security, or advanced features (like a code editor or a database).
  • Example: The File Editor is an add-on (it gives you a way to edit files directly from your browser), while the Philips Hue integration lets you control your Hue lights.

Accessing & Using the Add-on Store

  1. In the Home Assistant sidebar, click Settings, then choose Add-ons.
  2. Browse the list by clicking the "Add-On Store" button, then browse or use the search bar to find an add-on you want.
  3. Click on the add-on, then hit Install.
  4. Once installed, most add-ons have options to Start, Restart, or Stop them, and you can click "Open Web UI" if they have a user interface.
  5. Add-ons often have configuration options – always check the add-on's documentation (linked within the store) for setup instructions.

Note: The Add-on Store is available by default in Home Assistant OS and Home Assistant Supervised installations. If you're running Home Assistant Container or Core, you won't see the Add-on Store.

What is "Start on Boot"?

Many add-ons have a Start on Boot toggle. If enabled, this makes sure the add-on will automatically start whenever your Home Assistant device restarts or powers on. It's useful for essential add-ons you want always running (like the File Editor or Terminal & SSH).

Some Useful Addons

  • File Editor – Lets you edit Home Assistant's configuration files directly from your browser. Great for quick tweaks, especially if you want to try advanced features.
  • Terminal & SSH – Provides a terminal/command-line in your browser and/or allows secure SSH access. Essential for troubleshooting or advanced configuration.
  • Samba Share – Makes your Home Assistant configuration folder available as a shared folder on your network (so you can access/edit files from your computer).
  • MariaDB – If you want to use an external database for storing Home Assistant data (optional, more advanced).
  • Node-RED – Adds a visual tool for creating automations with drag-and-drop logic (very popular for advanced automations).
  • Studio Code Server – Runs VS Code (a powerful code editor) in your browser, for power users who want a full editing environment.
  • Let's Encrypt – Automates SSL certificate creation for secure remote access (use with caution, follow docs).

You don't need to install all of these to get started – just pick what you find useful. The File Editor or Terminal & SSH are the most common first choices.

Tips for Beginners

  • Only install add-ons you need – each add-on uses resources on your device.
  • Always check the documentation for each add-on before changing options or updating.
  • If you're not sure, ask for help in the Home Assistant community forums!