Getting Started
Step-by-step guides for beginners—setting up Home Assistant, first automations, adding devices, and understanding the basics.
- 📌Introduction to Home AssistantHome Assistant is free, privacy-focused smart home software. Install it on devices like Raspberry Pi or HA Green, add optional Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Thread dongles, and control nearly any smart device - all locally, with powerful automations.
- 📌Installing Home Assistant OSHome Assistant OS is the easiest, most reliable way to run Home Assistant. Just plug in or flash the image, follow the setup wizard, and enjoy automatic updates, add-ons, and full smart home control.
- 📌Tips for First-Time Home Assistant UsersThis article covers ten essential tips for new Home Assistant users - including naming, areas, backups, HACS, categories, Advanced Mode, static IP, security, File Editor, remote access, and more - to help you start smart and avoid common pitfalls.
- 📌Overview of the Side BarThe Home Assistant sidebar is your main menu for dashboards, maps, energy, logbook, history, media, to-do lists, developer tools, settings, notifications, and your profile. Easily navigate and manage your smart home - all from one place.
- 📌Configuration.yaml ExplainedThe configuration.yaml file is Home Assistant's main configuration file, used for advanced settings and customizations. Edit it for features not available in the UI - just remember to back up and validate changes before restarting.
- File Editor AddonLearn how to install, use, and configure the File Editor add-on in Home Assistant. This guide covers sidebar setup, common uses, known limitations, troubleshooting tips, and when to upgrade to the more advanced VS Code add-on.
- Automations vs. Scripts: When to Use EachLearn the difference between automations and scripts in Home Assistant, when to use each, and see simple examples of both.
- ScenesScenes in Home Assistant let you set multiple devices to specific states with one tap, automation, or voice command - perfect for routines like "Movie Night" or "Leaving Home." Easily create, edit, and activate scenes for quick, coordinated control.
- Dashboards ExplainedDashboards in Home Assistant let you create custom control panels for your smart home using a simple visual editor - no YAML needed. Add views, sections, and cards to organize and personalize your smart home interface.
- Setting Up a Voice AssistantSet up a basic voice assistant in Home Assistant in minutes: enable Home Assistant Cloud, add a Voice Assistant device, and start using voice commands to control your smart home. Easily expand or customize your assistant as your needs grow!