Getting Started
Step-by-step guides for beginners—setting up Home Assistant, first automations, adding devices, and understanding the basics.
- Tags ExplainedTags are NFC stickers or QR codes you scan with your phone to trigger automations in Home Assistant. Tap or scan to run routines, log tasks, or control devices. Set up, name, and link tags to automations under Settings → Tags.
- ScriptsScripts in Home Assistant let you group actions together - like turning off lights, sending notifications, and more - so you can run routines with a single tap, voice command, or automation. Great for organizing and reusing sequences of tasks!
- Introduction to HACS - Home Assistant Community StoreHACS is a community-powered add-on store for Home Assistant, letting you easily find and install custom integrations, dashboards, cards, and themes. Browse, update, and manage community creations directly from your Home Assistant sidebar.
- Home Assistant User Profile SettingsHome Assistant user profile settings let you personalize language, time, sidebar, theme, and security preferences. Easily access your profile from the sidebar to tailor your interface and privacy for each user and device.
- Home Assistant UpdatesStay up to date with Home Assistant for new features, bug fixes, and security. Always back up before updating, read release notes for breaking changes, and check your system after each update to ensure everything works smoothly.
- Home Assistant Cloud SettingsHome Assistant Cloud settings let you easily enable secure remote access, cloud-based voice assistants, text-to-speech, and more. This article explains each setting and how to use them for the safest, simplest cloud features in Home Assistant.
- Home Assistant CloudHome Assistant Cloud is an optional paid service that adds easy remote access, voice assistant integration, and privacy-focused features to Home Assistant. It's simple to set up, supports the project, and can be tried free for 30 days.
- Developer Tools: The BasicsHome Assistant's Developer Tools let you test, check, and troubleshoot your smart home setup. Use tabs like States, Actions, and Template to view live data, run actions, and debug automations - all from one easy-to-access section.
- Blueprints ExplainedBlueprints are reusable templates for Home Assistant automations and scripts. Easily import, customize, and share powerful automations - no YAML needed - making setup quick, consistent, and beginner-friendly.
- AutomationsAutomations let Home Assistant perform actions automatically based on triggers, conditions, and actions - no app or button needed. Easily create smart routines for lights, notifications, or devices to make your home respond to your needs.