Enable HACS - Home Assistant Community Store
Many devices you may want to control are not supported by the default included Home Assistant install. When searching online for how to connect a device with search terms like "Home Assistant [Your Device]" you will find Github repos with installation instructions. Most of these use HACS to install them, so you'll need to install HACS first.
Don't be dumb like me and try to install HACS add-ons through the native Home Assistant Add-on page. Install HACS first!
Installing HACS
Follow the most recent instructions provided by HACS: https://www.hacs.xyz/docs/use/
In summary, this will include:
- Adding the HACS Add-On Store in Settings > Add-ons within Home Assistant.
- Checking the Settings > System > Logs > Get HACS for any messages about additional manual steps (I had none)
- Restarting Home Assistant in Settings > System and press the power icon in the upper right.
- Adding the HACS Service under Settings > Devices & Services
Once installed, HACS will appear in the main Home Assistant Side menu.
Installing HACS Integrations
WARNING: HACS addons are generally not as stable as official ones. Many are abandoned & broken already, or may break over time. Go to the integration's Github Repo to report any issues or ask any questions. Also check if they are still actively maintained.
From the HACS option in the side-menu, you can browse and find additional devices/services that are supported or add the repository URL for any you find online not listed.
Some GitHub repos even provide a link that will route you straight to your Home Assistant install and add the integration when clicked.
Once an integration is Downloaded/Installed, you set it up through the usual Settings > Devices & Services page just like a native integration.
I found that after first installing HACS and adding some custom integrations, adding them from the Devices & Services was not working. The page seemed to just load forever. I left it for the night and in the morning had no issues. If you have this issue after adding your first HACS integrations, just give it some time and come back. A restart of Home Assistant may also help.