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Install HACS on Home Assistant Docker Using Terminal

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    Simply Smart House
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🎥 Follow along with the video tutorial below:

What is HACS?

HACS (Home Assistant Community Store) is an add-on for Home Assistant that offers a user-friendly interface for discovering and installing custom elements. Think of it as an app store for Home Assistant, but created by the community. With HACS, you can easily browse and install:

  • Custom dashboards and cards
  • Custom integrations for devices not yet supported by core Home Assistant
  • Themes to personalize your Home Assistant interface
  • Automations and scripts shared by the community

Why Use the Terminal Method?

The terminal method is the most universal and reliable way to install HACS on Docker. This method works on any system with Docker command-line access and is perfect for:

  • Linux servers and remote systems
  • Users comfortable with command line
  • Headless installations
  • When GUI methods fail or aren't available

Prerequisites

  • Home Assistant running in Docker
  • Terminal/SSH access to your Docker host
  • A GitHub account (required for HACS authentication)

Terminal Installation

This method uses direct terminal commands to install HACS on any system with terminal access to Docker.

Step 1: Connect to your Docker container

First, you'll need to identify your Home Assistant container name and connect to it:

List your containers:

docker ps
Docker PS Command Output

Connect to your container (replace [YOUR_CONTAINER_NAME] with your actual container name):

docker exec -it [YOUR_CONTAINER_NAME] bash

Example:

docker exec -it homeassistant bash

Step 2: Download and Install HACS

Once connected to your container, run the HACS installation command:

wget -O - https://get.hacs.xyz | bash -

Step 3: Exit the Container

After the installation completes, exit the container:

exit

Step 4: Restart Home Assistant

For the changes to take effect, restart your Home Assistant container:

docker restart [YOUR_CONTAINER_NAME]

Example:

docker restart homeassistant

Setting Up HACS in Home Assistant

After installation and restart, you'll need to configure HACS within Home Assistant:

Step 1: Open Integrations

  1. Open your Home Assistant dashboard
  2. Go to Settings → Devices & Services

Open your Home Assistant instance and show your settings menu.

Home Assistant Settings

Open your Home Assistant instance and show your integrations.

Devices and Services

Step 2: Add HACS Integration

  1. Click the Add Integration button in the bottom right corner
  2. Search for "HACS" and select it

Open your Home Assistant instance and start setting up a new integration.

HACS Selection

Step 3: Accept Terms and Conditions

Review and accept the HACS terms and conditions by checking all boxes, then click Submit.

HACS Terms

Step 4: GitHub Authentication

  1. Copy the device code shown on screen
  2. Click the link to open GitHub authorization
  3. Log in to your GitHub account if needed
GitHub Activation

Step 5: Authorize HACS

  1. Paste the code you copied into the GitHub device activation page
  2. Click Authorize HACS
GitHub Device Activation Authorize HACS

Step 6: Complete Setup

  1. Choose an area for the HACS integration (optional)
  2. Click Finish
HACS Success

Step 7: Access HACS

After installation, you should see the HACS icon in your sidebar.

HACS Logo

Can't see the HACS icon? Perform a hard refresh of your browser:

  • Windows/Linux: CTRL+F5
  • Mac: CMD+SHIFT+R

Alternative Installation Methods

If the terminal method doesn't work for your setup, we have dedicated guides for other installation methods:

Using HACS

Now that you've installed HACS, you can browse for:

  • Integrations: Add support for devices and services not included in core Home Assistant
  • Frontend: Add custom cards and elements to enhance your dashboards
  • Themes: Change the appearance of your Home Assistant interface

Each element in HACS comes with its own documentation for configuration and use.

Conclusion

You've now successfully installed HACS on your Docker-based Home Assistant using the terminal method! This universal approach works reliably across all platforms and provides direct access to the installation process.

With HACS, you can expand Home Assistant's capabilities with community-created integrations, dashboards, and themes.

Explore the available components and enjoy customizing your smart home experience.

If you encounter any issues or have questions, feel free to leave a comment below!