Install HACS on Home Assistant Docker - QNAP NAS

• Setting Up HACS in Home Assistant
• Alternative Installation Methods
• Using HACS
• Conclusion

🎥 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

Prerequisites

• Home Assistant running in QNAP Container Station
• A GitHub account (required for HACS authentication)

Step 1: Access Container Station

Log in to your QNAP web interface and open Container Station.

Step 2: Open Console for Home Assistant

1. Find your Home Assistant container in the list
2. Click on the container to view its details
3. Navigate to Actions => Execute
4. Make sure /bin/bash is selected and click Execute

Step 3: Install HACS

In the terminal window, run the installation command:

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

Step 4: Restart the Container

1. Close the window
2. Select your Home Assistant container and click the "Restart" button

Common Error: "Bad download link error" - If you encounter this, see the alternative installation methods at the end of this guide.

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

Step 2: Add HACS Integration

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

Step 3: Accept Terms and Conditions

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

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

Step 5: Authorize HACS

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

Step 6: Complete Setup

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

Step 7: Access HACS

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

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 Container Station doesn't work for your setup:

• Portainer Installation - For users who prefer a web-based GUI interface
• Terminal Installation - If you have SSH access to your QNAP NAS

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 Home Assistant running on QNAP NAS! Container Station provides a convenient way to manage your Docker containers.

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!