How to Copy Files From GitHub to Home Assistant

As smart home platforms expand and become more customizable, Home Assistant has emerged as a favorite for users seeking a powerful, open-source automation solution. One of the many strengths of Home Assistant is its flexibility, which includes the ability to integrate custom code, scripts, and configurations from repositories like GitHub. However, for many new users, copying files from GitHub to Home Assistant can be confusing. This guide provides a clear walkthrough of the process and offers best practices to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Why Use GitHub With Home Assistant?

GitHub serves as a central hub where developers and the Home Assistant community share custom components, configurations, themes, and automation scripts. Whether it is a custom card for the Lovelace UI or a new integration that hasn’t made it into the core system, GitHub is the go-to source for innovation and community-driven enhancements.

Some benefits of using GitHub for Home Assistant include:

• Access to cutting-edge features before they’re officially released
• Community support through issues, pull requests, and documentation
• Reusable code that saves time and effort

Understanding Where Files Should Go

Before diving into the procedure, it’s essential to understand where GitHub files should be placed within Home Assistant. Home Assistant’s configuration has a folder structure where different types of files reside:

• /config/custom_components/ — For custom integrations and components
• /config/themes/ — For UI themes
• /config/www/ — For frontend elements like custom cards and images

Each file you download from GitHub typically comes with instructions on where to place it within your installation directory. Always check the project’s README before proceeding.

Methods to Copy Files From GitHub to Home Assistant

1. Using the GitHub Interface Manually

The most straightforward method is downloading files directly from the GitHub repository and manually placing them in your Home Assistant configuration folder.

1. Navigate to the GitHub repository of the desired script or integration.
2. Click the green “Code” button and select Download ZIP.
3. Extract the ZIP file on your computer.
4. Use an SFTP client (like FileZilla or WinSCP) to connect to your Home Assistant system.
5. Upload the extracted files into the correct directory on your Home Assistant machine.

While simple, this method requires that your Home Assistant installation has SSH/SFTP access enabled.

2. Using Git Within Home Assistant (Advanced)

Advanced users can install Git directly onto the Home Assistant host or VM and clone repositories using command-line tools.

1. SSH into your Home Assistant server.
2. Navigate to the appropriate folder, e.g., /config/custom_components/.
3. Use the following command:

   git clone https://github.com/username/repository-name.git

This method is ideal for developers or power users who want to keep their custom components up to date using Git’s pull command.

Note: Home Assistant OS or Supervised installations may not have Git by default. You can only use this method on installations that permit additional package installations.

3. Using Home Assistant Community Store (HACS)

HACS makes the entire process simple by offering a user interface within Home Assistant to browse, install, and update community-created integrations, themes, and frontend elements.

Steps for setting up HACS:

1. Go to GitHub and create a Personal Access Token.
2. In Home Assistant, go to Settings > Add-ons and install the Terminal & SSH add-on.
3. Follow the HACS installation instructions from their GitHub repository:

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

4. Restart Home Assistant and go to Configuration > Integrations to complete setup.

Once set up, HACS allows you to search for thousands of community entries, install them with a few clicks, and keep them updated effortlessly.

Best Practices When Copying Files

• Backup frequently: Always back up your configuration files before making significant changes.
• Follow README instructions: Each GitHub repository will have installation notes—follow these closely.
• Validate your configuration: After adding new code, go to Home Assistant’s Server Controls and click Check Configuration.
• Restart Home Assistant: Most new components require a restart to become active.

Common Error Scenarios and Fixes

• Missing manifest.json: If you’re installing a custom component and forget the manifest.json file, Home Assistant won’t recognize it.
• Wrong folder structure: Make sure you’re placing the files in the right level (e.g., not a folder within a folder).
• File permission issues: Ensure all files are uploaded with correct permissions, readable by Home Assistant.

Keeping GitHub Files Updated

When you’re using custom components manually copied into Home Assistant, you need to revisit the GitHub repo to check for updates. Use the following tips:

• Watch the repository to get notified of changes.
• Bookmark the GitHub releases page to check for version updates.
• If using Git to clone the repo, run git pull periodically to fetch updates.

Summary

Copying GitHub files into Home Assistant opens up a world of possibilities for customization and functionality. Whether you’re seeking UI improvements, new integrations, or creative automation templates, the community shared on GitHub offers a treasure trove of resources. While methods vary—from manual downloads to using tools like HACS—the key is understanding the file structure and following installation instructions carefully. With a little practice, enhancing Home Assistant with GitHub becomes second nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install Git on Home Assistant to use GitHub files?

No. You can manually download and upload files using SFTP, or use HACS without installing Git.

What is HACS and why should I use it?

HACS (Home Assistant Community Store) is a custom integration that allows you to browse and manage community-created content from a UI within Home Assistant.

Can I break my Home Assistant installation by using code from GitHub?

If you’re not careful, yes. Always read documentation, verify file structure, and back up your configuration before making changes.

Where do I find the configuration folder on Home Assistant OS?

The configuration directory is usually found at /config. You can access it via an SFTP client or the File Editor add-on.

Will updates to Home Assistant overwrite custom files?

No, core Home Assistant updates won’t overwrite files in the custom_components or www folders. However, it’s important to check compatibility after each major update.