How to Set Up Home Assistant on a Mini PC for a Smarter Home
Have you ever felt like your smart home setup is more chaotic than convenient? With countless devices, apps, and cloud services vying for your attention, managing it all can feel overwhelming. Enter Home Assistant—a powerful, open source platform that puts you back in control. But here's the twist: while many people turn to the Raspberry Pi for their Home Assistant setup, it's no longer the best option. In fact, a mini PC offers superior performance, better value, and greater scalability, making it the smarter choice for 2025 and beyond. In this learning tool, Paul Hibbert of Hibbert Home Tech will guide you through the process of setting up Home Assistant on a mini PC, proving that you don't need a Raspberry Pi to create a seamless, privacy-focused smart home.
By following this guide by Paul Hibbert , you'll unlock the potential of a mini PC to transform your smart home experience. From replacing the pre-installed operating system with Linux to configuring Home Assistant for your devices, this step-by-step walkthrough will empower you to build a system that's faster, more reliable, and future-proof. Along the way, you'll discover why mini PCs are not just an alternative but a leap forward in smart home technology. Whether you're frustrated by the Raspberry Pi's availability issues or simply looking for a more robust solution, this guide will show you how to take control of your smart home like never before. Because sometimes, the best tools are the ones you didn't expect. Home Assistant on Mini PC Why a Mini PC is Better Than a Raspberry Pi
While the Raspberry Pi has been a popular choice for Home Assistant setups, recent challenges have made it less practical for many users. Mini PCs, on the other hand, offer several distinct advantages that make them an excellent alternative: Enhanced Performance: Mini PCs are equipped with more powerful processors, larger memory capacities, and better overall hardware, making sure smoother performance even in complex smart home environments with numerous devices.
Mini PCs are equipped with more powerful processors, larger memory capacities, and better overall hardware, making sure smoother performance even in complex smart home environments with numerous devices. Cost Efficiency: With the rising prices of Raspberry Pi boards, mini PCs often provide better value for the hardware you receive, making them a more economical long-term investment.
With the rising prices of Raspberry Pi boards, mini PCs often provide better value for the hardware you receive, making them a more economical long-term investment. Improved Availability: Mini PCs are widely available from various manufacturers, eliminating the frustration of sourcing hard-to-find Raspberry Pi models.
Mini PCs are widely available from various manufacturers, eliminating the frustration of sourcing hard-to-find Raspberry Pi models. Scalability: Mini PCs offer greater flexibility for future upgrades, allowing you to expand your smart home system without worrying about hardware limitations.
By choosing a mini PC, you're laying the groundwork for a more robust, scalable, and efficient smart home system. Preparing Your Mini PC for Installation
Before installing Home Assistant, you'll need to prepare your mini PC by replacing its pre-installed Windows operating system with Linux (Ubuntu). This process involves creating a bootable USB drive and configuring your mini PC for the installation. Follow these steps to get started: Download Ubuntu: Visit the official Ubuntu website and download the latest version of the operating system. Ensure you select the version compatible with your mini PC's architecture (usually 64-bit).
Visit the official Ubuntu website and download the latest version of the operating system. Ensure you select the version compatible with your mini PC's architecture (usually 64-bit). Create a Bootable USB Drive: Use a tool like Rufus or Balena Etcher to create a bootable USB drive. These tools are user-friendly and designed specifically for this purpose.
Use a tool like Rufus or Balena Etcher to create a bootable USB drive. These tools are user-friendly and designed specifically for this purpose. Disable Secure Boot (if necessary): Some mini PCs come with Secure Boot enabled, which may prevent the installation of Linux. Refer to your mini PC's manual for instructions on how to disable this feature if required.
Once these steps are complete, your mini PC will be ready for the installation process. Ensure you back up any important data on the device, as the installation will overwrite the existing operating system. Home Assistant Setup Guide 2025
Watch this video on YouTube.
Browse through more resources below from our in-depth content covering more areas on Home Assistant. Installing Home Assistant on Your Mini PC
With your mini PC prepared, you can now proceed with the installation of Home Assistant. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth setup: Boot from USB: Insert the bootable USB drive into your mini PC and restart it. Access the boot menu (usually by pressing a key like F12 or Esc during startup) and select the USB drive as the boot device.
Insert the bootable USB drive into your mini PC and restart it. Access the boot menu (usually by pressing a key like F12 or Esc during startup) and select the USB drive as the boot device. Install Ubuntu: Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu on your mini PC. This process will erase the existing Windows operating system, so double-check that you've backed up any important files.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu on your mini PC. This process will erase the existing Windows operating system, so double-check that you've backed up any important files. Install Home Assistant: Once Ubuntu is installed, open a terminal and follow the official Home Assistant installation guide. This typically involves downloading the Home Assistant image and setting it up as a supervised or containerized installation.
By completing these steps, your mini PC will be transformed into a dedicated Home Assistant hub, ready to manage your smart home devices efficiently. Configuring and Customizing Home Assistant
After installing Home Assistant, the next step is to configure and customize it to suit your specific smart home needs. Here's how to get started: Access the Home Assistant Dashboard: Open a web browser on any device connected to the same network and navigate to the local web address provided during the installation process. This will take you to the Home Assistant interface.
Open a web browser on any device connected to the same network and navigate to the local web address provided during the installation process. This will take you to the Home Assistant interface. Set Up Your Profile: Create a user account and configure basic settings, such as your location, time zone, and preferred units of measurement.
Create a user account and configure basic settings, such as your location, time zone, and preferred units of measurement. Integrate Devices: Add your IoT devices, such as smart lights, thermostats, cameras, and sensors, to Home Assistant. Many devices can be integrated automatically, while others may require manual configuration.
Add your IoT devices, such as smart lights, thermostats, cameras, and sensors, to Home Assistant. Many devices can be integrated automatically, while others may require manual configuration. Customize the Dashboard: Organize your dashboard by adding widgets, creating groups, and setting up automation rules. This allows you to control and monitor your devices more efficiently.
Organize your dashboard by adding widgets, creating groups, and setting up automation rules. This allows you to control and monitor your devices more efficiently. Enable Privacy Features: Home Assistant prioritizes local control, but you can further enhance privacy by disabling unnecessary cloud integrations and securing your setup with strong passwords and encryption.
These steps will ensure your Home Assistant setup is fully operational and tailored to your preferences, providing a seamless smart home experience. Key Considerations for a Successful Setup
Before proceeding with the installation, keep the following important points in mind: Data Backup: Installing Home Assistant will permanently remove the Windows operating system from your mini PC. Ensure you back up any important files or data before starting the process.
Installing Home Assistant will permanently remove the Windows operating system from your mini PC. Ensure you back up any important files or data before starting the process. Hardware Compatibility: Verify that your mini PC meets the minimum hardware requirements for running Ubuntu and Home Assistant. This includes sufficient RAM, storage, and processing power.
Verify that your mini PC meets the minimum hardware requirements for running Ubuntu and Home Assistant. This includes sufficient RAM, storage, and processing power. Learning Curve: While the installation process is designed to be beginner-friendly, some technical knowledge may be required. Take your time to follow the instructions carefully and consult online resources if needed.
While the installation process is designed to be beginner-friendly, some technical knowledge may be required. Take your time to follow the instructions carefully and consult online resources if needed. Future Updates: Regularly update Home Assistant and its integrations to ensure optimal performance and security. The platform's active community frequently releases updates and new features.
By addressing these considerations, you can avoid potential issues and ensure a smooth and successful setup experience.
Media Credit: Paul Hibbert (Hibbert Home Tech) Filed Under: Hardware, Top News
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Auto Blog
an hour ago
- Auto Blog
EV Shops Ditch Grease for Tablets: How Auto Repair Shops Are Transforming
Step into a modern auto shop and you'll find technicians poring over live battery data on tablets, calibrating LiDAR sensors with laser precision, and 3D-printing custom brackets on the fly. Gone are the days of grease-stained overalls and guesswork. The U.S. automotive repair and maintenance market was valued at approximately $183.5 billion in 2023, with continued growth projected through 2032. The ADAS calibration service market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4% from 2025 to 2032, reaching $3.15 billion by 2032. Today's garages have transformed into high-tech labs. Drivers now expect advanced safety checks and electric-vehicle expertise, and the best shops deliver with cloud dashboards, rapid prototyping, and digital diagnostics that keep cars—and their owners—moving confidently into the future. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:09 2025 Nissan Z undercuts Toyota Supra by a surprising amount Watch More Diagnostics Bay Meets Data Lab Technicians plug in OEM-grade scan tools that stream ECU data to central servers. They monitor battery state-of-charge curves, voltage sag under load, or coolant-temperature trends from previous road tests. Cloud-based platforms flag anomalies before a breakdown lands a tow truck on the highway. Shops treat these logs like experimental data: they diagnose intermittent misfires by spotting patterns across dozens of vehicles. EV Service Workshop Electric-vehicle maintenance no longer revolves around oil changes. Technicians inspect battery modules with thermal imaging, verify cell balance, and test regenerative-braking systems with specialized rigs. They update battery-management software and confirm proper cooling-pump operation under simulated loads. Shops invest in insulated gloves and lockout-tagout protocols to handle high-voltage circuits safely. ADAS Calibration Room Nearly 98 million U.S. vehicles now feature ADAS. Every windshield replacement or suspension tweak can misalign cameras and radar. Shops deploy precise calibration rigs: optical targets, radar reflectors, and alignment platforms that position vehicles within millimeters. They run static and dynamic calibrations per OEM specs. Insert 'ADAS calibration setup image' here. These procedures prevent lane-departure false alerts or misread obstacles. Technicians update calibration software regularly, ensuring each sensor array 'sees' true road geometry. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Fabrication and Rapid Prototyping Sometimes parts arrive late or not at all. Modern shops embrace desktop 3D printing for non-structural components: custom brackets, sensor mounts, or trim clips. They machine small adapters on CNC mills for aftermarket upgrades or retrofit kits. This approach speeds repairs and reduces downtime. Technicians treat CAD files like lab blueprints, tweaking dimensions to fit each model. Networked Workflow and Security Connected-shop management systems track work orders, parts inventory, and technician hours. IoT-enabled tool platforms report torque counts on critical fasteners, ensuring bolts meet spec. Shops segment their networks to protect vehicle data and customer information. They install secure Wi-Fi for OEM update downloads and remote diagnostics while guarding against cyber threats. Real-World Recommendations for Enthusiasts When choosing a service center, ask whether their 'science lab' offer: OEM-level scan tools with cloud integration for comprehensive diagnostics. EV-safe bays equipped with insulated tools and battery-test equipment. Certified ADAS calibration rigs meeting OEM tolerances. In-house rapid-prototyping for urgent or rare-part solutions. Secure network practices for over-the-air updates and data privacy. Yes, today's service garage often resembles a lab more than a grease-stained bay. Yet amid diagnostic dashboards and calibration rigs, the goal remains simple: get drivers back on the road safely and confidently. Do you trust a shop that treats your car like a data set or one that still relies on guesswork? In the end, the measure of a modern garage lies in miles driven without worry—because every precise calibration and timely repair fuels the thrill of the next drive. About the Author Brian Iselin View Profile
Auto Blog
an hour ago
- Auto Blog
Walmart is selling ‘very bright' $100 outdoor solar lights for $26, and shoppers say they're ‘worth every penny'
Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. During the warmer months, your outdoor space quickly becomes your go-to for hangouts and dining al fresco. While the sun helps to brighten your yard during the day, you probably need a little help with nighttime illumination. Right now, Walmart is having an awesome deal on the Qunler Outdoor Solar Lights. For those who want to add extra lighting to their outdoor area, this compact option is now available for just $26, which is 74% off the original retail price. Qunler Outdoor Solar Lights, $26 (was $100) at Walmart The two-pack of solar lights can be controlled via a wireless remote with four setting options including long light, dim, strong, and SOS flashing mode. Each solar light measures 7.08 inches long, 5.70 inches wide, and 6.69 inches high, and offers 304 built-in super bright LEDs that can produce up to 2,500 lumens of high brightness output. With a four-head design that has a 270-degree lighting angle, you can easily illuminate your backyard, patio, driveway, pathway, and more. The lights also feature motion sensor technology with a 26-foot sensing distance and 120-degree sensor. 'Worth every penny,' wrote one shopper. 'Recommend to any person who is interested in solar lighting. I have had this for 1.5 years and still works amazingly. Save money on electric bills and batteries.' 'Great solar lights,' said a second reviewer. 'Very bright and great price.' Another added, 'Very pleased with the quality of these lights.' To charge the lights, make sure they are placed under direct sunlight for up to two days on the first use. They are powered by a built-in 2,000mAh battery and feature a mono-si solar panel for quick charging. No matter the weather, these lights will still shine brightly due to their IP65 waterproof, heat-, and frost-resistant construction. Your purchase also includes a wall base, installing screws, and expansion anchors that help you mount them to garages, sheds, and more. A fourth customer wrote, 'This works perfectly in my yard. It is also easy to install because it's solar and has no wires to run. Highly recommended.' Get ready for summertime fun with these $26 outdoor solar lights. They are a quick and easy way to make sure your space is properly lighted at night. About the Author Victoria Garcia View Profile
Geeky Gadgets
3 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iPhone 17 Pro Max Camera: 5 Game-Changing Leaks You Can't Miss!
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to introduce a range of advanced camera features that could redefine mobile photography. With a focus on innovation and performance, these upgrades are expected to appeal to both casual users and photography enthusiasts. Below, we explore the most significant camera enhancements that could elevate your photography and videography experience. The video below from Matt Talks Tech gives us more details on the new cameras coming to the iPhone 17 Series. Watch this video on YouTube. Redesigned Flashlight and LiDAR Sensor Placement Apple is reportedly addressing a common issue faced by photographers: glare caused by the flashlight. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to feature a redesigned flashlight that minimizes lens glare, particularly in low-light environments. This improvement could result in cleaner, more professional-looking photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, the LiDAR sensor is rumored to be repositioned, enhancing its functionality. This adjustment could improve depth sensing for augmented reality (AR) applications and boost low-light photography performance. Together, these changes aim to deliver a more seamless and versatile photography experience, making the device a valuable tool for creative expression. 48-Megapixel Telephoto Camera One of the most exciting rumored upgrades is the telephoto camera, which is expected to feature a 48-megapixel sensor, a significant leap from the 12-megapixel sensor in previous models. This enhancement will allow for sharper, more detailed images, particularly when zooming in on distant subjects. The telephoto lens is also rumored to include a 5x optical zoom, an improvement over the 3x zoom found in earlier iPhone models. This upgrade could be especially beneficial for capturing intricate details in wildlife photography, sports events, or architectural shots. With these advancements, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is poised to deliver a substantial boost in image quality and versatility. 50x Digital Zoom In addition to the improved optical zoom, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to support up to 50x digital zoom, using the power of the new 48-megapixel sensor. Digital zoom traditionally sacrifices image quality, but Apple's advanced computational photography algorithms are rumored to mitigate these issues. This feature could enable users to capture clearer and more detailed images, even at extreme zoom levels. Whether you're photographing distant landscapes or capturing candid moments from afar, the enhanced zoom capabilities promise to deliver sharp and vibrant results. 8K Video Recording For video enthusiasts, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to be the first iPhone to support 8K video recording. This feature would allow users to capture footage with exceptional clarity and detail, making it ideal for professional videography or playback on high-resolution 8K displays. Early leaks suggest that the device will support 8K recording at both 30 and 60 frames per second, offering flexibility for smooth, cinematic video capture. This capability could set a new standard for mobile video recording, appealing to content creators and filmmakers alike. Enhanced Front Camera The front camera is also rumored to receive a significant upgrade, featuring a 24-megapixel sensor, double the resolution of its predecessor. This improvement is expected to result in sharper, more detailed selfies with enhanced skin tone accuracy and better performance in low-light conditions. Whether you're using the front camera for video calls, social media content, or capturing personal moments, this upgrade could ensure that every frame looks polished and professional. The enhanced front camera is likely to appeal to users who prioritize high-quality visuals in their everyday interactions. What's Next for the iPhone 17 Pro Max? The iPhone 17 Pro Max is shaping up to be a highly anticipated device for mobile photography and videography. With its redesigned flashlight and LiDAR placement, upgraded telephoto and front cameras, enhanced zoom capabilities, and support for 8K video recording, it promises to set a new benchmark for smartphone imaging. While the official release date is expected in mid-September, pricing details remain uncertain and could vary based on market conditions. If you're considering upgrading your smartphone, the iPhone 17 Pro Max's advanced camera features could make it a compelling choice. Stay tuned for further updates as Apple prepares to unveil its latest innovation. Here are additional guides from our expansive article library that you may find useful on iPhone 17 Pro Max Camera Upgrades. Source & Image Credit: Matt Talks Tech Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
