Home Assistant
Home Assistant: a first setup, important settings, verification, and recovery considerations.
Working directory: ~/homelab/apps/home-assistant. Follow the common setup workflow first. This is a setup note based on the linked documentation, not a copy of my live configuration or a runtime verification of this full stack.
Start here
Choose the installation type first. Home Assistant OS and Home Assistant Container have different management features. For a Compose-based lab, follow the official Container instructions; do not assume an OS-only add-on tutorial applies. Begin with a virtual helper, not a door lock or heating controller.
Settings and data
Persist /config and set the timezone. LAN discovery, Bluetooth, and USB radios may require host networking or explicit device access. Those permissions differ from a simple web container and must be justified individually. Do not copy a privileged configuration into unrelated stacks.
Check it
Complete onboarding, create a helper, change its value, and restart. Confirm the setting remains. Add one noncritical device next and verify its entity state updates. A reachable UI does not prove that automatic discovery or a physical device works.
When something fails
If discovery fails, examine the chosen installation type and network mode before adding broad permissions. For USB problems, verify the correct stable device identity and host ownership. Use the supported backup procedure and test recovery with devices disconnected so an old automation cannot unexpectedly operate equipment.