Tips · 1 min read
Start with the screen you already own.
Try your connected home on a phone, laptop or tablet before committing to a wall-mounted display.
By Hearthlight
Try it before buying anything
You don’t need a dedicated tablet to try Hearthlight. Start with your phone, laptop or an existing tablet and a modern browser. Connect one Home Assistant location, test the controls you use every day and decide where a shared display would be useful.
Home Assistant Green is a straightforward starting point if you need a hub. If you already run Home Assistant, keep your existing installation. Hearthlight needs a publicly reachable HTTPS Home Assistant address and an access token; a local-only address will not work.
Check the everyday details
Before choosing a permanent display, test readability, touch controls, camera images and voice behavior on the device itself. Fullscreen, speech recognition and screen wake lock depend on your browser and operating system.
For a dedicated tablet, look for reliable Wi-Fi, ongoing security updates and battery-protection settings. Use a ventilated mount and manufacturer-approved power, and test the placement before drilling.
Keep the costs clear
Hearthlight’s dashboard is free. Hardware and optional third-party services, such as Home Assistant Cloud, are separate costs. Start with what you own and add only what makes your setup easier to use.