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Home-assistant companion app

Android flavors:

The full flavor of the app is offered via the Play Store and has the full set of features offered as it requires Google Play Services. The minimal flavor of the app does not require Google Play Services and is available in the releases section on GitHub as an APK. It can also be installed from F-Droid. However, updates may be delayed because F-Droid builds new releases independently. This flavor does not support location tracking. Additionally, the following sensors are unavailable: Activity sensors.

Setup

In the companion app:

  • Allow Persistant connection
    • Settings > Companion App > Server > Select Persistent Connection
  • Set sensor update frequency to Fast While Charging in Settings > Companion App > Sensor Update Frequency
  • Make sure that the app has the permission to run in the background (see Settings > Companion App > Other settings > Background access)

In Android settings > Apps > Home-assistant:

  • Mobile Data
    • Disable when HA server is not reachable from outside home network
  • Battery
    • Enable background acces
    • Enable unrestricted battery usage
  • Disable Pause app when not used
  • Advanced settings
    • Allow app usage data

Sensors

Important sensors to activate:

  • Android OS sensors
    • OS version
    • Security patch level
  • App sensors
    • App inactive
  • Performance sensors
    • Doze mode
    • Enegery saving
    • Interactive
  • Sensor for last update
    • Trigger for last update (sensor.last_update_trigger)

Issues

Sensors not updating

  • last_used_app not updating reliably
  • Sensors like Interactive or Battery state are not updating in real-time
    • Works with minimal app version F-Droid (2025.11.3-Minimal)
    • Battery state and Interactive updates when phone is charged / Interactive, but not when charger removed of screen turned off with full app from Aurora Store

Other issues