Log in Sign up
Cart (0)

Instructional Guides - Setup your Open Border Thread Router on Home Assistant HA

Step 1: Install the OpenThread Border Router
  1. Ensure your Thread/Zigbee radio stick is plugged directly into a USB port on your Home Assistant machine (using an extension cord is recommended to reduce interference).
  2. Navigate in your Home Assistant dashboard to Settings > Apps (formerly Add-ons) > Install app.
  3. Search for OpenThread Border Router, click it, and hit Install.
  4. Once installed, make sure Start on boot and Watchdog are enabled, then click Start. 
Step 2: Configure Your Radio Interface
  1. After the app is running, go to the Configuration tab within the OpenThread Border Router app.
  2. Under Device, select your connected Thread/Zigbee stick (e.g., /dev/serial/by-id/...).
  3. Click Save and restart the app to let it flash the correct Thread firmware and finalize setup. 
Step 3: Set Up the Thread Integration
  1. Once the border router is communicating with Home Assistant, go to Settings > Devices & services.
  2. Search for the Thread integration (it may auto-discover) and click Configure.
  3. You should see a newly generated Thread network (e.g., ha-thread-xxxx). Mark it as your Preferred Network. 
Step 4: Sync Credentials to Your Smartphone
To commission and add new Matter/Thread smart devices, your phone needs your Home Assistant Thread network credentials. 
  • On Android: Open the Home Assistant Companion app, go to Settings > Companion App > Troubleshooting, and tap Sync Thread credentials.
  • On iOS (Apple): Open the Home Assistant app, go to Settings > Devices & services > Thread, select Configure, and tap Send credentials to phone