To access your Home Assistant remotely, you’ll need to set up DuckDNS, a free dynamic DNS service that keeps your home’s changing IP address linked to a consistent domain name. Start by registering a unique domain and grabbing your DuckDNS token. Then, integrate the DuckDNS and EngineX add-ons within Home Assistant, followed by configuring your router’s port forwarding. Each step is vital to guarantee secure and reliable remote access—but knowing exactly how to coordinate these parts is key.
Registering Your DuckDNS Domain
To start registering your DuckDNS domain, head over to the official website at duckdns.org and sign in using your Google account.
Once logged in, you’ll want to check if your preferred domain name is available. Keep in mind common names like “test” might already be taken, so try something unique, such as “demotecha.”
After confirming availability, create your domain by selecting the unique name.
Once your domain is registered, copy the domain name carefully, as you’ll need it later when setting up DuckDNS with Home Assistant.
Additionally, make certain to keep your DuckDNS token secure since it’s vital for configuring the DuckDNS add-on in Home Assistant.
This step is essential to guarantee your remote access setup works smoothly and safely.
Configuring DuckDNS and EngineX Add-ons in Home Assistant
Once you have your DuckDNS domain and token ready, you can move on to configuring the DuckDNS add-on in Home Assistant.
Start by installing the Duck DNS add-on from the add-on store. Enter your registered DuckDNS domain and the token you got from their website. Make certain to enable the “accept terms” setting and turn on the watchdog feature to keep the add-on running smoothly.
Next, install the EngineX add-on. In its configuration tab, input your DuckDNS domain and set the “active” option to true before saving the changes. Remember, EngineX uses port 443 by default.
Finally, start the EngineX add-on and enable its watchdog for stable remote access. This setup guarantees your Home Assistant is ready for secure external connections.
Setting Up Port Forwarding and Finalizing Remote Access
After setting up the DuckDNS and EngineX add-ons, the next step involves configuring your router to allow external access to Home Assistant.
Access your router’s port forwarding section and create a new rule mapping the WAN port 8123 to the LAN port 443, matching your EngineX setup. Enter the internal IP address of your Home Assistant server so external requests route correctly.
Make sure the WAN port in your router matches the port in Home Assistant’s network settings to avoid connection issues. Once configured, save your changes and restart Home Assistant to apply them.
Finally, test your setup by visiting your DuckDNS URL in a browser, including the port 8123, to confirm you can access Home Assistant remotely and securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Duckdns Free to Use for Home Assistant Remote Access?
Yes, DuckDNS is free to use for remote Home Assistant access. You’ll just need to create an account and set up your domain. It’s a reliable, no-cost dynamic DNS service perfect for your needs.
Can I Use Duckdns With a Dynamic IP Address?
Yes, you can use DuckDNS with a dynamic IP address. It automatically updates your domain with your current IP, so you don’t have to worry about changes disrupting your remote access to Home Assistant.
How Often Does Duckdns Update My IP Address?
DuckDNS updates your IP address whenever you or your device sends an update request, typically every 5 minutes. You can automate this with scripts or clients to guarantee your IP stays current without manual intervention.
Is SSL Encryption Included With Duckdns?
Yes, DuckDNS includes SSL encryption through Let’s Encrypt certificates, which you can easily set up. This keeps your connection secure when accessing your services remotely, ensuring your data stays private and protected.
Can I Use Duckdns With Other Smart Home Platforms?
Yes, you can use DuckDNS with other smart home platforms. It provides a free dynamic DNS service and SSL support, letting you securely access various devices remotely without changing your IP address frequently.
