How to Install and Use HA MCP Server with Claude (Tutorial)

In this tutorial, you will connect Claude (or any MCP-capable assistant) to your Home Assistant using the HA MCP Server — and start controlling your smart home with natural language in under 15 minutes.

Step 1: Install the Integration via HACS

The easiest path is the Home Assistant Community Store. Open HACS in your Home Assistant, add the homeassistant-ai/ha-mcp repository, and install the HA MCP Server integration. It is also fully documented at homeassistant-ai.github.io/ha-mcp if you prefer a manual setup.

Step 2: Configure Your MCP Client

Once the integration is running, point your AI assistant at the MCP endpoint. For example, in Claude Desktop or any MCP-compatible client, register the server URL and token that the integration exposes. Then verify the connection with the built-in MCP Inspector — a handy tool that lists every entity and service your assistant can reach.

Step 3: Control Your Home with Plain Language

Now the fun part. With the server connected, you can say things like:

• "Turn off the living room lights" — the assistant calls the light.turn_off service.
• "What's the energy usage today?" — the assistant reads your energy sensors.
• "Set the thermostat to 21 degrees" — climate entities respond instantly.

Step 4: Run It in Docker (Optional)

Prefer a containerized setup? The project ships Docker support. A ready-made image (zorak1103/ha-mcp) is available, and Run This Ai provides a validated docker-compose.yml that starts the server with persistent storage and automatic restarts — ideal for a dedicated home-lab host.

Once connected, your Home Assistant stops being a dashboard you click and becomes a home that understands you. Give HA MCP Server a try — your AI assistant is already waiting.