Introduction
After getting my UGREEN NASync DXP2800 set up, the next logical step was bringing my smart home devices under one roof.
With its compact size, low power consumption, and full Docker support, the DXP2800 is a perfect hidden powerhouse for running Home Assistant.
Rather than setting up another Raspberry Pi or a VM, I decided to run Home Assistant directly in Docker on the DXP2800 for a cleaner, more efficient setup.
Quick Update:
In my last post, I mentioned setting up lightweight apps like Pi-hole and Plex.
After exploring it further, I decided to hold off on Plex for now — personally, I don’t need a media server since I’m not storing my own movies or shows.I’m planning to try setting up Pi-hole soon as a local DNS blocker. However, since I’m based in Japan, and local ISPs tend to lock down their routers pretty tightly, it might need a few extra workarounds. Either way, I’ll share how it goes — whether it’s a full setup guide or lessons learned trying to get it working.
I also spent some time working on setting up an OpenVPN tunnel. The original plan was to host an OpenVPN server on Azure and route only my Fire Stick’s traffic through the VPN, without affecting the rest of my home network. After running into some technical hurdles, I decided to simplify things for now — I’m currently connecting my MacBook directly to the TV when needed, and planning to pick up an Apple TV 4K later to streamline streaming even further.
As always, if you have questions, or there’s a specific setup you want to see covered, drop a comment below — happy to help!
If you’re completely new to the UGREEN NASync series, you might want to check out my earlier post where I set up the NASync DXP2800 from scratch: Setting up the UGREEN NASync DXP2800 – A Beginner-Friendly Guide.
Now that you know why Home Assistant is a great choice, let’s get it installed.
Why Home Assistant?
- Free, open-source smart home platform.
- Supports thousands of integrations.
- Centralises your entire smart home without cloud dependence.
- Running it on the NAS keeps everything in one place and easy to manage.
What You’ll Need
- UGREEN NASync series unit
- Docker installed (via App Center)
- Bluetooth dongle (optional but recommended for Bluetooth devices)
- I used the TP-Link UB500 — Bluetooth 5.0 and works flawlessly
- Access to your NAS’s IP address and admin account
Let’s move on to installing Home Assistant on your DXP2800.
🖥️ The NAS used in this setup:
💡 Need more bays?
- 4-bay: Amazon Global / Amazon Japan
- 6-bay: Amazon Global / Amazon Japan
- 8-bay: Amazon Global / Amazon Japan
🧩 Bluetooth adapter I used for Home Assistant:
These are affiliate links — if you decide to buy through them, it supports the blog at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
Installing Home Assistant in Docker
Option 1: Using the UGREEN NAS Interface (Recommended)
UGREEN’s built-in Docker app makes container setup simple, even for beginners.
Step 1: Install the Docker App
- Open the App Center on your NAS.
- Search for and install Docker.
Step 2: Download the Home Assistant Image
- Go to Docker > Image > Image Database.
- Search for:
homeassistant/home-assistant
- Click Download to pull the image onto your NAS.
Step 3: Create the Home Assistant Container
- Go to Docker > Container > New Container.
- Choose the
homeassistant/home-assistantimage you just downloaded from the Image Database.
Configure the container:
- Container Name:
homeassistant - Network Mode:
Host - Restart Policy:
Always - Volume Mapping:
- Host path:
/docker/homeassistant/config(or your preferred location)
Important: Enable Privileged Mode
- When setting up the container, scroll down and tick Privileged Mode (this is essential if you want Bluetooth devices like SwitchBot to work).
✅ Once created, Home Assistant will launch and you can access it at:
http://[NAS-IP]:8123
If you prefer using command line for finer control, here’s how to set it up via SSH.
Option 2: Installing via SSH (Optional / Advanced)
Note:
Depending on your NAS settings, you may need to prefix the following commands withsudo.
For example, usesudo docker pull homeassistant/home-assistantinstead ofdocker pull homeassistant/home-assistant.Prefer full control over your setup? Here’s how to do it manually via SSH.
Step 1: SSH into Your NAS
ssh [your-username]@[NAS-IP]
Step 2: Pull the Home Assistant Image
docker pull homeassistant/home-assistant
Step 3: Run Home Assistant with Privileged Mode
docker run -d \ --name homeassistant \ --privileged \ --network host \ --restart unless-stopped \ -v /docker/homeassistant/config:/config \ homeassistant/home-assistant
✅ Same result — Home Assistant running and Bluetooth-ready.
Quick Comparison
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAS Interface | Beginners | Easy, visual, no command line needed | Might not suit users who want full CLI control |
| SSH CLI | Advanced users | Full control, scripting flexibility | Requires SSH access and basic Docker knowledge |
Now that Home Assistant is installed and running, let’s move onto adding Bluetooth devices if you need them.
Setting Up Bluetooth Devices like SwitchBot (Optional)
If you want to control Bluetooth smart home devices, here’s how to set it up.
Hardware Used:
- Bluetooth Dongle: TP-Link UB500 (Bluetooth 5.0)
How to Enable Bluetooth Support:
- Plug in the TP-Link UB500 to one of your NAS’s USB ports.
- Verify Bluetooth Detection:
SSH into your NAS and run:
lsusb
Look for something like:
Bus 002 Device 003: ID 2357:0604 TP-Link UB500 Adapter
- Home Assistant Detection:
- Home Assistant should auto-detect the Bluetooth adapter after restarting.
- You can then add integrations like SwitchBot easily.
Pro Tip: If your NAS is tucked away in a cabinet or has weak Bluetooth range, using a short USB extension cable can dramatically improve signal reception.
Adding SwitchBot Devices:
- Go to Settings > Devices & Services.
- Click + Add Integration, search for SwitchBot.
- Follow the prompts to pair devices.
First Steps After Installation
Once Home Assistant was up and running, here’s what I did first:
- Set up geofencing automations using the Home Assistant mobile app:
- When I leave the house, my lights automatically turn off.
- When I arrive home, certain lights turn on.
- Created a few basic backups (snapshots) of my configuration, just in case anything went wrong.
- Explored integrations like SwitchBot, lights, and sensors to start building out my smart home.
Tip: Setting up a simple automation like geofencing is a great way to immediately see the power of Home Assistant in everyday life.
Quick Troubleshooting Tips (Optional)
If you run into small issues during setup:
- Home Assistant can’t find Bluetooth devices?
➡️ Make sure Privileged Mode was enabled when creating the container, and confirm the Bluetooth dongle is detected withlsusb. - Can’t access Home Assistant web page?
➡️ Double-check the network mode was set to Host, and verify the container is running.
Wrapping Up
Running Home Assistant on the UGREEN NASync is a perfect way to centralise your smart home — simply and reliably. Thanks to Docker and a small Bluetooth dongle, I was able to control everything from Wi-Fi devices to SwitchBot sensors without needing multiple hubs or additional hardware.
I’m planning to spend a bit more time exploring Home Assistant properly before posting anything detailed about it. No point rushing into features without understanding them fully.
In the meantime, I’m looking at setting up a reliable NAS backup system — aiming to use Azure as a cloud destination to protect my data. If all goes well, I’ll share a simple guide on how to back up your NASync to Azure soon.
As always, feel free to drop a comment if there’s something you’d like to see covered!
