In 2023, I wrote an article on how to run Home Assistant OS in a Docker environment, which was the only semi-official way to run a supported version of Home Assistant, but it came with various downsides like lack of USB passthrough and generally not being accessible to non-developers. Hence, I’m writing this article with a method I’m currently using, which is VMware Fusion running the official ARM disk image that I recently found out Home Assistant provides now. For what it’s worth, I also tried suggesting this article as official instructions to be on Home Assistant’s macOS website, but the change wasn’t accepted.
To get started, download VMware Fusion by following this URL: https://support.broadcom.com/group/ecx/productdownloads?subfamily=VMware%20Fusion
You’ll need to sign up for an account and fill out a form when downloading the software, and the process can be difficult due to Broadcom’s non-user friendly decisions. If you’re having trouble, there are more in-depth guides online that you could look for. After you’ve got it installed, follow these instructions:
- Download the Home Assistant OS image using this URL: https://github.com/home-assistant/operating-system/releases/latest
- Select the file that has a name like this: haos_generic-aarch64-14.1.vmdk.zip, where 14.1 is the HaOS version
- Start VMware Fusion and select File > New from the menu bar.
- Select Create a custom virtual machine, then select Linux > Other Linux 6.x kernel 64-bit Arm.
- On Intel Macs, select Other Linux 6.x kernel 64-bit.
- Select Use an existing virtual disk and locate the unzipped disk image file.
- Ensure Make a separate copy of the virtual disk is selected in the file picker options.
- Select Customize Settings at the “Finish” step.
- Define the amount of memory and the number of cores the VM is allowed to use under Processors & Memory.
- Under General, you may choose to start the VM when your Mac boots up if preferred.
- Connect an Ethernet cable and ensure it is connected to your network.
- Under Network Adapter, select Ethernet under Bridged Networking.
- Under Hard Disk, increase the disk size to the recommended minimum.
- Under USB, select any USB devices that you want to pass through to Home Assistant, such as Home Assistant Connect, or other Zigbee/Z-Wave dongles. You may also want to choose to always connect the device to Home Assistant by choosing Connect to Linux in the Plug In Action dropdown.
Now you can close the settings window and start the VM. You’ll see the connection details on screen, and the onboarding process can be started by visiting it in your browser. Enjoy your smart home!