# How to Install Homebridge (https://docs.homemanager-app.de/guide/install-homebridge)





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Homebridge brings devices into Apple Home that lack native HomeKit support: from smart plugs and sensors to robot vacuums, cameras, and network routers like the FRITZ!Box. As a local bridge, Homebridge translates commands directly into Apple's HomeKit protocol. The [open-source project](https://github.com/homebridge/homebridge) is free and published under the Apache-2.0 license.

All it needs is a computer that stays on around the clock, and you may already own one.

***

## What do you already have? [#what-do-you-already-have]

Pick the option closest to your setup. Each guide covers the full installation step by step.

<Cards>
  <Card icon="<HardDrive />" title="Nothing yet: Raspberry Pi" description="The most widely used platform for Homebridge is this small, silent computer. You set it up with the official image and don't need a terminal." href="/guide/install-raspberry-pi" />

  <Card icon="<Server />" title="A Synology NAS" description="Your NAS already runs day and night. On DSM 7, you install Homebridge from Package Center without a terminal." href="/guide/install-synology" />

  <Card icon="<Box />" title="A home server: Docker" description="On Linux, Unraid, Proxmox, or another NAS, Homebridge runs as a container next to your other services." href="/guide/install-docker" />

  <Card icon="<Terminal />" title="Linux without Docker" description="If Raspberry Pi OS or Debian is already running, you can install Homebridge from the official repository." href="/guide/install-raspberry-pi#manual-installation-on-an-existing-system" />

  <Card icon="<Apple />" title="A Mac that stays on" description="A Mac mini works especially well if you plan to add cameras. Homebridge runs on it as a background service." href="/guide/install-macos" />

  <Card icon="<Monitor />" title="A Windows PC" description="Try Homebridge with your devices here before you decide on dedicated hardware." href="/guide/install-windows" />

  <Card icon="<HelpCircle />" title="Still deciding on hardware?" description="Our hardware comparison covers power consumption, memory, and storage." href="/guide/choose-your-system" />
</Cards>

If you prefer to manage Homebridge from your iPhone or iPad, you can do that with Homemanager, our companion app for iOS and iPadOS. All guides cover both options: the web interface and the app.

***

## From installation to your first device [#from-installation-to-your-first-device]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    ### Install Homebridge [#install-homebridge]

    Follow the guide for your system. Every method gives you Homebridge, its web interface, and a service that keeps running in the background.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Create your account [#create-your-account]

    The first time you connect, you create an admin account. You can do this in the web interface or, on iPhone and iPad, in the [Homemanager app](/guide/connecting-servers).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Add Homebridge to Apple Home [#add-homebridge-to-apple-home]

    [Pair Homebridge with Apple Home](/guide/pairing-apple-home) by scanning its QR code.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Connect your devices [#connect-your-devices]

    [Find a plugin](/guide/finding-plugins) for your device and set it up. The device then appears in Apple Home.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Further resources [#further-resources]

### Guides in Homemanager Docs [#guides-in-homemanager-docs]

* [Choose Your System: Hardware Comparison](/guide/choose-your-system)
* [Startup Errors & Log Analysis](/guide/troubleshooting-startup-errors)
* [Fixing "No Response" in Apple Home](/guide/troubleshooting-no-response)

### Official Homebridge Resources [#official-homebridge-resources]

* [Official Homebridge Wiki](https://github.com/homebridge/homebridge/wiki)
* [Homebridge Raspberry Pi Image Wiki](https://github.com/homebridge/homebridge-raspbian-image/wiki)
* [Install Homebridge on Synology DSM](https://github.com/homebridge/homebridge/wiki/Install-Homebridge-on-Synology-DSM)
* [Install Homebridge on Docker](https://github.com/homebridge/homebridge/wiki/Install-Homebridge-on-Docker)
* [Install Homebridge on Debian or Ubuntu](https://github.com/homebridge/homebridge/wiki/Install-Homebridge-on-Debian-or-Ubuntu-Linux)
* [Install Homebridge on macOS](https://github.com/homebridge/homebridge/wiki/Install-Homebridge-on-macOS)
* [Install Homebridge on Windows](https://github.com/homebridge/homebridge/wiki/Install-Homebridge-on-Windows-10)