How to Install Homebridge on a Synology NAS

A Synology DiskStation works well as a Homebridge host: The NAS runs continuously, usually connects to your router over Ethernet, and saves having a separate server.

This guide covers setup on DiskStations running DSM 7 (DSM 7.0 through DSM 7.2 and newer).

Which installation method fits your NAS?

You have two options on a Synology DiskStation:

• Native DSM Package (Recommended for most users):
  Installs through the DSM Package Center and runs on almost all DiskStations with DSM 7, including the j-, Value-, and Play-series. It requires neither Docker nor terminal experience, runs as a background service, and is maintained directly by the Homebridge project.

• Container Manager / Docker (For users with an existing container setup):
  Available on Plus- and XS-series models with Intel or AMD processors. This route is convenient if you already manage other services using Docker Compose.

Method 1: Installing as a Native DSM Package (Recommended)

The native package integrates Homebridge directly into DSM and creates a folder on your primary storage volume for configuration and plugin data.

Method 2: Container Manager (Docker) for Plus Models

If you operate a Plus- or XS-series model with an Intel or AMD processor and prefer containerized workflows, you can run Homebridge in the Synology Container Manager.

Setup with Docker Compose

1. Open File Station and create a subfolder named homebridge inside your shared docker directory.
2. Open Container Manager and click Project in the left sidebar.
3. Click Create and complete the project fields:
   • Project Name: homebridge
   • Path: /docker/homebridge
   • Source: Create docker-compose.yaml
4. Paste the following configuration:

services:
  homebridge:
    image: homebridge/homebridge:latest
    container_name: homebridge
    restart: unless-stopped
    network_mode: host
    volumes:
      - /volume1/docker/homebridge:/homebridge
    environment:
      - TZ=Europe/Berlin
      - PUID=1000
      - PGID=1000
      - HOMEBRIDGE_CONFIG_UI_PORT=8581

5. Click Next and finish the setup. The container will download and start automatically.

Connecting and Initial Setup

Once the service is running, Homebridge is available on your local network. The web interface (homebridge-config-ui-x) acts as the browser dashboard and provides the API that Homemanager connects to.

The instance runs unencrypted over port 8581 by default.

Because this is a fresh setup without existing accounts, you create an administrator account during the first connection. You can do this in the app or in a browser:

http://<your-nas-ip-address>:8581

Network Settings and DSM Firewall

For reliable communication between Apple Home, Homemanager, and your DiskStation, check these settings:

1. Adjust DSM Firewall Rules

If the DSM firewall is enabled under Control Panel > Security > Firewall, add allow rules for these ports:

• Port 8581 (TCP): Management interface and Homemanager API.
• Port 51826 (TCP): Default port for the main Apple Home bridge.
• Port Range for Child Bridges (TCP, e.g. 51827 to 51850): When running plugins as isolated Child Bridges, each bridge claims its own TCP port. The port is assigned upon creation or chosen dynamically. You can check the active port for any plugin inside Homemanager under Bridge Settings (or within the plugin settings on the web dashboard).
• Port 5353 (UDP): For mDNS multicast discovery (Bonjour).

2. Use Local IP Instead of QuickConnect

Apple Home, Homemanager, and Homebridge communicate using local network multicast protocols. Always use the local IP address of your DiskStation. Remote tunnels like Synology QuickConnect cannot relay these local multicast packets.

File Paths and Maintenance (Native Package)

When using the native SPK package, DSM stores configuration and plugin data in the shared homebridge folder:

Frequently Asked Questions & Troubleshooting

Next Steps

With Homebridge running on your DiskStation, complete your setup:

1. Pair with Apple Home:
   Find the HomeKit setup QR code on the dashboard or in Homemanager. Open Apple Home on your iPhone, tap the plus icon, select Add Accessory, and scan the code.
   Guide to Pairing with Apple Home

2. Install Plugins:
   Search the plugin catalog in Homemanager or the web interface for integrations supporting your smart devices (such as Tuya, Ring, Fritz!Box, Hue, or Shelly).
   Tips on Finding and Evaluating Plugins

3. Configure Child Bridges:
   Run larger plugins in dedicated child processes to keep individual accessory issues from affecting your remaining devices.
   Learn more about Child Bridges

Further Resources

Guides in Homemanager Docs

• Choose Your System: Hardware Comparison
• Connecting Servers with Homemanager
• Updating System Software & Node.js
• Startup Errors & Log Analysis
• Troubleshooting Startup Errors

Official Resources

• Official Download Portal: synology.homebridge.io
• Official Homebridge Wiki: Install Homebridge on Synology DSM
• Homebridge Synology SPK GitHub Repository
• Homebridge Docker Documentation
• Compiling Native Modules on DSM 7