If you’re running Home Assistant without built-in Bluetooth support, setting up Bluetooth devices can quickly become frustrating. This is especially true if you’re using SwitchBot devices locally and want to avoid relying on cloud integrations.
In this guide, I’ll show you the simplest and most reliable way to add Bluetooth support to Home Assistant using a Bluetooth Proxy. This method works particularly well if you’re running Home Assistant in a virtual machine, using Home Assistant Green, or simply want to improve Bluetooth coverage throughout your home.
Why You Might Need a Bluetooth Proxy in Home Assistant
If you’re using Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi, you may already have built-in Bluetooth hardware available. However, many Home Assistant installations don’t include Bluetooth support out of the box.
This commonly affects users running:
- Home Assistant in a virtual machine (such as on a Mac or PC)
- Home Assistant Green
- Home Assistant OS on hardware without integrated Bluetooth
- Smart home setups using local SwitchBot devices
While you can buy a cheap USB Bluetooth adapter for around £10, there are several drawbacks. Many adapters aren’t officially supported by Home Assistant, and those that are often use older Bluetooth 4 hardware, which typically offers poorer range and performance compared to Bluetooth 5.
I’ve personally tried several Bluetooth 5 USB adapters with Home Assistant. Although they were recognised by the system, I found them to be unreliable in everyday use.
What Is a Bluetooth Proxy?
A Bluetooth Proxy is a device that receives Bluetooth signals and forwards them to Home Assistant over your network using Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
The Wi-Fi approach is particularly useful because the Bluetooth hardware no longer needs to be physically connected to your Home Assistant server. Instead, you can place the Bluetooth Proxy wherever it provides the best coverage.
Using a Bluetooth Proxy provides several advantages:
- Add Bluetooth support to Home Assistant installations that don’t have it
- Improve Bluetooth range and reliability
- Support local control of devices such as SwitchBot
- Place Bluetooth hardware anywhere in your home
- Add multiple Bluetooth Proxies for larger properties
- Avoid passing USB devices through to virtual machines
The Easiest Bluetooth Proxy Hardware Option
To create a Bluetooth Proxy, you’ll need an ESP32 microcontroller.
Basic ESP32 boards can cost as little as £7, but I strongly recommend purchasing a pre-configured Bluetooth Proxy device if you’re new to Home Assistant or simply want the easiest setup experience.
I purchased a pre-configured Bluetooth Proxy from SmartHomeGuys on eBay. These devices cost around £20, come pre-configured, and are available with different USB connector orientations depending on where you plan to install them.
How to Set Up a Bluetooth Proxy in Home Assistant
Step 1: Connect the Bluetooth Proxy
Plug your Bluetooth Proxy into any computer using USB. It doesn’t need to be the computer running Home Assistant.
Step 2: Open the Setup Website
Using Google Chrome, navigate to the Bluetooth Proxy setup page provided by SmartHomeGuys.
On the website, click the Setup button at the top of the page.
Step 3: Configure the Device
Select Set up USB. This opens the ESPHome web installer.
Click Connect and allow Chrome to access serial devices when prompted.
Select the connected Bluetooth Proxy device from the list.
Step 4: Configure Wi-Fi
Once connected, select Set up Wi-Fi and enter your wireless network credentials.
After the Wi-Fi setup completes, click Add to Home Assistant.
Step 5: Add the Device to Home Assistant
Home Assistant will automatically detect the new ESPHome device.
Simply:
- Confirm the discovered device
- Give it a name
- Assign it to an area or room
- Complete the setup process
At this point, your Bluetooth Proxy is operational.
Optimising Bluetooth Reliability
For the best reliability, open the Bluetooth integration within Home Assistant and disable or remove any existing Bluetooth adapters that may conflict with your new Bluetooth Proxy.
Your local Bluetooth devices, including SwitchBot devices, should now communicate through the new proxy.
Where Should You Place a Bluetooth Proxy?
One of the biggest advantages of a Bluetooth Proxy is flexibility.
Once configured, simply unplug the device from your computer and move it anywhere in your home with USB power and Wi-Fi coverage.
For best results, place the Bluetooth Proxy near the centre of your home or close to your Bluetooth devices.
In my setup, positioning the Bluetooth Proxy centrally has dramatically improved reliability compared to using USB Bluetooth adapters directly attached to my Home Assistant virtual machine.
Is a Bluetooth Proxy Worth It?
After using a Bluetooth Proxy for several weeks, I’ve found it to be significantly more reliable than using USB Bluetooth adapters directly with Home Assistant.
For a relatively small investment, you get:
- Better Bluetooth coverage
- Improved reliability
- Simpler virtual machine setups
- Support for multiple Bluetooth locations
- Local control of compatible smart home devices
If you’re struggling with Bluetooth reliability in Home Assistant, a Bluetooth Proxy is easily one of the best upgrades you can make.
Useful Links
- Bluetooth Proxy Setup Website
- ESPHome Bluetooth Proxy Documentation
- SmartHomeGuys Bluetooth Proxy
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