Home Assistant 2026.4: Infrared support, new automations and major UI improvements

Home Assistant version 2026.4 is a particularly comprehensive update that brings both new features and fundamental improvements to existing Home Assistant systems. The focus is on better integration of older devices, significantly simplified automation creation, and a further improved user interface.

This sets Home Assistant its monthly Release cycle continues and shows once again how the platform is continuously evolving.

Infrared is becoming part of the smart home.

One of the most important new features in Home Assistant 2026.4 is native support for infrared (IR). What initially sounds like outdated technology proves to be extremely relevant in practice.

Many household appliances – including televisions, air conditioners, fans, and soundbars – have an infrared receiver but are not connected to the smart home system. This is precisely where the update comes in: Home Assistant can now directly address and control these devices.

Technically, this is done via so-called Infrared proxies. These are small, inexpensive devices that function as IR transmitters. These devices receive commands from Home Assistant and transmit them via infrared to the corresponding devices in the household.

The concept is very similar to the already familiar Bluetooth proxies, which make Bluetooth devices accessible throughout the house. The difference: While Bluetooth works bidirectionally, infrared communication is one-way. This means that the current status of a device cannot always be immediately reported back.

Nevertheless, the control works reliably in everyday use because Home Assistant works with so-called "assumed states." The new integration is particularly interesting for... LG televisions*, which enables basic functions such as turning on and off, volume, input switching or navigation.

Another important aspect is sustainability: Instead of replacing functioning devices with new, "smart" versions, existing devices can continue to be used and integrated into the smart home. This saves costs and reduces electronic waste.

Automations become significantly simpler and more intuitive.

A second key focus of the update is the further development of automations. Since version 2025.12, Home Assistant has pursued the goal of aligning automations more closely with real-world use cases. With version 2026.4, this development reaches a new milestone.

Purpose-bound triggers and conditions

Instead of dealing with technical parameters such as entity states or numerical thresholds, users can now work directly with understandable scenarios. Examples include phrases like "When a light is switched on" or "When the heating is running." These so-called purpose-bound triggers and conditions They significantly simplify the creation of automations and make them accessible even to less technically skilled users.

Automations think like in real life

One particularly important innovation is the introduction of cross-domain triggers and conditions. Until now, automation systems have been heavily tied to technical entities. For example, anyone wanting to detect whether a door had been opened had to know whether it was a contact sensor or a motorized cover.

This new approach eliminates that complexity. Automation is now based on real-world concepts such as:

• Doors and windows
• Movement and presence
• Temperature and humidity
• Energy consumption and battery status

A trigger like "door opened" now works regardless of which device is connected. Similarly, temperature changes from multiple sources can be taken into account simultaneously. The result is a significantly more intuitive configuration that is more closely aligned with real-world usage.

The new Automation functions Currently available as a preview via Home Assistant Labs Available now. They can be activated in the settings under "System > Labs". Since the feature has been developed over several versions, it is considered nearly mature. Users who want to optimize or expand their automations should definitely take a look at these new possibilities.

Matter integration: Fully manage smart door locks

The functionality for Matter has also been further expanded through Home Assistant. In the new version, compatible door locks can now be fully managed via the platform. A new feature is available on the device side, allowing users and access data to be managed centrally.

New features include:

• Create new users
• Assign individual PIN codes
• Define access rights
• Create unique access codes

The ability to integrate these functions into automations is particularly interesting. For example, a temporary access code for guests can be automatically generated and sent via message. This increasingly transforms Home Assistant into a central platform for security-related functions in your home.

Dashboard: More overview, more control, more customization

In addition to functional enhancements, the user interface has also been significantly improved. Areas within the dashboard can now be individually colored. This allows related elements to be visually grouped and important information to be highlighted. Colors and transparency can be flexibly adjusted, making the dashboard more adaptable to personal preferences.

Another practical innovation is the integration of Favorites directly on dashboard cards. For example, preferred light colors or color temperatures can be saved for quick access and displayed directly on the dashboard. This eliminates the need to navigate through detailed menus. The concept has also been expanded:

• Favorites for roller shutters and covers
• Favorites for valves
• Transferring favorites to multiple devices

This saves time and ensures consistent operation.

Even the Measurement chart It has been redesigned and now features a more modern look. The familiar functions remain, while the interface is clearer and better integrated into the overall design. This makes the dashboard appear more streamlined and modern.

Conclusion

With version 2026.4, Home Assistant delivers one of the most versatile updates in recent months. The update impressively demonstrates how both new and older devices can be integrated into a unified smart home. At the same time, operation is further simplified without sacrificing flexibility. This ensures that Home Assistant remains one of the most powerful and adaptable platforms.

Source/Photo: (Amazon / HA Release Notes)