HACS Docker Installation Guide - Portainer, Synology, QNAP & Terminal

[SimplySmartHouse (Tal)]

Need to install HACS on your Docker Home Assistant setup? This guide covers 4 different methods depending on your platform.

I’ve also created a video walkthrough for visual learners:

HACS Docker Container Installation - 2025 ULTIMATE Home Assistant Guide

Prerequisites: Home Assistant running on Docker + GitHub account

Method 1: Terminal/Command Line

Full Terminal Guide →

Step 1: Connect to Container

docker ps

docker exec -it [YOUR_CONTAINER_NAME] bash
# Example: docker exec -it homeassistant bash

Step 2: Install HACS

wget -O - https://get.hacs.xyz | bash -

Step 3: Exit and Restart

exit
docker restart [YOUR_CONTAINER_NAME]

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Method 2: Portainer

Full Portainer Guide →

Step 1: Access Portainer Console

1. Go to Containers in Portainer
2. Find your Home Assistant container
3. Click the “Exec Console” button (>_)

Step 2: Connect to Terminal

1. Ensure /bin/bash is selected in Command field
2. Click “Connect”

Step 3: Install HACS

wget -O - https://get.hacs.xyz | bash -

Step 4: Restart Container

1. Exit console → Return to Containers view
2. Select Home Assistant container → Click “Restart”

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Method 3: Synology Container Manager

Full Synology Guide →

Step 1: Access Container Manager

1. Log in to Synology DSM
2. Open Container Manager from main menu

Step 2: Open Container Terminal

1. Click Container tab
2. Find Home Assistant container
3. Right-click → Open Terminal

Step 3: Install HACS

1. Click Create → Choose bash
2. Run installation command:

wget -O - https://get.hacs.xyz | bash -

Step 4: Restart Container

1. Close terminal window
2. Right-click Home Assistant container
3. Select “Action” → “Restart”

Notes:

• DSM 7.x: Use Container Manager (recommended)
• DSM 6.x: Use Docker package instead

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Method 4: QNAP Container Station

Full QNAP Guide →

Step 1: Access Container Station

1. Log in to QNAP web interface
2. Open Container Station

Step 2: Open Console

1. Find Home Assistant container in list
2. Click container → View details
3. Navigate to Actions → Execute
4. Select /bin/bash → Click Execute

Step 3: Install HACS

wget -O - https://get.hacs.xyz | bash -

Step 4: Restart Container

1. Close terminal window
2. Select Home Assistant container
3. Click “Restart” button

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Setting Up HACS Integration (All Methods)

After installation and container restart:

Step 1: Open Integrations

1. Go to Settings → Devices & Services

Step 2: Add HACS Integration

1. Click Add Integration (bottom right)
2. Search for “HACS” and select it

Step 3: Accept Terms

Review and accept HACS terms by checking all boxes → Click Submit

Step 4: GitHub Authentication

1. Copy the device code shown
2. Click link to open GitHub authorization
3. Log in to GitHub if needed

Step 5: Authorize HACS

1. Paste code into GitHub device activation page
2. Click Authorize HACS

Step 6: Complete Setup

1. Choose area for HACS integration (optional)
2. Click Finish

Step 7: Access HACS

You should see the HACS icon in your sidebar

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Troubleshooting

Can’t see HACS icon?

• Hard refresh browser: CTRL+F5 (Windows/Linux) or CMD+SHIFT+R (Mac)
• Clear browser cache