You can reuse an old Android phone as a Home Assistant dashboard by installing the official Companion app, choosing a dashboard for the phone, and—if you want it to open directly to Home Assistant—setting the app as Android’s home app. Enable the app’s Keep screen on option for an active display, then test how the specific phone handles sleep, locking, charging, and reconnecting to Wi-Fi before mounting it.
Choose the right setup for the job
There are two different ways to put Home Assistant controls on Android. Use the Companion app as the home app when you want a dedicated display that opens into a dashboard. Use Android’s device-controls interface for quick access to controls when the phone supports it; that is not a continuously visible wall display.
| Approach | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Companion app as the home app | A dedicated phone display for a room or household control point | Home Assistant documents setting the Companion app as the default launcher. You can choose a default dashboard for the account used on the device. Home Assistant launcher instructions |
| Android device controls | Quick access to supported controls through Android’s device-controls interface | Home Assistant documents this option for Android 14 and supported devices. It is separate from the launcher setup and does not turn the phone into a continuously visible dashboard. Home Assistant device-controls instructions |
Set up the phone dashboard
1. Install the Companion app and connect it
Install the official Home Assistant Companion app on the Android phone and connect it to your Home Assistant server. Sign in with the account you intend the display to use.
2. Choose a dashboard for the room
Create or select a dashboard that shows the controls people need where the phone will be placed—for example, lights or other room controls. A small display is easier to use when it presents a focused set of controls rather than every view intended for a desktop. Home Assistant allows a different default dashboard for a separate user, so a dedicated account for each kiosk device can keep its starting view distinct. See the launcher documentation.
#1 Best Overall
- Universal Compatbility: This phone stand works with all 4-8" Smartphones and e-readers, such as iPhone 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max Xs Xr X 8 7 6, Switch, Samsung Galaxy S10 /S10+/S9 /S9+/S8 /S8+, Google Nexus, Kindle.
- Adjustable & Portable: The phone cradle is fully collapsible, it can be easily adjusted to ideal position, which is a good desk accessories while watching video, playing games, making phone call, viewing recipes, using Facetime.
- Sturdy & Protective: The cell phone stand is made of high quality premium aluminum, it stays firmly in place, hold your phone steadily, no worry any wobble at all. The rubber pads can protect your phone from any scratching and sliding.
- Case Friendly: The hook width of the stand is 19mm, no need to remove your phone case, which is long enough to hold your device with HEAVY CASE on, please make sure the thickness of your device is no more than 19mm (0.74").
- Warm Tips: Please set your device(4"-6") in landscape or portrait mode, and set the device (6"-8") in landscape mode, which will provide more stability.
3. Set Home Assistant as the Android home app, if desired
- In the Companion app, open Settings > Companion app > Device home screen.
- Tap Change home app.
- Select Home Assistant as the home app if you want the phone’s Home button to open the dashboard experience.
Android’s home app is the launcher opened by the Home button. You can leave the phone’s existing launcher in place if you prefer to open Home Assistant manually. The exact behavior of system navigation can vary by device. Home Assistant’s documented setup is described at Android Home App (launcher).
4. Keep the display awake while Home Assistant is active
In the Companion app settings, enable Keep screen on. Home Assistant documents this as keeping the screen on while the WebView activity is active; it is not a promise that every Android phone will stay lit indefinitely in every system state. Details are in the Android WebView documentation.
Rank #2
- 1.【Suitable all the phone】: suitable for all the smartphone with case and under 8 inch tablets without a case. For example iphone, ipad, Samsung galaxy, Google Nexus,HTC One, Blackberry, Oneplusone,Motorola Droid,Nokia Lumia.
- 2.【Portable everywhere】: perfect for travel, Portable, just simply put it in a pocket or wallet, purse, backpack, bag, you can use it everywhere, cafe, coffee shop, dining table, airplane tray table...ect. Easy Storge and Carrage.
- 3.【6 Angles Viewing】: 6 different adjustable Multi angles for viewing to meet different needs of watching movies. Free hands to reduce cervical and arm pain. Supporting portrait and landscape modes, offer you the best viewing point.
- 4.【Lightweight but sturdy】: The material is engineering plastic ABS. Small pocket size: (3.3 * 2.8 * 0.5 inches) and lightweight (0.8 ounces) are also strong and durable.
- 5.【What You Get】: 2 Pcs Kemoxan office adjustable cell phone stand holder, black and white.
5. Adjust the view for the phone’s placement
Use the Companion app’s orientation or pinch-to-zoom preferences if they make the dashboard easier to read in the chosen position. Check the result on the actual handset rather than assuming that a desktop layout will fit its screen. The available WebView preferences are documented at Android WebView.
Test the phone before relying on it
Before treating the phone as a permanent household control point, try the conditions it will encounter in its intended location. Android power management, lock behavior, and charging can differ across devices, so verify the specific handset rather than assuming that the app’s setting overrides every system behavior.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRank #3
- Height & Angle Adjustable - The universal adjustable phone stand can be titled to vertical, and height can be extended up to 3.2 inches. It allows you to get a more comfortable viewing angle and height. Reduce the frequency of looking down at the phone screen to avoid hurting your back and neck. A perfect desktop accessory that frees your hands to watch online class, do live stream.
- Thick Case Friendly - This cellphone stand work for phone with thick case up to 0.71 inches thick. The enlarged & thickened anti-slip & anti-scratch silicone mats on the backrest, hooks and base feet protect your moilephone from sliding and scratching. Durable materials and the high-precision smooth surface prevent this phone stand from scratch and break even after long-term use.
- Full Foldable & Portable - This portable phone stand is easy to carry by anyone. Bi-folding design allows this foldable mobile stand to be pocket-sized. Simply fold it up to a small size anytime and carry around into a handbag, backpack wherever you travel or business trip. Necessary office desk accessories & workspace organizers, office supplies, cell phone accessories.
- Weighted Metal Base - As to ensure the stability, the telescopic rod and the base of this mobile phone stand are made of weighted excellent metal. The exquisite groove design of the base match with the strong adjustable rod allows your mobilephone to rest steadily on it, even with a thick case. It’s the best Thanksgiving Day, Christmas gift.
- Wide Compatibility - Universal table phone holder works for telephones and tablets between 4 - 8 inches, such as Apple iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 14, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 14 Plus, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 13 Mini, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, XS, XS Max, XR, X, 8, 7, 7 Plus,SE, SE2, android, Galaxy S22, S22 Ultra, S21 Ultra, S21, S20, A72, A71, A52, A5. Compatible for Nintendo Switch 1 2. Best Christmas Gift.
- Open the dashboard and confirm that the chosen default view appears.
- Leave the WebView active and confirm the effect of Keep screen on.
- Let the phone sleep or lock, then check how you can return to the dashboard.
- Test Wi-Fi reconnection after the phone has been idle or briefly disconnected.
- Check how the phone behaves while charging in the intended orientation and location.
What to expect from notifications and kiosk commands
Notification commands that turn on the screen do not remove or bypass Android’s lock screen. Remote kiosk commands also have prerequisites: the Companion app must be open in the foreground, and remote kiosk commands must be enabled. As a result, a notification is not a guaranteed way to wake every older phone into an unlocked dashboard from every locked or power-saving state. See Home Assistant’s notification command documentation.
Mounting an old phone
A phone mount can make a fixed dashboard easier to view, but Home Assistant’s wall-display guidance does not establish compatibility with any particular phone mount or handset. Before choosing an adjustable phone wall mount, check the phone’s dimensions, side-button positions, charging-port access, ventilation, and whether the mount fits the wall or stand surface. The supported use case in the official documentation is a wall-mounted display generally, not a recommendation for a specific mount. Home Assistant launcher documentation.
Rank #4
- 【Sturdy and Stable】: Made of premium aluminum alloy and stainless steel, Liphisy phone tripod with remote keeps your device stay securely in place for still shots and video recording.
- 【Multi-angle Shot】: With a max height of 64”, this tripod stand with a 210-degree rotation head and 360-degree rotation holder allows you to capture shots from any angle, catering to different photography needs.
- 【Wireless Remote Included】: Package includes a wireless remote that connects to your cell phone easily, making it a breeze to snap photos or video recordings.
- 【Height Adjustable】: The height of this cell phone tripod with remote can be adjusted from 17” to 64” and the easy lock mechanism makes it really easy to set up. It gives you an excellent vantage point for capturing photos and videos.
- 【Wide Application】: Compatable with different phone and camera, this tripod is great for photography and video recording, perfect for travel and home use.
Useful reference
Home Assistant’s Companion app includes other Android integrations and sensors, but they are separate from the basic dashboard setup described here. See the official Sensors documentation if you want to explore device sensor data.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 62" Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick Combo: Extendable phone tripod for iPhone and Android, combining a tripod stand and selfie stick in one lightweight design for selfies, photos, videos, vlogging, live streaming, and family gatherings.
- Adjustable Height & 360° Rotation: The tripod extends up to 62 inches to support standing shots, group photos, video calls, and content creation. The 360° rotating phone holder allows vertical or horizontal shooting.
- Stable Phone Holder for Daily Recording: Designed for hands-free video recording, online meetings, tutorials, livestreams, and social content. The phone holder keeps your device positioned securely for clear, steady shots.
- Wide Compatibility with Phones and Cameras: Fits most smartphones from 2.8" to 5.7" wide and includes a universal 1/4" screw mount for compatible cameras, action cameras, webcams, and camcorders.
- Wireless Remote & Complete Kit: Includes 1 phone tripod/selfie stick, 1 universal phone holder, 1 adapter, and 1 wireless remote shutter. Backed by 12-month after-sales support for everyday shooting needs.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →
