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The safest pattern is to expose only the Home Assistant configuration directory through an enforced read-only mount or a sanitized read-only copy. Do not give the assistant a writable project mount, unrestricted host access, or a Home Assistant API token unless its task genuinely requires those capabilities. First verify your installation’s real configuration path, then limit the mapped files, remove secrets, and test that writes and unrelated paths are blocked.

What read-only access does—and does not—protect

A read-only filesystem permission lets an assistant inspect files such as YAML configuration, automations, scripts, dashboards, and custom integration settings without modifying them. The protection must be enforced by the filesystem, container runtime, or Home Assistant app configuration—not merely by an instruction in the assistant’s prompt.

Read-only access is not the same as safe-to-share access. Anyone who can read a file can copy its contents. A read-only mount can still disclose passwords, tokens, certificates, private keys, network details, household names, or other sensitive data. Treat confidentiality and modification control as two separate decisions.

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  • Filesystem access exposes the files and directory tree you map.
  • Write permission determines whether those files can be changed, deleted, or replaced.
  • API access lets a client make Home Assistant requests using an authenticated token; it is independent of filesystem permissions.
  • Host access can expose unrelated projects, backups, media, device files, or credentials if the mount is too broad.

For a code-review or troubleshooting task, the usual least-privilege design is a read-only view of a cleaned configuration directory, with no API token and no shell access to the wider host.

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Locate the configuration directory for your installation

Do not assume that a path on one Home Assistant installation applies to another. Confirm the path shown by your own instance before creating a mount or copy. Home Assistant’s official instructions identify the location in Settings > System > Repairs > System information.

Home Assistant OS

Home Assistant OS normally stores the active configuration at /config. That is the path an app or add-on inside the Home Assistant environment commonly needs to read. Verify it in System information rather than relying on an old forum post or a path copied from another installation.

Home Assistant Container

With Home Assistant Container, the host directory containing configuration.yaml is mounted into the Home Assistant container. The host path may be completely different from /config, while the in-container path is commonly /config. Give the assistant the host directory that actually contains the configuration, not an arbitrary parent directory.

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What to record before mapping anything

  • The exact directory containing configuration.yaml.
  • Whether the assistant runs as a Home Assistant app/add-on, another container, or a process on a separate machine.
  • Which subdirectories are needed for the task, such as automations, scripts, or custom components.
  • Which files must be excluded because they contain credentials or private data.

Choose the narrowest access pattern

There is no single universal configuration snippet because the enforcement point differs between Home Assistant apps, external containers, and hosted coding tools. Choose the pattern that exposes the least data while keeping the files current enough for the job.

Pattern What the assistant sees Strength Trade-off
Home Assistant app or add-on mapping Directories explicitly listed in the app’s map configuration Uses Home Assistant’s own scope controls; mappings default to read-only Only applies to apps/add-ons that support the mapping feature
External container or host mount A selected host directory mounted into the assistant environment as read-only Works for assistants outside Home Assistant and can be enforced at the container boundary Mount syntax and isolation depend on the host and assistant; a broad host path can expose unrelated data
Sanitized copy Only the files you deliberately copy and clean Best control over secrets and unrelated files It can become stale and must be regenerated when configuration changes
Home Assistant REST API Entities and services available through API permissions, not raw files Useful when the task needs runtime state rather than YAML Requires a bearer token and does not provide filesystem access

A mount is convenient when the assistant must inspect current files. A sanitized copy is preferable when configuration contains credentials or when the assistant does not need every file. Do not automatically combine a filesystem mount with API access.

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Configure a Home Assistant app or add-on

Home Assistant app documentation supports selected directory mappings. The documented default is read-only; setting read_only: false changes that mapping to writable. Leave the default in place unless you have a separately justified, temporary write requirement.

  1. Identify the minimum directory. Map the configuration directory or a narrower subdirectory required for the review. If the assistant only needs automations, do not map backups, media, or every app configuration.
  2. Open the app’s configuration interface. Find its map list and add only the Home Assistant directory you verified in System information. The exact field names can vary by app version.
  3. Keep the mapping read-only. Do not add read_only: false. If the interface displays a read-only switch, leave it enabled.
  4. Remove broad mappings. Avoid mappings that include all app configurations, backups, media, supervisor data, or a host-level directory unless the task specifically requires one of those areas.
  5. Restart the app if required. A mapping commonly takes effect when the app starts. Check the app log and its file browser to confirm that the intended directory is visible.
  6. Test the boundary. Confirm that a needed configuration file can be opened, that an unrelated path is absent, and that an attempted file creation or edit fails. A successful read alone does not prove that writes are blocked.

Home Assistant’s app-security guidance states: “Map folders read only if you don’t need write access.” It also recommends granting only the API permissions an app needs. Apply both controls: a narrow map for files and narrow permissions for any API connection.

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Expose a configuration to an assistant outside Home Assistant

For an assistant running in another container, on another computer, or as a local process, enforce read-only access where the host creates the boundary. The assistant’s own settings or prompt are not a substitute for an operating-system or container permission.

  1. Create an exposure plan. Decide whether the assistant needs the live configuration or a sanitized snapshot. List the exact directories and files required before creating any mount.
  2. Prepare the source. For a live view, use the directory that contains the active configuration.yaml. For a snapshot, copy only the required files into a separate staging directory and remove secrets before sharing it.
  3. Mount only that directory. Configure the assistant container or host process with a read-only filesystem mapping. The exact syntax depends on the container runtime and assistant; use that product’s documented read-only option rather than guessing a flag.
  4. Do not mount a convenient parent. A home directory, Docker data root, backup directory, or entire host filesystem can reveal unrelated projects and credentials. Map the narrow configuration directory instead.
  5. Limit other capabilities. Disable shell access, host-device access, network access, and API credentials when the task is file inspection only. If a capability cannot be disabled, treat the assistant as having that capability and reduce the mapped data accordingly.
  6. Verify from inside the assistant environment. Read a known configuration file, list the mapped directory, check that an unrelated host path is unavailable, and confirm that creating or changing a test file is denied.
  7. Remove the mount after the task. Stop the assistant or detach the mapping when the review is complete. Keeping a live configuration mounted indefinitely increases the chance of accidental disclosure.

Home Assistant documents the principle of read-only directory mapping, but it does not prescribe one universal Docker or coding-agent command. Follow the syntax and isolation guarantees of your actual runtime, and document which boundary enforces read-only behavior.

Use the REST API only when the task needs Home Assistant data

A coding assistant that needs current entity states, service information, or other runtime data may need the Home Assistant REST API instead of filesystem access. REST requests authenticate with an Authorization: Bearer TOKEN header. The token is a credential and should be handled like a password.

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  • Do not place a long-lived token in a general prompt, repository, configuration file, or transcript.
  • Give the assistant API access only when the task requires API calls.
  • Keep API credentials separate from a read-only file mount; one does not make the other safe.
  • Grant only the API permissions supported and needed by the integration.
  • Revoke or rotate the token when the task, machine, or assistant no longer needs it.

An API-only design can be safer when the assistant needs runtime facts but not YAML source. Conversely, an API token cannot be used as evidence that filesystem writes are impossible. Check both capabilities independently.

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Remove secrets before granting read access

Home Assistant documents YAML secrets as plain text readable by anyone who has file access. Read-only permissions prevent edits; they do not prevent copying those values. Inspect the mapped tree for credentials before starting the assistant.

Files and values to treat as sensitive

  • secrets.yaml and any included secret files.
  • Long-lived access tokens, API keys, passwords, and webhook secrets.
  • TLS certificates, private keys, SSH keys, and cloud-provider credentials.
  • Private hostnames, external IP addresses, camera URLs, alarm details, and personally identifying names.
  • Backups, database files, logs, or exports that may contain historical credentials or personal data.

Sanitized-copy workflow

  1. Copy the minimum configuration files into a separate staging directory.
  2. Replace secret values with clearly marked non-secret placeholders inside the copied files, keeping the YAML structure valid where possible.
  3. Remove complete secret files, private keys, backups, logs, and unrelated integrations rather than merely hiding a few lines.
  4. Review the staged directory as if you were an external reader; search for token-like strings, passwords, URLs containing credentials, and personal details.
  5. Expose the staging directory read-only and delete it when the analysis is finished.

Sanitizing is an operational safeguard derived from the fact that these files are plaintext. It is not a Home Assistant feature that automatically detects every secret, so the person preparing the copy remains responsible for the review.

Do not trust an “AI” or “MCP” label by itself

An integration name does not describe its effective permissions. One community Home Assistant MCP implementation documents both read and write filesystem tools. That example is implementation-specific and should not be generalized to every MCP server or AI integration.

Before enabling an integration, inspect:

  • Every filesystem tool it exposes, including rename, delete, upload, or shell commands.
  • The paths those tools can reach and whether the path restriction is enforced outside the model’s instructions.
  • Whether tools can follow symbolic links or access parent directories.
  • Network, device, process, and environment-variable access.
  • How credentials are stored, logged, transmitted, and revoked.

If the integration offers both read and write tools, disable the write tools or choose a read-only deployment. A written policy such as “do not edit files” is weaker than removing the edit capability entirely.

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Verify that the assistant is actually read-only

Use a deliberate verification pass before allowing real configuration files into a new assistant environment.

  1. Check the visible root. The assistant should see only the mapped configuration scope, not your host home directory, container data root, backups, or other projects.
  2. Read a harmless file. Open a non-sensitive YAML file and confirm that the content is current.
  3. Check exclusions. Confirm that secrets.yaml, private keys, tokens, and any intentionally excluded directories are absent or unreadable.
  4. Attempt a controlled write. Use a disposable test file in the mapped directory. The operation should fail with a permission error; remove the test file if the environment unexpectedly permits creation.
  5. Attempt a rename or delete only if safe. Do not test against a real configuration file. A separate disposable directory can reveal whether the assistant has more than simple file-write permission.
  6. Inspect logs and tool lists. Look for shell, upload, network, or write-capable tools that were not part of the intended design.
  7. Record the result. Note the source path, mapped path, exclusions, enforcement boundary, and date so the setup can be rechecked after upgrades.

If a write succeeds, stop using that mapping for sensitive data. Correct the runtime or app configuration, restart the assistant, and repeat the test from a clean environment.

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Troubleshoot common failures

The assistant cannot find configuration.yaml

Recheck Settings > System > Repairs > System information and distinguish the host path from the in-container path. In a Container installation, the directory visible as /config inside Home Assistant may have a different host location. Confirm that the mapped source contains the file before changing permissions.

The directory is visible but files cannot be read

The mapping may be pointed at the wrong level, the host filesystem permissions may deny the assistant’s user, or the app may need a restart before a changed map is applied. Resolve the path first, then check the runtime’s read permission. Do not solve a read problem by mapping the entire host.

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The assistant can read secrets unexpectedly

Stop the session, remove the broad mapping, and create a sanitized copy. Check included YAML files, backups, logs, and certificate directories—not only the obvious secret filename. Rotate any credential that may already have been exposed.

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The assistant can edit or delete files

Remove the mapping immediately and inspect every enabled tool. In a Home Assistant app, ensure that read_only: false is not present. In an external container, verify the host or runtime read-only enforcement rather than relying on an assistant setting. Recreate the environment and repeat a disposable write test.

The assistant needs runtime state as well as source files

Decide whether both capabilities are truly necessary. If so, keep the filesystem mapping narrow and issue a separately scoped API credential. If runtime state can replace file access, use the API alone and avoid exposing configuration files.

A live mount contains changes the assistant should not see

Use a sanitized snapshot instead. A live mount reflects current files, while a copy limits exposure but can become stale. Record when the snapshot was made and regenerate it only after repeating the secret-removal review.

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Maintain and revoke the arrangement

Read-only access is a configuration state, not a permanent trust decision. Recheck it after Home Assistant, app, container-runtime, or assistant updates because defaults and third-party controls can change.

  • Review mapped paths whenever the assistant’s task changes.
  • Remove obsolete mappings and API tokens.
  • Regenerate sanitized copies instead of continually expanding an old one.
  • Check that new files, backups, and integrations have not introduced credentials into the exposed directory.
  • Repeat the read, exclusion, and write-denial tests after upgrades or migrations.
  • Keep a short record of who can access the assistant environment and when access expires.

Decision guide

If the task needs… Prefer… Avoid…
Current YAML structure for code review A narrowly scoped read-only configuration mount, after removing secrets A writable project or host mount
Only selected automations or scripts A read-only mapping of those directories or a sanitized copy All app configurations, backups, or media
Runtime entity states A separately scoped REST API token with only required permissions Assuming a file mount provides API data
Both source and runtime information Two explicit, independently reviewed capabilities Granting a broad mount and unrestricted token together
Maximum confidentiality A sanitized, read-only snapshot with no API credential A live mount containing plaintext secrets

Final setup checklist

  • Verified the actual configuration path for this Home Assistant installation.
  • Mapped only the directories required for the stated task.
  • Enforced read-only behavior at the app, host, or container boundary.
  • Kept read_only: false out of Home Assistant app mappings.
  • Excluded secrets.yaml, tokens, passwords, keys, certificates, backups, and unrelated private data.
  • Reviewed the assistant’s filesystem, shell, network, device, and credential capabilities.
  • Granted a REST API token only if runtime API calls are necessary.
  • Tested reads, exclusions, unrelated paths, and denied writes with disposable data.
  • Recorded how to detach the mount and revoke credentials when the task ends.

This arrangement gives an AI coding assistant the context needed to explain or review Home Assistant configuration while keeping file modification and unrelated host access outside its normal authority.

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