Why an Old iPad Is the Best Home Assistant Display
Dedicated smart home displays (Amazon Echo Show, Google Nest Hub) cost £100–200 and run locked-down software. A retired iPad mini 4, Air 2, or 6th gen does the same job better — a larger screen, a proper browser, direct Home Assistant integration, and the flexibility to show anything you want.
The case for a dedicated iPad dashboard:
- 9.7–10.2" screen is significantly larger than most smart displays
- Home Assistant's companion app is excellent on iOS
- Full browser access means any web-based dashboard works
- Multi-touch for quick interaction
- Cost: potentially £0 if you already own a retired iPad
What You Need
- iPad with iOS 14 or higher — Works on iOS 14+ (so iPad mini 4, Air 2, 6th/7th gen all qualify)
- Home Assistant instance running on your local network (Raspberry Pi, NUC, Home Assistant Green, or similar)
- WiFi network that both the HA server and iPad can reach
- Optional: Wall mount or stand with charging
Option 1: Home Assistant Companion App
The Home Assistant companion app (iOS 15+) is the best dedicated option. Install it from the App Store, enter your Home Assistant server URL, and log in. You get a full HA dashboard with native notifications, sensors (battery, location if you want), and the full Lovelace dashboard editor.
On iOS 15 devices (iPad mini 4, Air 2): the companion app works well. Set it up as the primary screen using Guided Access (Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access) to lock the iPad into HA mode.
The companion app also reports back iPad sensor data to Home Assistant — battery level, charging state, and screen state — which can be used in automations.
Option 2: Full Kiosk / Browser Lock
For a completely locked-down kiosk experience:
- Guided Access (built-in iOS) — Triple-click Home button to enable. Locks the iPad to a single app. Free, simple, works on all iOS 15 devices.
- Fully Kiosk Browser — Android only, not available for iOS.
- Safari in full-screen — Add your Home Assistant URL to the Home Screen (Safari → Share → Add to Home Screen). Opens without browser chrome. Combine with Guided Access to lock to this 'app'.
🏠 ESPHome integration: If you run ESPHome devices (custom sensors, switches, LED controllers), they integrate directly into Home Assistant. Your iPad dashboard shows ESPHome device states in real time — temperature sensors, door contacts, light switches — making it a genuine home control centre rather than just a display.
Mounting Options
A wall-mounted, always-charging iPad is the ideal setup. Options:
- Magnetic wall mount with Lightning charging — Mounts flush to the wall, iPad snaps on magnetically, charges while mounted. Search Amazon for iPad wall mounts — expect to pay £15–40 depending on quality.
- Angle stand on countertop — Charging dock stand for kitchen or desk placement. £10–25.
- Clamp mount — Attaches to furniture or pipes. Flexible arm positions. Good for non-wall surfaces.
Keep the iPad plugged in constantly. iOS has optimised battery charging that slows charging at 80% when plugged in permanently, reducing long-term battery degradation.
Dashboard Design Tips
Home Assistant's Lovelace dashboard is highly customisable. For a wall display:
- Use large tile cards so they're tappable without precision
- Dark theme matches the night without eye strain
- Add a weather card at the top
- Group rooms: Living Room lights, Bedroom, Kitchen as sections
- Consider the Panel view (single full-page card) for simplicity
Our verdict
An old iPad as a Home Assistant dashboard is one of the best free repurposing projects for a retired Apple device. The screen is large, the touch interface is natural, the companion app is excellent, and it integrates fully with ESPHome devices. Add a wall mount and it becomes a genuinely useful piece of home infrastructure.
Find utility apps for your old iPad
Browse apps in the utilities category compatible with iOS 14+.
Browse utility apps →Also see: 10 things to do with an old iPad · iPad Air 2 — a good choice for this · iPad 6th & 7th gen