What's new in HomeAssistant 2026.4

Home Assistant 2026.4: Native infrared control and a new era of security

The April update, subtitled “Infrared never left the chat” proves that “old” definitely doesn’t mean “useless”. Home Assistant 2026.4 brings infrared control back into the game, but in a modern coat. Additionally, it adds top-tier backup encryption and unifies terminology that makes more sense.

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1. Infrared ports: A second breath for legacy electronics

Do you have an old Broadlink or ESPHome with an IR transmitter in your drawer? Now is their time. Version 2026.4 brings native support for infrared entities.

• IR Proxy: Similar to Bluetooth, you can now place cheap ESPHome devices around the house. HA will automatically recognize them as “Infrared Proxies”.

• Code Database: No more tedious “learning” of the remote. Integrations now include databases of thousands of devices. Just select the brand of your TV or AC directly in the UI and everything works.

• LG infrared as the first IR integration for LG branded products

2. Dashboards: Custom colors for each section

The new dashboard style (“Sections”) has finally gained visual freedom. You are no longer limited only to the global theme color. Now you can set a custom background color for each section independently in the editor.

• Better orientation: Highlight the security section with soft red or media control in the living room with blue.

• Tailored design: Colors can be adjusted directly in the UI without having to write complex CSS styles. The dashboard can thus look much more professional and clear.

3. Automation: Cross-domain triggers and conditions

This is a true revolution in your home's logic. Now there are universal triggers (Cross-domain triggers). You no longer have to worry if the door is monitored by a binary sensor, a smart lock, or a motorized gate.

• Unified state: Simply set the automation to the state “Open” or “Closed”. HA will automatically handle all relevant devices regardless of the domain.

• Resistance to change: If you replace an old sensor with a different type of device, the automation will continue to work because it follows the logical state.

4. Automation: Universal Triggers

You no longer need to distinguish between a binary_sensor or a smart lock status. New universal domain triggers allow you to set an automation to "Door opening" and HA handles all relevant devices in that area.

5. Matter Lock Manager: PIN codes under control

If you use smart locks with the Matter protocol, you finally have a full-fledged tool in the UI for their management.

• Creating and deleting PIN codes directly from the dashboard.

• Option to set temporary codes (e.g., for cleaners or Airbnb guests).

• Access history – know exactly who and when unlocked using a code.

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Other news in a nutshell:

• Dashboards: The mobile app received new “Summary Cards” for a quick overview.

• OpenAI: Added support for the latest GPT-5.4 and 5.4 Pro models.

• Proxmox VE: Improved sensors and snapshot management directly from HA.

• SmartThings: Massive update for dishwashers and vacuums.

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Conclusion and Recommendation

The April Home Assistant update 2026.4 confirms that the path to a perfect smart home is through user-friendliness and visual order.