macOS Tahoe (26.x): App doesn't request local network permission, cannot connect to local instance

[Automaat]

Platform

• OS: macOS Tahoe 26.2 (Build 25C56)
• Hardware: MacBook
• App Version: 2025.11.2 (Build 1537)
• Installation Method: Homebrew Cask (brew install --cask home-assistant)

Problem Description

The Home Assistant Companion app on macOS Tahoe cannot connect to local Home Assistant instances because it fails to request the "Local Network" permission during onboarding or normal operation.

Observed Behavior

1. App never appears in: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network
2. Connection attempts fail with errors like:
   • NSURLErrorDomain -1003
   • "Unable to connect. The server with the specified hostname could not be found"
3. Browser (Safari/Chrome) on same Mac successfully connects to http://192.168.0.241:8123
4. Home Assistant server is confirmed working (accessible from other devices)

Expected Behavior

• App should request local network permission during initial setup
• App should appear in Local Network privacy settings
• App should connect to local HA instance when on same network

Impact

Critical for Mac automation users: Cannot access Mac-specific sensors:

• binary_sensor.active (Mac activity state)
• sensor.frontmost_app (current app)
• binary_sensor.camera_in_use / audio_input_in_use
• sensor.storage, sensor.displays, etc.

These sensors are essential for Mac presence detection, focus mode automations, and system monitoring.

Workarounds Attempted

1. ✅ Server config: Added internal_url and server_host = "0.0.0.0" to HA config
2. ❌ Remove/re-add server: Doesn't trigger permission prompt
3. ✅ Browser access: Works, but loses all Mac sensor functionality
4. ⚠️ Recovery mode reset: Requires booting to Recovery Mode and manually deleting /Volumes/Data/Library/Preferences/com.apple.networkextension.*.plist (see guide)

Technical Context

This appears to be a macOS Catalyst-specific issue affecting macOS Sequoia (15.x) and Tahoe (26.x). The iOS version of the app properly requests and obtains local network permissions.

Installation Method Note: App installed via Homebrew Cask, not Mac App Store. Both installation methods appear affected based on community reports.

Apple's Local Network Permission Requirements:

• Introduced in iOS 14 / macOS Big Sur
• Requires explicit user consent
• Cannot be manually granted without app requesting it
• Stored in SIP-protected files (not resettable via tccutil)

Reproduction Steps

1. Install HA Companion app via brew install --cask home-assistant (or Mac App Store)
2. Launch app and attempt to connect to local HA instance (e.g., http://192.168.0.241:8123)
3. Observe connection failure
4. Check System Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network
5. Note: App is not listed

Additional Information

• Same issue reported in Community Forum (Jan 2025)
• No existing GitHub issue tracking this problem
• Affects both fresh installs and upgrades
• Affects both Homebrew and App Store installations

Suggested Fix

App should explicitly request local network access using NSLocalNetworkUsageDescription and trigger the system permission prompt during:

1. Initial onboarding when entering local URL
2. First connection attempt to local network address
3. Optionally: Add manual "Request Permission" button in settings

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Note: This prevents macOS users from leveraging the full Home Assistant ecosystem for Mac automation and sensor integration.

[xk0fe]

How do I get release with the fix? I am on version 150-101a and facing same problem

upd: sorry, turns out IT DOES work just fine, I was not seeing the popup that was appearing on another screen 🤦