ESPHome 2025.6 adds OpenThread support

ESPhome, an open-source smart home integration project sheltered under the Open Home Foundation, recently updated to version 2025.6, introducing a new ESP SDK to support OpenThread.

The update enables Thread support (and also Zigbee) on supported ESP32 boards with IEEE 802.15.4 radio capability, with direct integration to Home Assistant via Thread. This adds a new method to utilize Thread in Home Assistant, in addition to existing HomeKit and Matter options. Looking ahead, this is a solid step if the project plans to add Matter capability for low-power-consumption devices like sensors.

What does this mean?

For Home Assistant users, there is now a new way to build your open home with Thread and Zigbee, upgrading from existing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth ESPHome gadgets. The move by ESPHome also brings more activity to the Thread ecosystem, especially considering it is a license-free protocol or API, compared to Matter and HomeKit.

The ESP32 chipset is extremely popular for Wi-Fi-based devices. So, for newer devices using ESP32-H2 or C6 chipsets, this opens up a new door to turn them into Thread-enabled gadgets. For example, Shelly Gen 4 devices or possible new models from Sonoff.

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However, what remains unchanged is the missing Matter support in ESPHome, despite its support of IP-based communication via Espressif devices. There have been some contributors experimenting with Matter capability in ESPHome, according to discussions on GitHub. So, this could become a feature in the near future, similar to Tasmota, another ESP32-based open-source project.

How to try it?

To experience this new feature, you need:

- Home Assistant  

- Latest ESPHome Device Builder (2025.6)  

- Thread border router with credentials accessible  

- ESP32-H2 or ESP32-C6 dev board  

If you are using Home Assistant OS, simply update or install the ESPHome Device Builder add-on. Create a new profile in the web UI, and flash the demo code (please replace the credentials with your own.)

esphome:
  name: thread-c6
  friendly_name: Thread-C6

# Example ESP-IDF configuration for ESP32-C6-DevKitM-1 board
esp32:
  board: esp32-c6-devkitm-1
  framework:
    type: esp-idf

# Example OpenThread component configuration
network:
  enable_ipv6: true

# Enable logging
logger:
 
# Enable Home Assistant API
api:
  encryption:
    key: "YourHAKeyinESPHomeBuilder"
 
ota:
  - platform: esphome
    password: "YourOTAPwd"

# Example OpenThread TLV value from the Thread information in Home Assistant
openthread:
  tlv: YourThreadCredentialsTLVDataset

light:
  - platform: esp32_rmt_led_strip
    rgb_order: GRB
    pin: GPIO8
    num_leds: 1
    chipset: WS2812
    id: status_led
    name: "Light"
    icon: "mdi:led-outline"
    default_transition_length: 0.25s
    effects:
      - random:
      - flicker:
      - addressable_rainbow:

For Thread credentials, the easiest way is to get them from Home Assistant on the Thread integration page. You can either import an existing network via the Home Assistant companion app or run a network within Home Assistant. You can find well-written documentation in smart home communities. If you're interested, you can also check out our guide to building a Thread border router.

In my initial testing, it runs fast and stable. Firmware updates (OTA) are also available wirelessly. You can check the demo video that shows how Home Assistant controls the on-board LED light via Thread.

(Source: ESPHome, GitHub, Home Assistant Community)