Home Assistant: Manage Todo & Shopping Lists

Nov 26, 2025 by Alex Johnson 45 views

Introduction

In this article, we delve into a feature proposal designed to enhance the functionality of Home Assistant by integrating comprehensive todo list and shopping list management tools. This addition aims to streamline daily tasks and improve user experience by bringing essential organizational features directly into your smart home ecosystem. We will explore the current state, proposed tools, use cases, and the priority assigned to this enhancement.

Current State: The Need for Todo and Shopping List Management

Currently, Home Assistant lacks dedicated todo list management tools within its ha-mcp (Home Assistant Management Control Program). While Home Assistant boasts numerous features for home automation, the absence of integrated todo list capabilities leaves a gap in its ability to assist users with everyday organizational tasks. Notably, the shopping list feature is a popular yet somewhat isolated component within the Home Assistant ecosystem. Integrating this and expanding it with more comprehensive todo list functionalities promises to significantly enhance the platform's utility.

Integrating robust todo list and shopping list_ functionalities into Home Assistant addresses a critical need for users seeking to centralize their daily task management within their smart home environment. The current state highlights a gap in Home Assistant's capabilities, particularly the lack of dedicated tools for managing to-dos and the somewhat isolated nature of the shopping list feature. By consolidating these functionalities, users can seamlessly incorporate their daily tasks and shopping needs into their home automation routines, fostering a more connected and efficient lifestyle. The absence of todo list management within ha-mcp means that users often rely on external applications or manual methods to keep track of their tasks. This not only adds complexity but also diminishes the cohesive smart home experience that Home Assistant aims to provide. The popularity of the shopping list feature underscores the demand for such organizational tools within the platform, suggesting a broader user interest in managing various types of lists directly within Home Assistant. Expanding on this existing functionality to encompass a more comprehensive todo list system would cater to a wider range of user needs, from simple grocery lists to complex project tasks, all within the familiar Home Assistant interface. This integration would not only streamline task management but also unlock new possibilities for automation, such as triggering actions based on todo list status or integrating reminders with other smart home devices. By addressing this gap, Home Assistant can further solidify its position as a central hub for managing not just home automation but also daily life organization.

Proposed Tools: Expanding Home Assistant’s Capabilities

The feature proposal outlines several new tools designed to manage Home Assistant todo lists, including shopping lists. These tools are designed to be accessible via the Home Assistant Management Control Program (ha-mcp) and will interact with Home Assistant’s backend through its API.

`ha_list_todo_lists`

This tool aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all todo lists within Home Assistant. By listing all available todo list entities, users can easily identify and manage their various lists, whether they are for shopping, household chores, or project tasks.

@mcp.tool()
async def ha_list_todo_lists() -> dict:
    """List all todo list entities."""

API: This tool will leverage the REST /api/states endpoint, filtering by todo.* to retrieve all relevant entities. This method ensures efficient access to the necessary information, providing a foundation for other todo list management tools.

The ha_list_todo_lists tool serves as the cornerstone for managing todo lists within Home Assistant, offering a crucial foundation for subsequent operations. By providing a clear and concise listing of all available todo list entities, users gain immediate visibility into their organizational landscape. This tool's reliance on the REST /api/states endpoint, filtered by todo.*, ensures efficient and reliable retrieval of information, making it a practical solution for accessing the necessary data. The significance of ha_list_todo_lists extends beyond mere listing; it empowers users to effectively oversee their task management ecosystem. With a comprehensive view of all lists, users can easily identify and navigate to specific lists, streamlining their workflow and enhancing productivity. Whether it's a shopping list, a household chores list, or a project-specific todo list, this tool provides the necessary overview to maintain organization and control. Furthermore, the implementation of ha_list_todo_lists lays the groundwork for more advanced features and integrations within Home Assistant. By establishing a standardized method for accessing todo list entities, developers can build upon this foundation to create sophisticated automation routines and user interfaces. For instance, users could leverage this tool to automatically generate daily task summaries, prioritize tasks based on due dates, or integrate todo lists with other smart home devices and services. The efficiency and reliability of ha_list_todo_lists also contribute to a smoother user experience. By quickly retrieving and displaying todo list information, users can avoid delays and frustrations associated with manual searching or external applications. This seamless integration within Home Assistant encourages users to adopt and utilize the todo list management tools more frequently, fostering a more organized and efficient smart home environment.

`ha_get_todo_items`

This tool focuses on retrieving items from a specific todo list. It allows users to filter items based on their status, such as “needs_action” or “completed,” providing a granular view of the list’s contents.

@mcp.tool()
async def ha_get_todo_items(
    entity_id: str,  # e.g., "todo.shopping_list"
    status: str | None = None  # "needs_action" or "completed"
) -> dict:
    """Get items from a todo list."""

API: This tool utilizes the WebSocket todo/item/list API, ensuring real-time updates and efficient data retrieval. The ability to filter by status allows users to focus on actionable items or review completed tasks.

The ha_get_todo_items tool is pivotal for the detailed management of individual todo lists within Home Assistant. By allowing users to retrieve items from a specific todo list and filter them based on their status, this tool provides a granular level of control and visibility that is essential for effective task management. The ability to specify an entity_id, such as "todo.shopping_list", enables users to target specific lists, while the optional status parameter allows for further refinement, focusing on items that either "needs_action" or are "completed." This dual filtering capability enhances the tool's utility, catering to different user needs and workflows. The choice to leverage the WebSocket todo/item/list API underscores the commitment to real-time updates and efficient data retrieval. WebSocket technology facilitates bidirectional communication between the client and server, ensuring that changes to todo list items are immediately reflected in the user interface. This responsiveness is crucial for maintaining an accurate and up-to-date view of todo lists, particularly in dynamic environments where tasks are frequently added, updated, or completed. The flexibility offered by ha_get_todo_items extends to various use cases within Home Assistant. Users can employ this tool to quickly view pending tasks, review completed items, or generate reports on their todo list progress. The tool's ability to filter by status also enables the creation of smart automations. For instance, a user could set up a notification that triggers when a new item is added to their "needs_action" list or when all items in a particular list are marked as completed. Furthermore, the data retrieved by ha_get_todo_items can be seamlessly integrated with other Home Assistant components and services. This integration allows for the creation of personalized dashboards, customized notifications, and intelligent task prioritization systems. By providing a robust and versatile means of accessing todo list items, ha_get_todo_items significantly enhances the user experience and empowers individuals to effectively manage their tasks within the Home Assistant ecosystem.

`ha_add_todo_item`

This tool enables users to add new items to a todo list. It supports detailed item creation, including a summary, description, and due date, allowing for comprehensive task management.

@mcp.tool()
async def ha_add_todo_item(
    entity_id: str,
    summary: str,
    description: str | None = None,
    due_date: str | None = None
) -> dict:
    """Add item to a todo list."""

API: The tool uses the REST POST /api/services/todo/add_item API, ensuring compatibility and ease of integration with existing Home Assistant services. The inclusion of optional description and due date fields enhances the tool’s versatility.

The ha_add_todo_item tool is instrumental in empowering users to seamlessly populate their todo lists within Home Assistant, facilitating comprehensive task management. By enabling the addition of new items to a specified todo list, this tool forms a cornerstone of the proposed todo list management system. The tool's design incorporates flexibility and detail, allowing users to include not only a concise summary of the task but also an optional description and due date. This level of granularity ensures that users can capture all pertinent information related to a todo list item, promoting clarity and organization. The entity_id parameter allows users to designate the specific todo list to which the item should be added, providing a clear target for task assignment. The summary field serves as a brief identifier for the item, enabling quick scanning and prioritization. The optional description field provides an opportunity to elaborate on the task, adding context and instructions as needed. The inclusion of the due_date parameter further enhances the tool's capabilities, allowing users to set deadlines and manage their time effectively. By leveraging the REST POST /api/services/todo/add_item API, ha_add_todo_item ensures seamless compatibility and integration with existing Home Assistant services. This API endpoint is specifically designed for adding items to todo lists, making it a natural choice for this tool. The use of a REST API also promotes interoperability and ease of use, aligning with the broader Home Assistant ecosystem. The versatility of ha_add_todo_item extends to a wide range of use cases within Home Assistant. Users can employ this tool to add shopping list items via voice commands, create task reminders based on specific events, or populate todo lists from external applications. The tool's comprehensive input parameters and seamless API integration make it a powerful asset for managing tasks within the smart home environment. Furthermore, the data added via ha_add_todo_item can be readily accessed and utilized by other Home Assistant components and services. This integration allows for the creation of intelligent automations, personalized notifications, and dynamic dashboards, all centered around the user's todo lists. By providing a robust and user-friendly mechanism for adding todo list items, ha_add_todo_item significantly enhances the task management capabilities of Home Assistant and empowers users to maintain a well-organized and efficient lifestyle.

`ha_update_todo_item` / `ha_remove_todo_item`

These tools focus on modifying existing todo list items. ha_update_todo_item allows users to change the summary or status of an item, while ha_remove_todo_item enables the removal of items from the list.

@mcp.tool()
async def ha_update_todo_item(
    entity_id: str,
    item_uid: str,
    summary: str | None = None,
    status: str | None = None  # "needs_action" or "completed"
) -> dict:
    """Update or complete a todo item."""

API: Similar to ha_add_todo_item, these tools will likely use REST APIs for modifying todo list items. This ensures consistency and ease of integration within the Home Assistant ecosystem.

The ha_update_todo_item and ha_remove_todo_item tools are essential for maintaining the accuracy and relevance of todo lists within Home Assistant. These tools provide the necessary mechanisms for users to modify and refine their lists as tasks evolve and circumstances change. The ha_update_todo_item tool allows for the dynamic adjustment of todo list items, enabling users to modify the summary or status of a task. The ability to update the summary ensures that task descriptions remain accurate and reflective of the current situation. The status parameter, which can be set to either "needs_action" or "completed", allows users to track the progress of their tasks and filter their lists accordingly. By providing this functionality, ha_update_todo_item empowers users to keep their todo lists up-to-date and actionable. The ha_remove_todo_item tool complements ha_update_todo_item by providing a means to remove items that are no longer relevant or necessary. This is crucial for maintaining a clean and focused todo list, preventing it from becoming cluttered with outdated tasks. By allowing users to remove completed or obsolete items, ha_remove_todo_item ensures that the todo list remains a valuable tool for managing current priorities. The entity_id parameter, common to both tools, specifies the todo list to be modified, while the item_uid parameter identifies the specific item within that list. This targeted approach ensures that changes are applied accurately and efficiently, minimizing the risk of unintended modifications. The use of REST APIs for these tools, similar to ha_add_todo_item, promotes consistency and ease of integration within the Home Assistant ecosystem. REST APIs are well-suited for performing CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations on data, making them a natural choice for managing todo list items. The versatility of ha_update_todo_item and ha_remove_todo_item extends to various use cases within Home Assistant. Users can employ these tools to mark tasks as completed via voice commands, update task descriptions based on new information, or automatically remove items from a list after a certain period. The tools' robust functionality and seamless API integration make them essential components of a comprehensive todo list management system. Furthermore, the changes made via ha_update_todo_item and ha_remove_todo_item can be readily reflected in other Home Assistant components and services. This integration allows for the creation of dynamic dashboards, personalized notifications, and intelligent task prioritization systems, all centered around the user's todo lists. By providing a robust and user-friendly mechanism for updating and removing todo list items, these tools significantly enhance the task management capabilities of Home Assistant and empower users to maintain a well-organized and efficient lifestyle.

Use Cases: Real-World Applications

The proposed tools open up a variety of use cases, making Home Assistant a more versatile platform for managing daily tasks. Here are a few examples:

"Add milk to my shopping list": This simple voice command can be easily implemented using ha_add_todo_item, streamlining the process of adding items to a shopping list.
"Show me my shopping list": Utilizing ha_get_todo_items, users can quickly retrieve and review their shopping list, ensuring they never forget an item.
"Mark the eggs as completed": This action can be executed using ha_update_todo_item, allowing users to track their progress while shopping or completing tasks.
"What's on my todo list for today?": By combining ha_list_todo_lists and ha_get_todo_items, users can get a comprehensive overview of their tasks for the day.

These use cases demonstrate the practical applications of the proposed tools, highlighting their potential to simplify daily routines and improve user efficiency. The integration of todo list management into Home Assistant transforms the platform from a home automation system to a personal assistant, capable of handling a wide range of tasks and responsibilities.

Priority: A Medium Priority Enhancement

The feature proposal is assigned a MEDIUM priority, reflecting its popularity and the value it adds to Home Assistant. Shopping list functionality is particularly popular, making this enhancement a worthwhile addition. While not critical for the core functionality of Home Assistant, the inclusion of todo list management tools significantly improves the user experience and broadens the platform’s appeal.

The assignment of MEDIUM priority to the todo list management feature proposal strikes a balance between immediate core functionalities and user-centric enhancements within Home Assistant. This prioritization acknowledges the widespread popularity of shopping list features and the broader demand for integrated task management tools, without overshadowing the critical aspects of home automation that define the platform's primary function. The MEDIUM priority designation signifies that while todo list management is not a fundamental requirement for Home Assistant's core operation, its inclusion would substantially elevate the user experience and broaden the platform's utility. The popularity of shopping list functionalities, as evidenced by user feedback and community discussions, underscores the value that users place on task-oriented features within their smart home ecosystem. By extending this existing functionality to encompass a more comprehensive todo list system, Home Assistant can cater to a wider range of user needs, from simple grocery lists to complex project tasks, all within a unified interface. This enhancement would not only streamline daily routines but also foster a greater sense of organization and control for users. The decision to prioritize todo list management at a MEDIUM level also reflects a strategic approach to platform development. By addressing user-centric enhancements alongside core functionalities, Home Assistant can maintain its appeal to both novice and experienced users. This balanced approach ensures that the platform continues to evolve in a way that meets the diverse needs of its user base, fostering a vibrant and engaged community. Furthermore, the MEDIUM priority assignment allows for a deliberate and well-planned implementation of todo list management tools. This approach ensures that the new features are seamlessly integrated into the existing Home Assistant ecosystem, providing a cohesive and intuitive user experience. By allocating sufficient time and resources to this enhancement, the development team can address potential challenges, incorporate user feedback, and deliver a polished and valuable addition to the platform.

Labels: Categorizing the Enhancement

The labels applied to this feature proposal—enhancement and new-tool—accurately categorize its nature. It is an enhancement to existing functionality and introduces new tools to the platform, further clarifying its scope and impact.

Conclusion

The proposal to add todo list and shopping list management tools to Home Assistant represents a significant step towards enhancing the platform’s usability and versatility. By providing users with the tools to manage their daily tasks, Home Assistant can become an even more integral part of their lives. The proposed tools, use cases, and assigned priority highlight the value of this enhancement, promising a more organized and efficient smart home experience.

To delve deeper into Home Assistant and its capabilities, consider exploring the official Home Assistant Documentation. This resource provides comprehensive information on all aspects of Home Assistant, from basic setup to advanced configurations.