ESPHome 2026.4.5 released on 06-05-2026

ESPHome 2026.4.5 is out now. Home Assistant add-on users can opt into the new ESPHome Device Builder and the release fixes secret bundling, substitution resolution and safe-mode WiFi so builds and recoveries are more reliable.
See the release notes on the ESPHome GitHub for full details and installation instructions.
What’s in this release
- Home Assistant add-on: an opt-in toggle to enable the new ESPHome Device Builder so users can try the updated build workflow without forcing it on everyone.
- Bundle/export: secrets.yaml is now included when !secret keys are written as quoted strings, preventing missing secrets in bundles and builds.
- Core and components: fixes for dict-valued substitution sibling references, WiFi connection in safe mode, and Nextion text sensor updates on string responses.
Upgrade notes
- No breaking changes reported; to try the new builder, enable the opt-in toggle in the Home Assistant add-on settings and test builds before wider rollout.
- To revert, disable the opt-in toggle in the add-on settings to return to the previous build workflow.
Share any experience you have with the new builder, bundling behaviour or the safe-mode WiFi fix on the project’s GitHub so maintainers and other users can follow up.
