Where Does Homebridge Store Config?
Homebridge config.json paths for service, Docker, manual and Windows installs.
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Homebridge reads a single config.json, but its address depends entirely on install method. Service installs use /var/lib/homebridge, Docker uses /homebridge inside the container, manual runs use ~/.homebridge, and Windows uses its own dot folder.
Mixing methods or users orphans configs fast, which is the classic my edits do nothing complaint. Always edit the file belonging to the install that actually runs at boot.
Where Homebridge stores this, by platform
C:\Users\[Username]\.homebridge\config.json
Manual Windows path per official wiki. Service style installs instead use /var/lib/homebridge/config.json on Linux. Docker maps host config.json to /homebridge/config.json in container.
/var/lib/homebridge/config.json
hb-service default with storage at /var/lib/homebridge. Manual runs use ~/.homebridge/config.json. Env file at /etc/default/homebridge, unit at /etc/systemd/system/homebridge.service.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Homebridge ignore my config edits?
You edited the wrong copy. Service, Docker and manual installs each read a different path, so confirm which one boots via hb-service or your compose file first.
How do I back up Homebridge?
Copy config.json plus persist/ and accessories/ beside it. Those three carry pairings, cached accessories and plugin state together.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.