Dashie includes a flexible screensaver system designed to protect your screen, save power, and optionally display beautiful photos. This guide covers all available screensaver modes, how to set up a photo slideshow, and how to use third-party screensaver apps.
In This Guide
Screensaver Modes
Dashie offers five screensaver modes to fit different needs. Access these settings by swiping from the left edge to open the sidebar, then tap Screen.
Dim
Reduces screen brightness to a low level. The dashboard remains visible but dimmed to save power and reduce burn-in.
Best for: Quick glances at dashboard info
Black
Screen goes completely black. Optionally displays a clock overlay. Maximum power savings and screen protection.
Best for: Overnight or extended idle periods
URL
Displays a webpage as your screensaver. Default shows a clock with weather. You can set any custom URL you prefer.
Best for: Custom displays, flip clocks, visualizations
Photos Popular
Photo slideshow with smooth transitions. Display family photos synced from your Home Assistant media library.
Best for: Family displays, digital photo frames
App
Launch a third-party screensaver app like ImmichFrame. Say "Hey Dashie" to return to your dashboard anytime.
Best for: Users with preferred screensaver apps
Setting the Timeout
The screensaver timeout determines how long the screen stays active before the screensaver activates. You can choose from preset options or set a custom duration.
Available Timeout Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Disabled | Screensaver never activates automatically |
| 30 seconds | Quick timeout for interactive kiosks |
| 1 minute | Short timeout |
| 2 minutes | Standard timeout (recommended) |
| 5 minutes | Longer timeout for active use |
| 10 minutes | Extended timeout |
| 30 minutes | Long timeout for occasional checking |
| Custom | Enter any duration you prefer |
Photo Slideshow Setup
The photo slideshow mode turns your tablet into a digital photo frame. Dashie can pull photos from several sources — a self-hosted Immich server, curated stock photos from Unsplash, or your Home Assistant media library — with Google Drive and Dashie Cloud coming soon.
Once photos are flowing, you can customize slide duration, transitions, shuffle, and overlays (clock, date, weather, photo info) from the same screensaver menu.
Full Photo Setup Guide
For step-by-step walkthroughs of each photo source — including how to connect an Immich server, configure Unsplash keywords, and upload photos to Home Assistant — see the Photos Setup Guide.
Using Third-Party Apps
Dashie can launch any Android app as your screensaver. This is especially useful if you already have a favorite screensaver app like ImmichFrame for displaying photos from an Immich server.
Setting Up a Third-Party Screensaver App
- Install your preferred screensaver app from the Play Store or sideload it. Popular options include ImmichFrame, Fotoo, and various clock/weather apps.
- Configure the app according to its own setup instructions (connect to your photo server, set display preferences, etc.).
- Open Dashie settings → Screen → Screensaver Mode → App.
- Tap "Select App" and choose your screensaver app from the list of installed apps.
How It Works
When the screensaver timeout is reached, Dashie launches your selected app in the foreground. The app runs normally with full touch interaction.
Voice Wake from Any App
Unlike other kiosk solutions, Dashie's "Hey Dashie" voice wake works even when a third-party app is running. Just say "Hey Dashie" to return to your Home Assistant dashboard at any time.
Popular Third-Party Apps
ImmichFrame
Display photos from your self-hosted Immich server. Great for privacy-focused photo management.
Clock Apps
Flip clocks, digital clocks, or analog designs. Many free options available on Play Store.
Motion Wake Settings
Dashie can automatically wake the screen when it detects motion, making it convenient for wall-mounted displays. You can choose between camera-based detection (recommended) or brightness sensor detection.
Motion Detection Modes
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Disabled | Touch or voice wake only |
| Camera Motion | Uses front camera to detect movement (recommended). Most accurate and efficient. |
| Brightness Sensor | Uses light sensor to detect changes. Legacy option, less reliable. |
Camera Sensitivity
When using camera motion detection, you can adjust the sensitivity to match your environment:
- Higher sensitivity (lower values) - Detects subtle movement. May trigger from lighting changes.
- Lower sensitivity (higher values) - Only triggers on obvious movement. Better for bright or variable lighting.
The default sensitivity of 5% works well for most environments. Adjust if you experience false triggers or if motion isn't being detected reliably.
Camera Permission Required
Camera motion detection requires camera permission. When you first enable this feature, Android will prompt you to grant access. If denied, the brightness sensor will be used instead.
Controlling via Home Assistant
If you've enabled the Fully Kiosk API in Dashie, you can control the screensaver remotely through Home Assistant automations.
API Commands
# Start screensaver (activate according to current mode)
curl "http://<device-ip>:2323/?cmd=startScreensaver&password=<pass>"
# Stop screensaver (wake screen)
curl "http://<device-ip>:2323/?cmd=stopScreensaver&password=<pass>"
# Simulate motion (resets sleep timer)
curl "http://<device-ip>:2323/?cmd=triggerMotion&password=<pass>"
Example Home Assistant Automation
Automatically start the screensaver when everyone leaves home:
# In automations.yaml
- alias: "Screensaver when away"
trigger:
- platform: state
entity_id: group.family
to: "not_home"
action:
- service: rest_command.dashie_screensaver_start
# In configuration.yaml
rest_command:
dashie_screensaver_start:
url: "http://192.168.1.100:2323/?cmd=startScreensaver&password=mypass"
For full API documentation, see the Dashie Complete Guide.
Need Help?
If you have questions or run into issues with screensaver setup: