Automation if not exposing External URL

[AJTaylor79]

Hello, I am really hoping that you are able to help me. I am having trouble setting up an automation if I haven't got an external URL exposed.

What should replace the following with?

snapshot_path: /config/www/doorbell_snapshot_{{ timestamp }}.jpg
snapshot_url: https://your-home-assistant-url.com/local/doorbell_snapshot_{{ timestamp }}.jpg

Thanks

Andrew

[Beast12]

Hi,
Can you try any of these solutions in the mean time? I will try them at my place also as soon as I find the time:

Here's a formatted response for your GitHub issue:

Solution 1: Use Companion App Local URLs

The Home Assistant Companion App can access local URLs when you're on the same network. Modify the snapshot_url variable to use your local Home Assistant URL:

variables:
  timestamp: "{{ now().timestamp() | int }}"
  snapshot_path: /config/www/doorbell_snapshot_{{ timestamp }}.jpg
  snapshot_url: "http://homeassistant.local:8123/local/doorbell_snapshot_{{ timestamp }}.jpg"
  # Or use your actual local IP: http://192.168.1.x:8123/local/doorbell_snapshot_{{ timestamp }}.jpg

Note: This only works when your mobile device is connected to your home network.

Solution 2: Use Nabu Casa Cloud

If you have a Nabu Casa subscription, you can dynamically use the cloud URL:

variables:
  timestamp: "{{ now().timestamp() | int }}"
  snapshot_path: /config/www/doorbell_snapshot_{{ timestamp }}.jpg
  snapshot_url: >-
    {% if state_attr('sensor.home_assistant_url', 'external_url') %}
      {{ state_attr('sensor.home_assistant_url', 'external_url') }}/local/doorbell_snapshot_{{ timestamp }}.jpg
    {% else %}
      {{ states('sensor.home_assistant_url') }}/local/doorbell_snapshot_{{ timestamp }}.jpg
    {% endif %}

This will work both on your local network and remotely.

Solution 3: Embed Image in Notification (Recommended)

Instead of using a URL, send the image file directly. This works everywhere without any external access required:

Replace the image: line in your notification actions with:

data:
  image: "{{ snapshot_path }}"  # Changed from snapshot_url to snapshot_path

Full example for one notification:

- action: notify.mobile_app_pixel_koen
  data:
    message: "{{ ai_description.response_text }}"
    title: "{{ ai_description.title }}"
    data:
      image: "{{ snapshot_path }}"  # Use file path instead of URL
      ttl: 0
      priority: high
      actions:
        - action: VIEW_PHOTO
          title: 📷 Foto
          uri: "{{ snapshot_path }}"  # Also change this
        - action: OPEN_CAMERA
          title: 📹 Live
          uri: /dashboard-home/cameras
        - action: DISMISS
          title: ❌ Sluiten

Recommendation: Solution 3 is the most universal approach as it works regardless of network configuration and doesn't require any external access setup.

Let me know which solution works best for you!