# Noob SHS questions

**URL:** <https://community.homey.app/t/noob-shs-questions/159608>\
**Category:** Homey Self-Hosted Server\
**Created:** [September 14, 2026, 6:07pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/noob-shs-questions/159608 "2026-09-14T18:07:32Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 6

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Peter\_Kawa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/peter_kawa/32/173848_2.png) [@Peter\_Kawa](https://community.homey.app/u/Peter_Kawa)\
**Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 10:01pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/noob-shs-questions/159608/6 "2026-09-14T22:01:05Z")

</div>

> [@UffeS](#):
>
> Does an SHS with a lifetime license require an Internet connection or can it run for days / weeks / months without one?

Abe (Athom) responded like below.  
(I still don’t know for how long it will run w/o the need to reach Athom servers to check upon licenses):

> [@Homey Self-Hosted Server (Pre release analysis)](https://community.homey.app/t/homey-self-hosted-server-pre-release-analysis/146695/69):
>
> > [@Homey Self-Hosted Server (Pre release analysis)](https://community.homey.app/t/homey-self-hosted-server-pre-release-analysis/146695/67):
> >
> > Or, when one pays the €149,- , will one become owner of the software (if that’s possible at all)?  
> > @Doekse ?
> 
> You get a lifetime license to use the software

.

> [@UffeS](#):
>
> Can it connect directly to my SHS through the LAN and a) configure b) control my devices without accessing the Internet at any time?

Yes, when you’ve configured Homey SHS first by [adding a local account](https://support.homey.app/hc/en-us/articles/22924537226268-Set-up-Local-Users-on-Homey-Pro) (see below);  
But, as mentioned above here, I’m not very sure if it’s really unlimited to “at any time”.

.

> [@UffeS](#):
>
> So if I understand correctly this means that even with a self-hosted server, user authentication is carried out by Athom’s servers?

Yes, but only for the online accounts.  
The [local accounts](https://support.homey.app/hc/en-us/articles/22924537226268-Set-up-Local-Users-on-Homey-Pro) however are, well, local. Out of reach by Athom, and out of reach by the Mobile app → Meaning:  
No Dashboards, No Energy Tab and other stuff not integrated by the web app.

> [@UffeS](#):
>
> Aren’t the users local to the (self-hosted) server?

Yes, but only after preparation which needs internet:

1. The mobile app is first needed to register and add the new SHS to your account via internet @ Athom Cloud. This is mandatory.
2. After you have created [a local user](https://support.homey.app/hc/en-us/articles/22924537226268-Set-up-Local-Users-on-Homey-Pro) per [https://my.homey.app](https://my.homey.app), you can reach Homey SHS fully locally per `http://homeyshs.ip.address/`

- Of course all internet dependent devices / services don’t work w/o available internet connection, including Homey Weather
- In case you (consider to) use a Homey Bridge as local radio bridge (like zigbee, z-wave): it _can_ work fully locally as well,  
BUT,  
when you restart it (manually or f.i. due to power outages) _ **it temporary needs internet in order to boot** _… → very odd, very inconvenient, bad choice
- Physical Homey models need internet to determine the timezone and correct local time at boot! Unknown to me what Homey SHS uses to get the correct time at boot…
- Local LAN/WiFi devices continue to work with Homey. F.i. Shelly WiFi devices can be configured to work without Cloud dependency
- Tip: Local zigbee / Matter-over-Thread / Z-wave devices works headache-free with solutions like [SMLight devices](https://smlight.tech/nl/products/smhub)

---

_[View the full topic](https://community.homey.app/t/noob-shs-questions/159608)._