ESPHome Bluetooth Proxy is a way to move BLE reception closer to the devices, while sending the data to Home Assistant over the network through the ESPHome API.
The idea is simple: a BLE device broadcasts data, an ESP32 receives it, sends it to Home Assistant, and then the proper integration handles it - BTHome, Xiaomi BLE, SwitchBot, Govee and others.
The main use case is extending Bluetooth coverage. This is useful when Home Assistant is installed in a cabinet, on a server, in Proxmox/VM, or simply too far away from BLE sensors. Instead of relying on one USB Bluetooth adapter, you can place several ESP32 proxies in different rooms, on a balcony, in a garage or near the electrical panel.
Bluetooth Proxy works best with passive BLE sensors: temperature, humidity, illuminance, battery-powered sensors, trackers and BTHome devices. They simply broadcast data, and the ESP32 listens.
For devices that need Bluetooth control, such as SwitchBot, locks, curtains or some thermostats, active Bluetooth Proxy is required. In this case, remember the active connection limit - by default, there are 3 slots.
Bluetooth Proxy does not fully replace regular Bluetooth: it does not work with audio, speakers, headphones or classic Bluetooth. It is a tool specifically for BLE devices supported by Home Assistant integrations.
Source:
esphome.io/components/blueto…