---
title: "MQTT Integration"
description: "Connect MQTT devices such as Shelly, Tasmota or Zigbee2MQTT to the built-in TapHome MQTT Broker, no cloud needed, via Packet Parser templates or own topics"
url: "https://taphome.com/en/compatibility/mqtt-guide/"
language: en
lastmod: 2026-03-16
generator: hugo
ai:
  topics: ["mqtt","iot-integration","publish-subscribe","mqtt-broker","packet-parser","protocol-integration","shelly","tasmota","zigbee2mqtt"]
  questions: ["How do I connect an MQTT device to TapHome?","Does TapHome have its own MQTT Broker?","How do I activate the MQTT Broker on the TapHome controller?","How do I integrate Shelly or Tasmota devices with TapHome?","How do I use Zigbee2MQTT with TapHome?","How do I configure an MQTT topic for a TapHome sensor?","How do I create a custom MQTT integration in TapHome?","Can TapHome work with MQTT without a cloud broker?"]
---

# MQTT Integration

## What is MQTT?

MQTT is a lightweight **publish/subscribe** protocol designed for IoT devices. Instead of direct device-to-device communication, devices exchange messages through a central broker using **topics** — structured paths like `home/living_room/temperature`.

Popular MQTT-compatible devices include **Shelly**, **Sonoff/Tasmota**, **Zigbee2MQTT** gateways, and many DIY sensors.

## MQTT Broker in TapHome

TapHome includes a **built-in MQTT Broker** that runs locally on the controller — no cloud or external broker required. It handles all communication between TapHome and your MQTT devices over your local network.

> Activate the MQTT Broker in **Settings → Hardware → MQTT Broker** on your TapHome controller.

## Using Ready-Made Templates

Once the MQTT Broker is running, the fastest way to connect devices is through **Packet Parser templates**. Templates define the MQTT topics and data mappings for each device — no manual configuration needed.

1. Go to **Hardware → Add Module → Packet Parser**
2. Select **MQTT** as the protocol
3. Choose a template for your device
4. Configure the device IP/hostname and confirm

Browse the available MQTT templates below.

## Custom MQTT Integration

For devices without a ready-made template, you can create a custom **Packet Parser module** with MQTT protocol and define topic subscriptions and commands manually.

### [MQTT Broker Documentation](https://taphome.com/en/docs/integration/packet-parser/mqtt-broker/)

Detailed setup, configuration options, and troubleshooting for the built-in MQTT Broker.

### [Packet Parser Guide](https://taphome.com/en/docs/integration/packet-parser/)

Learn how to create custom integrations using the Packet Parser module.