The Apple HomePod is capable of controlling compatible at-home tech like smart cameras and lights through Apple HomeKit. It takes your music streaming to the next level too. With Apple Music and AirPlay, your favorite playlists and Apple device tunes will sound better than ever before, thanks to the HomePod’s A8 audio chip and 360-degree adaptive sound staging. Then, there’s everything you can do with Siri. Ask the voice assistant questions, and she’ll scour the web to find your answers.
Contents
- Your HomePod fails during setup
- Your HomePod isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi
- Siri isn’t responding
- AirPlay isn’t working
- HomePod isn’t controlling HomeKit devices
The HomePod can perform most functions without a hitch, but tech is tech. Whether a poor Wi-Fi connection or a holdup with AirPlay pairing, there are some HomePod glitches that pop up again and again. We’ve taken a deeper look at some of these bugs (for both the standard HomePod and newly released HomePod Mini) to better understand what can cause these troubles and different things you can try to fix them.
Your HomePod fails during setup
A white screen, Wi-Fi incompatibility, or a -6722 error code. These are all signs that your HomePod can’t get through the device’s initial setup. Fortunately, there are a few things you can try to work past this. For starters, you’ll want to confirm your iOS device and HomePod are on the same Wi-Fi network and are both running the latest firmware. If all checks out, and you’re still having trouble, check to make sure two-factor authentication is enabled for both your Apple ID and iCloud Keychain.
For two-factor authentication, on your iOS device, go to Settings > Your Name > Password and Security, then make sure the option is turned on. For the iCloud Keychain, go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud. If Keychain is disabled, toggle it on.Once you’ve confirmed everything is enabled and paired correctly, begin the setup process once more. If you’re still having trouble, it could be network-related. We’ll cover that in our next section.
Your HomePod isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi
This issue can rear its head for a multitude of reasons and is not all that uncommon for smart speakers in general. For starters, as part of iOS 12, your HomePod will jump on the same Wi-Fi network as your preferred iOS device (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch). If you’ve recently changed your home’s Wi-Fi password or relocated your HomePod to a new location, the speaker will need to be re-paired to the network.
To do so, grab the iOS device you plan on using for setup and hold it near the HomePod, then tapSet Upwhen it appears on your device screen. When prompted, select the HomeKit Room you want the HomePod to be placed in, then tapTransfer Settingsto send your iOS device settings (iCloud credentials, Wi-Fi info) to your HomePod. After entering your Apple ID password, your HomePod should be good to go.
Sometimes, Wi-Fi drops may be the result of poor firmware or glitches in the HomePod’s operating system. Right now, there are numerous reports of HomePod Mini owners experiencing intermittent Wi-Fi drops. Apple’s current solution is to unplug the HomePod and plug it back in. If the hard reset doesn’t fix the issue, you can perform a factory reset. To do so, log into the Home app, select the HomePod in question, and tap Remove. Your HomePod will then un-link from your HomeKit account and reset itself.
If you’re operating your HomePod in a home with poor bandwidth or a ton of walls and floors between the speaker and your router, the speaker may kick itself off Wi-Fi now and again. To correct the issue, try moving the HomePod closer to the router. If you’re still having trouble, a hard reset of your network gear may do the trick. Unplug your router and modem, wait 10 seconds then reconnect the modem and then the router. Once everything is back online, say “Hey, Siri” to test your HomePod’s connection. If the speaker still drops Wi-Fi, it may be worth it to invest in upgraded internet gear. With Wi-Fi, you truly get what you pay for, and a powerful router can make all the difference.
Siri isn’t responding
Your HomePod uses Siri to run the show. The voice assistant carries out your smart home commands, connects you to your preferred music services, and searches the web for answers to your questions. But sometimes when you say “Hey, Siri,” your HomePod may not respond. There could be a few reasons why.
The HomePod uses a six-microphone array (three-mic array for the HomePod Mini) to pick up on your voice commands. In most cases, the speaker should be able to hear you, but too much environmental noise can definitely get in the way. Try moving your HomePod to a quieter location, or away from obstructions that block the speaker, then test by saying “Hey, Siri.”
If there’s still no response, and you know your HomePod is paired to your preferred iOS device, go into the device settings and toggle Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on/off. Doing so may be enough to get Siri back online. If all else fails, you can opt for a hard reset of the HomePod. Unplug, re-plug, then test Siri.
AirPlay isn’t working
Using Airplay, you can instantly stream music to your HomePod from your iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Mac, or Apple TV. If you’re trying to play content and not getting any audio from the speaker, there could be a couple of culprits.
The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure your HomePod and Airplay-designated iOS device are both on the same Wi-Fi network and that Bluetooth is enabled. If you’re going to be streaming from your Apple TV, you’ll also need to make sure Airplay is enabled for the device. To do so, using your Apple TV remote, go toSettings, selectAirplay, then make sure the function is turned on.
Still no Airplay? As we’ve mentioned previously, do a hard reset of both your HomePod and your iOS device, then try using Airplay again.
HomePod isn’t controlling HomeKit devices
Your HomePod can be the brains of your entire smart home. From lights to locks and home security, all can be managed and customized in the Home app. But once in a while, you may run into a situation where you can’t get your smart gear to respond.
The first thing you’ll want to do is open your Home app and make sure the devices you’re trying to control are available and online. If a device is missing, manually re-add it and then test to see if your HomePod will control it. If there’s still trouble, take a look at what firmware both the HomePod and your smart devices are running. If you’re one or two updates behind on either device, that may be enough to cause handshake issues between your gear.
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FAQs
How do I troubleshoot my Apple HomePod? ›
Restart HomePod or HomePod mini
Tap or click HomePod. Scroll down, or tap or click the Settings icon and scroll down. If you have two HomePod speakers set up as a stereo pair, select Restart HomePod. If your HomePod speaker is not set up as a stereo pair, select Reset HomePod, then select Restart HomePod.
First, make sure that your HomePod mini is updated to the latest software version, as updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements. You can also try restarting your HomePod mini and see if that solves the problem. If the issue persists, you can try resetting your HomePod mini to factory settings.
What is going on with Apple HomePod? ›Apple's second-generation $299 smart speaker
Introduced in January 2023, the second-generation HomePod looks nearly identical to the first-generation HomePod but it adds new temperature and humidity sensors, has a new internal setup, and offers new smart home functionality.
- Using the iDevice that you originally set-up your HomePod with, tap the Home App. Make sure your iDevice is also using the latest iOS.
- Tap the house icon in the upper-left corner. For older iOS versions, this is an arrow icon.
- Tap Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap install.
We offer out-of-warranty repairs on your HomePod models, we offer replacement HomePod for physically damaged, liquid damaged and failure out-of-warranty. This includes the new HomePod Mini. We only use genuine Apple parts and precision equipment to ensure your device works like new after it has been repaired.
Can a HomePod be fixed? ›Software Repair Attempts: Apple has not released any restorable firmware / software for original HomePods, the OTA's from ipsw.me are unsuitable for restore, and the firmware for the Mini is incompatible...so whether this is a software, or hardware issue, there is no publicly known way to repair this!
Why did Apple stop making HomePod? ›When it was eventually released, the HomePod's Siri fared poorly against Alexa and Google Assistant, and reviewers criticized how locked into Apple's ecosystem the smart speaker was. Despite getting a $50 price cut in 2019, the HomePod was eventually discontinued in 2021.
How do I update HomePod firmware? ›Open the Home app. Tap or click the More button , then Home Settings > Software Update. If there's a new update, select Update. If there isn't a new update, you can select HomePod to turn on automatic updates and get the latest software automatically when it's available.
How do you recalibrate the sound of the HomePod? ›If your HomePod doesn't sound right, pick it up
This should automatically force the speaker to calibrate the sound again - something that takes seconds, and the audio should be improved.
Yes, if you're an iPhone user who takes music seriously.
Though it's worth noting that the second-gen HomePod is priced $50 below the original HomePod ($349). While not as loud, and with many of the same features, the HomePod Mini, at $99 apiece, might be more attractive to some.
Is HomePod better than Alexa? ›
The Apple HomePod (1st generation) and the Amazon Echo Gen 4 are both excellent speakers for voice assistants, but the Apple is more versatile overall. Out-of-the-box, the Apple has a more balanced sound profile, and it has a better soundstage. It supports Apple AirPlay, while the Amazon speaker supports Bluetooth.
Is Apple going to update the HomePod? ›A number of new features are rolling out today to HomePod and HomePod mini users. With HomePod software version iOS 16.3, Apple is activating the temperature and humidity sensor in the HomePod mini, adding new features to Siri and more.
What is the best position for HomePod? ›When setting up HomePod for the best surround sound, place the speaker within 10 inches (25 centimeters) of a wall and as close to the center of your TV as possible. If you use a HomePod stereo pair, place the speakers on either side of the TV.
Does HomePod use 2.4 or 5ghz? ›The HomePod mini prefers to connect to the 5 Ghz wifi while the IoT devices connect to the 2.4 Ghz wifi.
Does unplugging HomePod reset it? ›To reset your HomePod without a Mac or iOS device, unplug it and wait 10 seconds. Then plug it back in and wait for 5 seconds. Next, press and hold the middle button on top of the device until you hear three beeps.
Is Apple killing the HomePod? ›After officially killing off the HomePod last year, Apple will soon release a new version of the smart speaker, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in a Sunday newsletter. The report detailed expectations without citing sources and said the speaker "is unlikely to arrive until" 2023.
What is the difference between the new HomePod 2023 and the old HomePod? ›The new model offers improved performance, a significantly better handoff experience, a more modern design, is unlikely to sound much different from the original model, and should have much better longevity.
How long will HomePod last? ›But as far has mainstream, standard support, 8 years is the number. It wouldn't be hard to develop a constantly supported AirPlay repeater hub that would connect to the HomePod constantly, and repeat the signal through the most recent AirPlay protocol, Bluetooth, and/or wire connection.
What is the difference between the old and new Apple HomePod? ›The new one is a little shorter at 6.6 inches compared to the older one, which was 6.8 inches tall. Also, the new HomePod weighs less compared to the older one, at 2.34 KG compared to 2.49 KG. The new HomePod still has a large 4 inches high-excursion woofer for the main speaker as the original one.
How do I restore my HomePod software? ›- Plug HomePod mini into your computer using the USB-C cable that came with it.
- Wait a few seconds. If you're using a Mac, open a Finder window. ...
- Select your HomePod when it appears on your computer.
- Click Restore HomePod.
How do I reset Apple firmware? ›
Shut down your Mac. Press the power button, and as soon as you power up the laptop, hold down Command-Option-P-R. Keep holding down those keys for about 20 seconds. Then let go and allow your Mac to continue starting normally.
How do I trigger HomePod update? ›To update your HomePod, go to the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, tap the three-dot menu in the top right, then Home Settings, and finally Software Update. If the HomePod 16.3 update is available, tap Update and follow the prompts.
What is audio ducking HomePod? ›Audio Ducking: Allow VoiceOver to reduce the level of audio playback on HomePod mini or HomePod when VoiceOver is speaking.
How do you turn on Dolby Atmos on HomePod? ›- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Home app.
- Tap the Home button .
- Tap Home Settings.
- Under People, tap your name.
- Tap Apple Music.
- Turn Dolby Atmos on or off.
If you can't reset the HomePod mini from the Home app, you can press the top of the speaker to reset it to its factory settings. Unplug the power adapter for the HomePod mini. Wait 10 seconds, and then plug the speaker back in. Wait another 10 seconds.
When did Apple stop making HomePod? ›The first-generation HomePod sold an estimated 1 to 3 million units through August 2018. It was discontinued on March 12, 2021. The second-generation HomePod was announced on January 18, 2023, and released on February 3.
Is HomePod better than Google? ›The Apple HomePod (1st generation) is a better voice assistant speaker than the Google Nest Audio. The Apple speaker has a better-balanced default sound profile and a better soundstage. Its latency over a Wi-Fi connection is lower, so it's more suitable for watching videos.
When did Apple stop selling HomePod? ›In March 2021, Apple discontinued its original HomePod and shifted all its smart speaker efforts toward the HomePod mini, which is not just smaller, but much more affordable — $99 compared to the $349 price of the o.g. HomePod.
Is HomePod the best sounding smart speaker? ›Apple's HomePod is the best-sounding wireless smart speaker available, and you can control it by voice using Apple's virtual assistant, Siri. But the HomePod is worth considering only if you're an iPhone owner and a subscriber to Apple Music (or are willing to be)—don't buy it if you want to keep streaming Spotify.
What is Apple's Alexa called? ›Siri is your do-it-all intelligent assistant
And with multiple HomePod mini speakers around the house, it's easy to call on Siri from anywhere. HomePod mini and Siri can do even more by seamlessly connecting to your iPhone, and Apple Music Voice gives you access to every song in the catalog — all with just your voice.
How much is the original HomePod? ›
Yes, the original HomePod launched at $349 in 2018, but its price fell to $299 one year later.
Does HomePod use WIFI or Bluetooth? ›iPhone and HomePod must be in the same HomeKit home and on the same Wi-Fi network. Your devices must have Bluetooth turned on in Settings and be within Bluetooth range of one another (about 33 feet or 10 meters).
Can I move my HomePod from room to room? ›In the Home app on your iOS or iPadOS device, tap a HomePod or Siri-enabled accessory. , then do any of the following: Assign HomePod to a different room: Tap Room, then choose a new room.
Is a HomePod okay in the bathroom? ›The Apple HomePod doesn't have a water/dust resistance specification rating. Apple describes the operating conditions for the device as "Relative humidity: 5% to 90% noncondensing." By this description, you probably don't want to bring it into a bathroom with poor ventilation while showering.
How do I fix Wi-Fi on HomePod? ›...
If HomePod can't connect to Wi-Fi
- Confirm your network setup.
- Unplug HomePod and plug it back in, then wait 20 to 30 seconds.
- Reset HomePod to factory settings, then set up HomePod again.
Share the Wi-Fi configuration from your iPhone or iPad
On your iPhone or iPad, connect to the 802.1X Wi-Fi network. Open the Home app. Tap the HomePod. For stereo-paired HomePod speakers, scroll down and tap Speakers, then touch and hold the individual HomePod.
The Apple HomePod needs a mobile device to be set up, like an iPhone or iPad, rather than a Mac or PC. When you're setting up your HomePod, it will automatically connect to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone or iPad, so you don't have to follow any particular steps to connect it to the internet.
How do you tell if my Wi-Fi is 2.4 or 5 apple? ›- From Notification Panel press and hold the WiFi icon until you enter WiFi settings screen.
- Select the network properties (tap the gear icon or menu icon).
- Depending on the Android version check: Read the “Frequency” setting – shows as 2.4 or 5GHz.
Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and touch the name of the Wi-Fi network you are currently connected to view basic information about the network. From here you can view if the Wi-Fi network is a 5 GHz network or a 2.4 GHz network.
How do I reset an unresponsive HomePod? ›- Unplug HomePod or unplug the power adapter for HomePod mini. Wait 10 seconds, then plug HomePod back in.
- Wait 10 seconds, then touch your finger on the top of HomePod and hold it there.
- The white spinning light will turn red. ...
- Siri will say that your HomePod is about to reset.
Why did my HomePod stop working? ›
Check Wi-Fi Connection
You'll need to connect the HomePod and HomePod mini connect to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone or iPad. If you have placed HomePod far from the router in another room or office, it may not work as expected. Here's how you can check Wi-Fi network strength on your HomePod.
To perform a hardware reset for a HomePod, unplug your speaker for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait another 10 seconds, then hold your finger on the top of the HomePod. Keep holding after the spinning light turns red, and Siri warns you about a reset — lift your finger only after you've heard three beeps.
Is there a fuse in HomePod? ›Check that it is plugged into a live power source. If the HomePod's plug has a fuse check that hasn't blown.
How do I update HomePod? ›Open the Home app. Tap or click the More button , then Home Settings > Software Update. If there's a new update, select Update. If there isn't a new update, you can select HomePod to turn on automatic updates and get the latest software automatically when it's available.
How do I update my HomePod Wi-Fi? ›Tap and hold or 3D Touch the HomePod icon for the specific HomePod you're having issues with. At the top a message will appear that says “This HomePod is on a different Wi-Fi network than this iPhone. Move HomePod to '(Wi-Fi name)'”. Give it a few seconds and HomePod will automatically connect to the new Wi-Fi network.
How do you recalibrate HomePod? ›1. Open Home app and tap on the problematic HomePod mini. 2. Scroll all the way down and tap Reset HomePod.
Did Apple cancel the HomePod? ›As you may recall, the company discontinued the HomePod in 2021 without announcing a direct replacement. If you want a smart speaker with Siri built-in, your only option at the moment is the $99 HomePod mini.
Has Apple stopped the HomePod? ›Despite getting a $50 price cut in 2019, the HomePod was eventually discontinued in 2021.
What happens when you restart HomePod? ›Resetting a HomePod clears all data, removes the device from the Home app, and reloads all factory settings. As a result, you must set up your speaker as new to use it again.
How do I clean my Apple HomePod? ›Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the top surface of your HomePod. Don't use on the mesh fabric of your HomePod. Don't use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide.