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Apple HomePod basics: set up, Siri and AirPlay

HomePod and HomePod mini are Apple smart speakers. They work with iPhone and iPad and use Siri for voice commands. This guide covers the basics. Apps change their wording and menus from time to time, so what you see may differ slightly from the steps below.

Setting up

  1. Plug in the HomePod and wait for a white light to pulse and a chime to play.
  2. Unlock your iPhone and hold it close to the HomePod. A set-up card should appear on the phone.
  3. Tap Set Up and follow the steps. Choose a room, accept the settings and allow it to use your Apple account.
  4. Wait for it to finish. It may then say it is ready.

You need an iPhone or iPad. HomePod cannot be fully set up with an Android phone.

Everyday use

  • Say "Hey Siri" followed by what you want, for example "Hey Siri, play some music" or "what's the weather?".
  • Tap the top of the HomePod to pause or play. Touch and hold to talk to Siri.
  • Tap the plus and minus on top to change the volume.

Playing music

You can ask for music from Apple Music if you subscribe. Other services depend on settings and what Apple supports. You can also play anything from your iPhone using AirPlay, covered in our AirPlay guide.

Managing it

Open the Home app on your iPhone, then tap and hold the HomePod to see its settings, including its name, room and Siri options.

If Siri does not respond

  • Check the HomePod has power, a light shows when you speak, and it is connected to Wi-Fi.
  • Unplug it for 10 seconds, plug back in and wait for it to restart.
  • Make sure your iPhone, with the same Apple account, is on the same Wi-Fi.

When to get more help

Get help if the card does not appear on your iPhone, the HomePod says it is having trouble connecting, or you wish to share it with others in the home. Avoid resetting it unless advised, as it will wipe the settings.

Did this help? If you are still stuck, email Vision Tech and tell us what you can see on the screen. Menus and button names can differ slightly between versions and makes. If something does not match, stop and ask rather than guess.

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