The HomePod is one of the best smart speakers on the market, but some owners have encountered the issue of their smart speaker becoming unresponsive and ignoring voice commands – in some cases, it may not respond at all.
If this sounds familiar, then stick with me as we run through a simple process that’s get your HomePod or HomePod Mini working in no time.
HomePod Not Responding: Guide
Step 1: Check the Power Source
First, check to make sure your HomePod is properly plugged in and receiving power. While it may seem obvious, a loose power cable is often the culprit behind an unresponsive speaker.
Also ensure the outlet itself is working by plugging in another device. If the HomePod’s power supply isn’t the issue, move on to the next steps.
Step 2: Restart HomePod
Next, try restarting your HomePod. You can do this by unplugging it from the power outlet, waiting 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.
Often, a simple reboot is all it takes to get a frozen HomePod working again. Wait a minute or two after plugging it back in to see if it connects.
Step 3: Make sure you’re on the same Wi-Fi network
If your HomePod is still not responding, it’s time to check your home Wi-Fi network, since HomePod relies on a wireless connection to function.
Make sure your WiFi router is online and working properly. You can test this by connecting to WiFi from another device, like your iPhone. If your network is down, power cycling your router usually fixes connection issues.
You’ll also want to ensure that you’re both using the same Wi-Fi network. If you aren’t, you’ll find that your Wi-Fi connection doesn’t work properly and you’ll need to change network.
Step 4: Reset HomePod Mini/Original
Assuming your WiFi is working, open the Home app on your iOS device, tap and hold the HomePod icon, then tap the Settings option.
Scroll down and tap “Remove Accessory“. This will reset the HomePod back to factory settings and allow you to set it up again from scratch. While inconvenient, this step often fixes an unresponsive HomePod.
To set up the HomePod again after resetting it, simply bring your unlocked iOS device close, wait for the setup prompt to appear, then follow the on-screen instructions to restore HomePod mini setup quickly.
Make sure to connect it to the same WiFi network and Apple ID as before. After setup is complete, try giving Siri a voice command to see if your HomePod is now responding.
Step 5: Make Sure Software is Updated
There is also a chance that there is a software issue with your HomePod. Make sure its operating system is up to date by going to the Home app, tapping the Home tab, then Home Settings > Software Update.
If an update is available, tap “Install” to update the HomePod software. Note that this requires the HomePod to be online, so only attempt this if you were able to resurrect its WiFi connection.
Step 6: It’s a hardware issue
If none of the above steps have brought your HomePod back to life, it’s possible there is a hardware problem or defect. In this case, contact Apple Support for further assistance.
If the device is still under warranty, you may be able to get it repaired or replaced free of charge. You can check your HomePod’s warranty status on Apple’s website by entering its serial number.
Dealing with an unresponsive HomePod is definitely aggravating, but with the troubleshooting tips I’ve outlined above, you should be able to get your smart speaker back online.
