The HomePod Mini is Apple’s smallest smart speaker, sporting a round design, the S5 processor under the hood, and the U1 chip. Announced in October 2020, Apple’s smart speaker has been on the market for nearly two years and serves as an affordable $99 HomePod option discontinued in 2021.
While we won’t see a new HomePod anytime soon, many users have been facing problems with Apple’s smart speaker since its launch. Since the HomePod Mini does not feature a lot of controls and a built-in display, its problems can be challenging to deal with.
If your HomePod Mini stops working for unknown reasons, rest assured that you are in good company. This tutorial has included the fixes for the most common HomePod Mini problems.
Why Is Your HomePod Mini Not Working?
There are many reasons why your smart speaker stops working, but the most common cause is that you are running an older version of the software update. In this case, it’s best to update your smart speaker. A new software update usually comes with bug fixes and many refinements. If an update is available, make sure you download and install it.
Another reason is that you use the wrong USB power adapter on your smart speaker. As a result, your HomePod Mini may not have enough power to work properly. If the smart speaker is not responding after you plug it into a power source, consider using a different adapter to see if the problem is fixed.
Also, there are chances that your device is not compatible with your HomePod Mini. The smart speaker is compatible with the following devices:
- iPhone 6s or later
- iPhone SE
- iPod touch (7th generation) running iOS 14
- iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation or later)
- iPad Air 2 or later
- iPad mini 4 or later running iPadOS 14
How To Fix The Most Common HomePod Mini Problems
If you have already identified what causes your HomePod Mini to stop working, things are now much more manageable. Here are all the possible fixes.
HomePod Mini Won’t Play Music
The HomePod Mini is a perfect tool for listening to music. However, if your mini smart speaker does not play music on Spotify, you have some software-related issues. In this case, try updating the speaker to fix the problem.
Installing a new update also fixes issues with the iPhone handoff ability, a common problem where AirPlay fails to work when you transfer audio to your HomePod Mini. To update your HomePod Mini, simply launch the Home app on your iPhone and check for any updates available.
Internet Keeps Disconnecting
If your HomePod Mini loses its internet connection, you have a connectivity problem. Here are all the possible fixes.
Restart your network hardware:
- If you have access to your home network hardware, unplug your modem and router, switch them, and wait 30 seconds.
- Plug them back in and wait for the network to reconnect.
- Check if your HomePod Mini can connect to the internet.
Reposition your HomePod Mini: If the problem persists, the chances are that your smart speaker is now too far from your wireless router or something is blocking its signal. In this case, you may need to move it or remove obstructions to improve the Wi-Fi signal.
Restart your HomePod: A restart fixes many software-related problems. To do so, open the Home app on your iPhone > HomePod Mini Settings > Reset HomePod > Restart HomePod.
HomePod Won’t Respond To Voice Commands
The HomePod Mini comes pre-loaded with Apple’s virtual assistant, Siri, allowing you to control various devices using voice commands. However, many users have reported that their HomePod Mini does not respond to voice commands. Here are the fixes:
Make sure your smart speaker is turned on:
- Ensure that your smart speaker is connected to a power source.
- Tap on the top of the device to see if it’s responding.
- If it does not, consider using a different USB power source.
Turn on Hey Siri: Your smart speaker works mainly through voice commands. Press and hold the center top of your HomePod Mini and say, “Turn on, Hey Siri.” Launch the Home app on your iPhone > HomePod Mini Settings > Turn on Listen for Hey Siri if it does not respond to your command.
Reset Your HomePod Mini: Sometimes, performing a reset is handy if your manual control works and Siri’s on.
HomePod Mini Won’t Connect For Stereo Sound
One of the best things about the HomePod Mini is that you can pair it with a full-sized HomePod for stereo sound. If they won’t pair, try out the fixes below:
- Both speakers need to be on the same Apple ID account. Also, make sure they are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open the Home app on your iPhone and check if they are on the same network.
- Ensure they are in the same room and place them close together. You can assign both HomePods in the same room by using the Home app on your iPhone.
HomePod Mini Keeps Configuring
Also read: iPhone 14 Base Models Reportedly Use Faster A15 Bionic Chip
Sometimes, your HomePod Mini keeps configuring even when the setup is complete. Here are our possible fixes:
- Restart your HomePod Mini: Restart helps you out in this case. Try plugging it out once your HomePod Mini finishes booting up and plug it back in.
- Factory Reset: If nothing works, the last hope for success is to perform a factory reset. Doing so will remove all the current settings to their default state. Open the Home app, press and hold the HomePod from the list, and Reset HomePod > Remove Accessory.