HomePod Set up Needs
To get started setting up HomePod, you need:
An iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad updated to the latest version of the operating system. Be signed in to iCloud. Have Bluetooth turned on. Have Wi-Fi turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network you’ll add the HomePod to. Have the Home and Music apps installed (you probably do, but you could have deleted them. If so, redownload them from the App Store).
Place the HomePod 6 to 12 inches from a wall, with about 6 inches of clearance on all sides. This is needed for the best audio experience.
How to Set up HomePod: The Basics
With the above requirements met, follow these steps to set up Apple HomePod:
How to Set up HomePod to Manage Connected Devices
One of the great things about HomePod is it can help you control other smart home devices in your house. Using some of the available skills for HomePod, you can tell HomePod to turn off lights in another room or to adjust the thermostat. For this to work, those other devices need to be compatible with Apple’s HomeKit platform.
How to Set up HomePod for Multiple Users
HomePod can recognize the voice of and respond to commands from up to six users. This is great because it allows HomePod to learn the musical tastes and types of requests that each person makes and tailor the responses to them. Before you start, make sure the following things are true:
Both the HomePod and your iPhone or iPad are updating to iOS 13.2/iPadOS 13.2 or higher. You’re logged into the device with the Apple ID you use for iCloud and have two-factor authentication enabled. The language used on your iPhone or iPad matches the language used on your HomePod. You’re set up as a user in the Home app (if you’re not, check out Apple’s tutorial here).
Once the above conditions are met, follow these steps to set up multi-user support:
How to Access HomePod Settings
Once you’ve got HomePod set up, you may want to adjust it settings. To do that:
How to Manage Key HomePod Settings
From the HomePod Settings screen, you can manage the following:
HomePod name: Tap this and type to give the HomePod a new name. Room: If you move the HomePod, change its room in the Home app, too. Include in Favorites: With this set to on/green, the HomePod appears in Favorites for the Home app and Control Center. Alarms: Create or manage alarms configured for the HomePod. Music & Podcasts: Control the Apple Music account used with the HomePod, allow or block explicit content in Apple Music, enable Sound Check to equalize volume, and choose to Use Listening History for recommendations. Siri: Move these sliders to on/green or off/white to control a number of Siri settings, including turning off Siri completely with the Listen for “Hey Siri” setting. Location Services: Disabling this blocks location-specific features like local weather and news. Accessibility and Analytics & Improvements: Tap these options to control these features. Reset HomePod: Tap to set up the HomePod like it’s new. Here’s more information about resetting a homepod.
