Since the update to 16.4, it seems when I play Apple Music on my HomePod mini, it is using airplay from my iPhone rather than just using the HomePod’s wi-fi connection.
Anyone else noticed this?
HomePod mini
Hi there Aldo_IceMan,
Can you clarify for us what appears to be different after updating to iOS 16.4 when playing music to your HomePod mini?
Also, to confirm, are you following the steps as seen below? We want to make sure we understand how you are playing music to your HomePod mini.
"Play audio on HomePod using Control Center
2. Tap the audio card, tap 
, then select one or more HomePod speakers.
To play audio from other devices that support AirPlay 2, see the documentation for that device for details about selecting an audio destination."
That information, and more, can be found here: Play audio on HomePod using an iOS or iPadOS device - Apple Support
You could also see if you notice a difference restarting your iPhone, as it can help refresh the iOS and help resolve possible issues. If needed, this article shows how: Restart your iPhone - Apple Support
Take care.
Sorry for the slow reply Claire
If i start an apple music track via Siri on my HomePod or via my iPad (then hand-off to my HomePod) my homescreen displays the below
If I start the song on my iPhone then hand-off to the HomePod my homescreen displays the below
IPhone -> Living Room suggests that the music playback hasn’t been handed off and the iPhone is airplaying to the HomePod.
This is unexpected as the HomePod should be playing the music by itself and not using my iPhone as a receiver.
This is confirmed when i activate airplane mode on my iPhone, playback on the HomePod then stops.
Hi Aldo_IceMan,
It's normal to be able to play Music to your HomePod mini from your iPhone.
What you'll want to do is before you choose your Music, make sure you've first changed to controlling the HomePod.
To do this, when you tap on AirPlay, tap "Control Other Speakers & TVs" and then choose your HomePod mini.
You could also ask Siri directly on your HomePod mini to start the music and go that route.
Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.
Why is my iPhone using airplay with my HomePod
