You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Default Audio: Stereo HomePod Mini Pair with Apple TV problem

Set up 2 HomePod Minis as stereo pair/default audio for latest Apple TV 4K. Every time I use it, I have to reset the default audio: disable the HDMI/Arc and then enable it again, annoying. Any workaround for this?

HomePod mini, 17

Posted on Aug 26, 2024 6:01 PM

Reply
10 replies

Aug 27, 2024 7:18 PM in response to swipod touch

See If HDMI ARC or eARC isn't working as expected Use HDMI ARC or eARC with your Apple TV 4K


When you set this up for the first time you need to make sure you enabled HomeKit & AirPlay in settings and assign a room that’s the same room as HomePods and all devices are signed in with the same Apple ID and connected to the same home wifi network.

  • If using Ethernet on this Apple tv, test connecting it to wifi.

Check Play audio on HomePod using an iOS or iPadOS device and set Allow Speaker access to Everyone


I’m wondering if somehow you’ve missed some of the settings listed above.

Also make sure all software is updated to the latest Apple TV, HomePods and the device used to set these up, if this is an iPhone.


You might have to turn on ARC, eARC, or HDMI-CEC in the settings of your TV

https://care.onscreeninc.com/en/articles/5750759-how-to-enable-hdmi-cec-on-various-tvs#

Aug 27, 2024 12:58 PM in response to swipod touch

So this is when you use with your Apple tv box? You should be able to manually select them in the control center

using the Siri Remote Control Center at a glance - Apple Support depending on which model you have


Otherwise it might help to restart devices every now and then . You should Restart Apple TV and restart HomePods - you can do this by unplugging both of them for about 10 seconds.


You mention using the Arc for your HDMI cable, if this is for non Apple TV box usage to use for just the tv then you can also restart your television.


Review settings: Set up home theater audio with HomePod or HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K

And: Use HDMI ARC or eARC with your Apple TV 4K


Aug 28, 2024 2:40 PM in response to Vancouver22

Yes - wifi issues can cause this type of fault. Does the Apple TV report it cannot find the Homepods? If so it is likely a wifi issue. If your wifi router has a "smart" feature (supposedly to optimise connections) try disabling it. Homepods seem to have difficulty with this feature.

If the Apple TV does not report a connection issue then it might have a hardware/memory fault that causes it to forget the default audio output setting.

Maybe also try creating a new user profile (family member?) on the Apple TV and see if that retains the default audio output.

Sep 1, 2024 6:51 PM in response to swipod touch

I just experienced a related problem. I updated my Apple TV to 17.6 and my stereo Homepods vanished from the list of available speakers. Then I noticed a new message "finish setting up Homekit". Somehow the ATV had forgotten that it was in the "Lounge" room. I selected this but it still wasn't fixed. I had to restart the ATV and Homepods to fix it.

Also it is possible that my wifi extender caused confusion. I turned it off, just in case, so that may have been part of the fix. As I mention above, Homepods seem sensitive to some wifi systems.

Default Audio: Stereo HomePod Mini Pair with Apple TV problem

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.