HomePod Mini Dead After Update to tvOS 18.4.1

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HomePod Mini Dead After Update to tvOS 18.4.1

I recently received a prompt in the Home app that my HomePod Mini was updating from tvOS 18.4 to 18.4.1. After the update, the HomePod Mini became completely unresponsive.

In the Home app, the only option available was to Remove the accessory—there was no Restart option like usual. I removed the HomePod and attempted to restore it by connecting it to my MacBook Pro Max via USB-C. However, the HomePod Mini does not appear under Locations in Finder.

I also tried manually resetting it:

Unplugged it
Waited a minute
Plugged it back in
Waited 10 seconds
Pressed and held the top of the unit for over a minute

Still nothing—no white light, no reset chime, no activity. I even tried using several different genuine Apple 20W USB-C power adapters, just in case it was a power issue, but no luck.

This update seems to have bricked my HomePod Mini. Has anyone else experienced this issue? Any suggestions?

Apple—what’s going on here?

HomePod mini

Posted on Apr 23, 2025 09:43 AM

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Answer 1

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DavidRRS Author

Level 1

30 points

Apr 27, 2025 08:55 AM in response to Vancouver22

I had a Genius Bar appointment this past Friday. The CS rep confirmed that my HomePod Mini is bricked and no longer operable. He also mentioned that three other customers brought in their HomePods (both 2nd Gen and Minis) with the same issue after the recent tvOS 18.4.1 update. He believes it’s a software-related problem and said he would escalate it to Apple for further review and request a replacement.He warned that Apple will most likely deny any issues with their software.

[Edited by Moderator]

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Answer 2

Apr 26, 2025 04:19 PM in response to DavidRRS

I am also having this issue. Had to reset all my HomePod minis after 18.4.1 update.

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Answer 3

DavidRRS Author

Level 1

30 points

Apr 23, 2025 01:36 PM in response to turingtest2

I appreciate the response, but it seems like you’re replying just for the sake of it. If you had read my original post, you’d see that I already tried all of those steps. Repeating the same basic troubleshooting doesn’t help move this forward.

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Answer 4

Vancouver22

Level 8

37,160 points

Apr 27, 2025 12:00 AM in response to DavidRRS

Because the instructions you said you did were incorrect. You need to be doing the 10 second part twice.

Try it again. Try another wall outlet (no extension cord)

Unplug HomePod or unplug the power adapter for HomePod mini, wait 10 seconds, then plug HomePod back in.
Wait 10 seconds, then touch and hold your finger to the top of HomePod.
The white spinning light will turn red. Keep your finger down.
Siri will say that your HomePod is about to reset. When you hear three beeps, you can lift your finger.

After you reset HomePod, you can set up HomePod again.

Reset HomePod or HomePod mini - Apple Support

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Answer 5

turingtest2

Level 10

277,717 points

Apr 23, 2025 04:55 PM in response to DavidRRS

This is a user to user support forum. Apple don't get involved directly here. Did you have your MacBook connected to external power before attempting to use it to reset the HomePod? If not then it would be worth trying again while connected to power. Failing that use the Get suggestions link at the bottom of that page to reach out to Apple Support to see if they have any further suggestions. Some of those support links appear to be context aware so may work better when accessed from their original location.

tt2

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Answer 6

turingtest2

Level 10

277,717 points

Apr 23, 2025 11:34 AM in response to DavidRRS

See Reset HomePod or HomePod mini - Apple Support. Try resetting using your Mac again. Otherwise try the Get Suggestions link at the bottom of the page.

tt2

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Answer 7

Vancouver22

Level 8

37,160 points

Apr 27, 2025 01:49 PM in response to DavidRRS

Thanks for the update. I’ve not installed the latest update on mine yet. I have all 3 models.

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HomePod Mini Dead After Update to tvOS 18.4.1

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