How can I customize ambient sounds on my HomePod mini?

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cbc1973 Author

Level 1

34 points

How can I customize ambient sounds on my HomePod mini?

When I ask Siri to play ambient sounds on my homepod mini by my bed it ends up pulling from Apple Music, which leads down the path of playing "relaxation albums." This just ends ups playing New Age music eventually and it wakes me up. I would like Siri to play just the sound of rain or thunderstorms.

Is there a way I can ask Siri that will ensure I do not get New Age music when I ask for rain sounds?

Most threads on this topic have been closed with Apple acting like it is a feature request.

BTW, the rain sound in the "ambient sounds" on the iPhone has birds in the background. They get rather loud at points. They wake me up in the middle of night if I try to use it. It also sounds more like "static" than rain. Both of those issues makes the ambient rain sound on the iphone not very relaxing. Yes, I know that is a feature request.

I am hoping I don't have to purchase a white noise machine. I've spent enough on this iPhone 15.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 15 Pro

Posted on May 3, 2025 06:48 AM

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Answer 1

Urquhart1244

Level 10

145,674 points

May 3, 2025 09:55 AM in response to cbc1973

Depending on how much variation you want or need, you could save in a playlist a few albums with such sounds. You may also find recommendation playlists from other users.

Then ask Siri to play your chosen playlist. Do you think that would work for you?

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Answer 2

cbc1973 Author

Level 1

34 points

May 4, 2025 07:00 AM in response to Urquhart1244

I did try that. I created an playlist called Thunderstorm and would ask "Hey Siri, Play my play Thunderstorm playlist" Siri then starts playing tracks from Apple Music (not my music library).

I even tried giving the track a very unique name. Then Siri then will say it cannot find anything with that name in my music library... I am looking at the track.

Siri refuses to touch my own music library.

The elephant in the room is Siri tied to Apple Music and will not separate. I think the only option to cut off Siri and cancel the Apple Music subscription.

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Answer 3

cbc1973 Author

Level 1

34 points

May 4, 2025 07:05 AM in response to cbc1973

The moderator changed the title of my post. I am not trying to customize sounds on my HomePod mini. I am asking how request a specific sound. Thunderstorm without background music. I have the track in my music library but Siri always reverts to the paid Apple Music subscription.

I doubt I will ever find the correct answer for this post because changing the title by the moderator is not going to attract the answer I am seeking.

If you are going to sabotage my attempts to find solutions then I am going to stop using the product.

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How can I customize ambient sounds on my HomePod mini?

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