I have a M3 MacBook Pro with Mac OS 26 installed. Since installation, I have lost the ability to connect to my 1st generation HomePods. HomePods have had their OS updated and restarted. My iPad and iPhone are able to connect to the HomePods. Ideas?
Hi, I had exactly the same problem. It was NordVPN: I went to the "Meshnet" in NordVPN and turned it on - just on, added no devices or anything. It worked right away. This allowed the HomePods to connect with the VPN. Everything works now. Before Tahoe OS, I didn't need that. But with Tahoe 26.0.1 I had to do that. Someone else here pointed out that issue, and that helped to solve the problem. I hope this helps.
Hi, I had exactly the same problem. It was NordVPN: I went to the "Meshnet" in NordVPN and turned it on - just on, added no devices or anything. It worked right away. This allowed the HomePods to connect with the VPN. Everything works now. Before Tahoe OS, I didn't need that. But with Tahoe 26.0.1 I had to do that. Someone else here pointed out that issue, and that helped to solve the problem. I hope this helps.
OK, having said that my problem was resolved ... it recurred!!!! ☠️ And I can now recreate it at will.
I have a VPN running - NordVPN.
If I disconnect the VPN then all is good and I can initiate Airplay with no problems. If I reconnect the VPN whilst Airplaying all is good ... until it is no longer good and Airplay breaks.
Not an ideal situation.
Had an extended discussion with Apple support who agreed that I had a problem, and that I was not alone!
I've since installed HomePod OS 26.0.1 and MacOS Tahoe 26.0.1 ... and I can now Airplay from my Mac Mini to my HomePod Minis. Hurrah!!
Go into sound settings and set the output to HomePods
Change the sound output settings on Mac - Apple Support
Your VPN client software settings need to allow you to see local LAN traffic when you're connected. What VPN client software are you using? OpenVPN?
If you're using the NordVPN APP could try this.
https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/local-network-permissions
Can the Mac see the HomePods? Mine does this occasionally and I restart HomePods and sometimes restarting the Mac is necessary as well.
Have you rebooted your wifi? Unplug for 30 seconds
Restarted HomePods? Unplug for 10 seconds
Restarted the Mac?
You could also try signing out of your Apple ID on the Mac and signing back in
Updating to Tahoe 26.1 fixed the issue for me connecting to my Homepods. Hopes this helps others with their issues!
Yes, the Mac shows them in the speaker icon drop down. I select the HomePod and then get a pop-up on the Mac saying "Could not connect to "Office"" with an "Ok" button. Office being the name of the HomePod.
I am experiencing the same issue, I was able to connect to my homepods on my Mac with no issues but right after I updated to Tahoe I am no longer able to connect to any homepod in the house. I retired resetting the homepods and re-adding them to my home but that didn't resolve the issue either.
Same problem here. Mac mini 2023 now running Tahoe 26.0 can no longer airplay to or connect via Sound output with a couple of HomePod minis (both on 26.0 (23J353). "Home" on the Mac can see and interact with the HomePod minis.
I can Airplay to the Mac minis from my iPhone 14 Pro on iOS26.0.
Ditto! Same problem. I have troubleshooted everything I can think of and nothing has worked!!
The AirPlay device “Main Bedroom” cannot be selected for audio output. Please verify your network settings and AirPlay configuration or select another device.
For me it sometimes works in Apple Music, but I can't airplay to the HomePod anymore, same network, no vpn, just a cannot connect message. restarting etc does nothing. It all worked fine before updating to tahoe...
[Edited by Moderator]
I tried this as well and received the same message "Could not connect..."
Please help. No issues before the upgrade.
Unfortunately, this did not resolve the issue with me. I continue to receive the "Cannot connect" message. @applesupport any other ideas?
Mac with OS 26 not connecting to HomePods
