Another HomePod bricked by an update

The original big one, it is prone to dying. I still have 4 that work, knock on wood. The updates are scary to install! I think I might not bother with installing iOS 18 on them.

*Hint: There is a guy called Nic who fixes them for a reasonable price. He livestreams the repair for you to watch. You’ll need to google it using some key words (i.e; “Nic, HomePod, busted”) He has links to others who do it in other countries as well. So if yours does break, hang onto it as some people will buy broken ones to use as parts.

• Depending on how broken it is there is one thing you can do that may fix it:

Unplug for over 24 hrs, plug back in and do the hard reset: I would have it plugged back in for about 30 mins before proceeding with the next steps where you begin by unplugging.

1. Unplug HomePod or unplug the power adapter for HomePod mini, wait 10 seconds, then plug HomePod back in.
2. Wait 10 seconds, then touch and hold your finger to the top of HomePod.
3. The white spinning light will turn red. Keep your finger down. 
4. 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 - Apple Support

My OG was recently bricked. I brought it into Apple and they wanted $270 (with a 90 day warrantly). I just left it on their table and walked. What a shame. If they had at least designed it with an audio port, I could have used it as a speaker. Instead, it's headed to be "recycled" by Apple --i.e., most likely the landfill.

What in heaven's name is an OG?

Apple is not here and does not monitor these forums. These forums are not Apple support. No one here is an Apple employee, just fellow users trying to help each other. For what it’s worth I have yet to have any of my HomePods bricked by an update.

Yes.. 17 update bricked my HomePod 1. Took it to Apple Store plus hours on the phone. Apple insist it’s an hardware issue. Problem that I told them is how would anyone know it’s an hardware issue if no one opened up.

It’s 1/15/24 still waiting on two Apple reps to return with update.

good luck

Original Generation - first HomePod sold - beginning in 2018?