Homepod mini doesn't work without AppleTV plugged in

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Homepod mini doesn't work without AppleTV plugged in

I have a HomePod mini (model MY5G2LL/A). I also have an Apple TV 4K (model A2169). Both devices have the most recent updates installed. I tried using Apple AirPlay from my iPhone 13 Pro from my Apple Music (something I do regularly), but it fails with an error, saying "Unable to connect...". I re-powered the device - same thing. I realized that I had my Apple TV unplugged, so I plugged it in and turned it on - then everything worked fine after that. I turned off the Apple TV, and it still worked for AirPlay from my iPhone. HOWEVER, when I unplugged the power cord from the Apple TV (again, it was turned off already), it then didn't work. How is it that my HomePod relies on my Apple TV having power? This has nothing to do with sound from my TV - I never thought my HomePod would rely on Apple TV.

HomePod mini

Posted on Jun 27, 2023 05:37 AM

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Answer 1

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peterlandau Author

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Sep 18, 2023 08:27 AM in response to Williams_js

Yes - it turns out that if you set the Home Pod (mini, in my case) as the audio device in your Apple TV settings, it won't work for anything other than the TV if you power off the Apple TV. As long as the Apple TV is turned on (even if you aren't watching anything), the Home Pod works for anything else. Very odd, but that's how it works.

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Answer 2

peterlandau Author

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Jun 27, 2023 05:48 AM in response to peterlandau

I think I figured it out. If I disconnect the Home Pod as the default speaker for the Apple TV, then it works fine when the Apple TV is unplugged. If this is the case, that's insane! How can this be architected this way? And I find no documentation or postings that mention this. Can anyone confirm that this is the case? Wow - crazy.

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Answer 3

Sep 15, 2023 02:02 AM in response to peterlandau

Did you manage to figure this problem out? Not sure if to invest in HomePods/Apple TV…

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Answer 4

augus

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13 points

Jan 28, 2024 03:24 AM in response to peterlandau

Yes same here as well. I do not know why they do it this way. They expect us to buy dedicated speakers for Apple TV and another set for music listening.

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Answer 5

rgzetina

Level 1

10 points

May 5, 2024 11:48 AM in response to peterlandau

To me, they sometimes work without the TV and some other times they instantly turn on the TV. its wierd. I don´t know why

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Homepod mini doesn't work without AppleTV plugged in

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