HomePod Mini setup error (-6753)

I received this error as I was setting up my second HomePod Mini (2nd generation). The first one paired fairly easily (but not seamlessly), but the setup for the second device failed dozens of times. I researched Apple support, communities, and Reddit, trying everything that worked for other people.

After 10+ attempts (I’m a bit neurotic) to 1) reset the HPM; 2) update the software with my MacBook Pro; 3) restart my cable modem, router, iPhone, and iPad over 3 days, I finally called Apple support.

Turn OFF Cellular Data to make sure the only Wi-FI network is the one you want to pair the device with. The setup process worked SEAMLESSLY when I did that.

The support rep did not tell me to do this, but she said to make sure my iPad was connecting to my Wi-Fi; that made me think to disable the Cellular Data plan on my iPad.

It’s baffling that HPM is specifically designed to be setup with an iPhone, and the setup software doesn’t disable the cellular signal temporarily to force the phone to use Wi-Fi.