User profile for user: Smell Dawg
Smell Dawg Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Can't Restore Homepod Mini via iTunes PC

This Homepod Mini came from a different network. When plugged into power, it lights up and tells me "Sorry, I'm having trouble connecting to the internet". It does not show up on my Apple Home app, and nothing happens when I attempt to add the device via my iPhone.

When I attempt to a complete restore from iTunes, the process seemingly begins to work - but iTunes crashes every time it gets to the "resetting firmware" step. I have cleared the cache within iTunes and tried again, but that hasn't helped. The restore process has now crashed mid-process seven times now.

Now, when I unplug the Homepod Mini from my PC and back into its normal power source, there is nothing. No sound, no lights... just seemingly bricked. When plugged back into my PC, it's still a recognized device, but I only have the option to restore, which fails.

The Restore Steps take place as follows:

  • "Extracting Software"
  • "Waiting for Homepod"
  • "Preparing Homepod for Restore"
  • "Verifying Homepod Restore"
  • "Restoring Homepod Firmware" [iTunes crashes at approximately 50%]


Any advice? Is my Homepod destined for the garbage bin? Thanks in advance!!

Posted on Feb 15, 2025 10:48 AM

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3 replies
User profile for user: Vancouver22
Vancouver22
User level: Level 8
37,160 points

Feb 15, 2025 01:28 PM in response to Smell Dawg

Is this a used HomePod - you said it came with another network


If so you can perform a hard reset to erase the other users data. Then set it up with your Apple ID and your own home wifi network which should be the same as your iPhone. It should then show in the home app and respond.


Refer to: Reset HomePod or HomePod mini and Set up HomePod or HomePod mini

  • Do the following , then set it up.
  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.









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User profile for user: Smell Dawg
Smell Dawg Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Feb 15, 2025 07:20 PM in response to Vancouver22

Thank you for the reply! The Homepod was purchased new by me, but was on a previous network in a previous residence.

While I'm sure the aforementioned reset would have done the trick, I was unable to do anything with the unit (it effectively "bricked" after the failed restore/updates).

The good news - I attempted to restore it through iTunes PC using a different laptop - and it appears the restore worked just fine, so the issue was entirely within the other PC somehow.

Again, thank you for your input!

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Can't Restore Homepod Mini via iTunes PC

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