Why do I have to ask my HomePod clearly 3 to 4 times to play a podcast?

Question

Why do I have to ask my HomePod clearly 3 to 4 times to play a podcast?

Everything was cool before the iOS 26 update. Seriously, I have to ask it clearly 3 to 4 times to play a podcast. The first response is usually, "where would you like me to play this?", the next usually is, "we have a problem...", the third usually is, "where would you like me to play this?", and finally it will either play the podcast after announce the same exact phrase, clearly 3 separate times OR I have to kickstart it and AirPlay it from my phone to finalize the "transaction".

HomePod mini, 26

Posted on Sep 26, 2025 3:27 PM

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Answer 1

Vancouver22

Level 8

37,490 points

Sep 26, 2025 4:12 PM in response to creocrestron150

Mine do this as well from time to time.

Try unplugging for 10 seconds and plug back in.
You might also try rotating it a quarter turn to reposition the mic inside in order to hear you better.
other causes can be it detects another Siri enabled Apple device is listening. Try covering the Apple watch face if you have one, while asking Siri, or put other devices face down.

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