Apple TV 4K - 4 HomePod Minis - Xbox Series X

Hi. I have been scouring the internet looking for a method or explanation as to why this doesn't work. First I'll start with my equipment.


55" LG C4 OLED (OLED55C4PUA)

Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet (A2843)

4 x HomePod Mini's (All purchased this year) (1st stereo pair named: HomePod - Front. 2nd stereo pair named: HomePod - Rear)

Xbox Series X

Nintendo Switch 2

3 x HDMI 2.1 (Zeskit MAYA - ULTRA Certified Cable - 6' long)


The goal is to get all four HomePod minis to play while using the xbox or switch 2.


Setup:

Apple TV is connected to eARC output on the LG C4 (HDMI 2). Xbox is connected via HDMI 1 and Switch 2 is connected via HDMI 3.


Apple TV Settings:

Apple TV and HomePod-Front are set as default for the room. HomePod-Rear is included in the room.

Video Audio > Default Audio Output is set to AirPlay with speakers selected Living Room (which is the Apple TV and HomePod-Front) and then HomePod-Rear is also checked. That currently provides two stereo sets to play together when watching regular Apple TV movies. I understand I'm not getting true front and rear output but it still sounds good.


What I'm not getting is audio from the HomePod - Rear speakers when playing the Xbox or Switch. As I'm typing this Im wondering if it's because by default the Apple TV and 'HomePod-Front speakers are linked together as a set and the rears are more or less a stand alone pair that's connected via AirPlay.


Is it possible to have 2 sets of stereo pair HomePod mini's connected together with the Apple TV? Or is it only one set? See image, you can see the Apple TV icon and HomePod-Front living room in one selectable spot. Whereas the HomePod - Rear is alone. Any help would be appreciated. I really hope Apple adopts the ability to setup front and rear speakers with Apple TV that would be wonderful!




Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)

Posted on Nov 8, 2025 5:48 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 9, 2025 12:54 AM

AFAIK, multi-room speakers is supported for sources as started on the Apple TV box, not from devices that connect to the Apple TV box. Connected devices (AirPlay or ARC/eARC) get to use the default output speakers only. That is how it seems to be intended at this time.


Four HomePod mini speakers would not get you real surround sound anyway, but double stereo instead. And each pair would need to be assigned to a differently named HomeKit room.


I really hope Apple adopts the ability to setup front and rear speakers with Apple TV that would be wonderful!

You can always ask for future features: Feedback - HomePod - Apple

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 9, 2025 12:54 AM in response to Sickboy1980

AFAIK, multi-room speakers is supported for sources as started on the Apple TV box, not from devices that connect to the Apple TV box. Connected devices (AirPlay or ARC/eARC) get to use the default output speakers only. That is how it seems to be intended at this time.


Four HomePod mini speakers would not get you real surround sound anyway, but double stereo instead. And each pair would need to be assigned to a differently named HomeKit room.


I really hope Apple adopts the ability to setup front and rear speakers with Apple TV that would be wonderful!

You can always ask for future features: Feedback - HomePod - Apple

Apple TV 4K - 4 HomePod Minis - Xbox Series X

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