Remote HomePod Control Unavailable

Question

Level 1

9 points

Remote HomePod Control Unavailable

Will it ever be possible to access HomePod controls (ie stop playing) over Internet or 5G access from iPhone to home hub and connected HomePods/Minis?

Scenario: Away from home and home WiFi network and thru an indoor Ring camera over 5G can hear HomePod playing (loud) due to a cat touching the top button! NO way to stop playing! Controls unavailable! Home App on iPhone can see all HomePods but “Controls Unavailable”

Also, using nearby Ring camera microphone/speaker to scream “Hey Siri Stop!” didn’t work lol

Posted on Nov 17, 2025 7:24 AM

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Answer 1

6x6

Level 6

19,011 points

Nov 17, 2025 12:32 PM in response to Les Wardwell

You are right: I can’t make it work either over cellular either.

A solution would be to use a smart plug (that doesn’t have to be connected electrically to anything) as a relay for accessing the HomePod through a home automation. Smart accessories can be controlled over cellular. Turning on the smart plug would pause the HomePod. I just tested it on my end successfully.

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Answer 2

Les Wardwell Author

Level 1

9 points

Nov 17, 2025 11:54 AM in response to 6x6

I have Settings > Cellular Home enabled. Flip to 5Guc and open Home app on iPhone. Tap the HomePod… I see Loading… Connecting… then Controls not available. The screen remains fully disabled.

The HomePod (first generation) in question is not the Home Hub which was automatically chosen as my AppleTV (latest generation). I am connected to both my iPhone and AppleTV as same Apple ID. Everything running 26.1.

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Answer 3

6x6

Level 6

19,011 points

Nov 17, 2025 10:53 AM in response to Les Wardwell

From the Home app, you should be able to achieve this. In the Home app, tap your HomePod to view the player controls.

Edit: Make sure Home is turned on in Settings > Cellular so that you can access your HomePod when not on Wi-Fi.

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