How to Set Up Your Apple HomePod Mini

What You Will Need

• Apple HomePod Mini and included USB-C power cable and 20W power adapter
• An iPhone or iPad running iOS 14.0 or later (iOS 16.3+ recommended)
• An active Apple ID signed into iCloud
• A Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)
• A flat, stable surface for placement

Choosing the Right Spot

The HomePod Mini delivers full, 360-degree audio through its compact spherical design. Place it on a hard, flat surface like a desk, nightstand, or kitchen counter. Because of its smaller size, it works well in bedrooms, home offices, and kitchens where a full-size HomePod might be too large. Keep it at least four inches away from walls for optimal sound. Avoid placing it inside enclosed shelves or cabinets, as restricted airflow can affect performance.

Connecting and Powering On

1. Connect the USB-C cable to the base of the HomePod Mini and plug the other end into the included 20W power adapter. Plug the adapter into a wall outlet.
2. Wait for the top of the speaker to illuminate with a pulsing white light and for a chime to sound. This indicates the HomePod Mini is ready for setup.
3. Unlock your iPhone or iPad and bring it close to the HomePod Mini. A setup prompt will appear on your screen within a few seconds.
4. Tap Set Up when prompted. If no prompt appears, open the Home app, tap the + icon in the upper-right corner, and select Add Accessory.
5. Position your iPhone so the HomePod Mini appears in the camera viewfinder when prompted, or tap Enter Passcode Manually and use the four-digit code displayed on the HomePod Mini's screen.
6. Select the room for the HomePod Mini. This assignment helps Siri respond to room-specific commands like "turn off the bedroom lights."
7. Choose whether to enable Personal Requests, which allows Siri to read your messages, add reminders, and make calls when it recognizes your voice.
8. Wait for the HomePod Mini to finish configuring and downloading the latest software update. A chime and Siri greeting will confirm setup is complete.

Setting Up Multiple HomePod Minis

You can create a stereo pair with two HomePod Minis for wider, more immersive sound. In the Home app, press and hold one of the HomePod Mini tiles, scroll to the bottom, and tap Create Stereo Pair. Select the second speaker and assign left and right channels. Both speakers must be assigned to the same room. You can also place individual HomePod Minis in different rooms and use Intercom to broadcast messages between them.

Using as a Home Hub

The HomePod Mini automatically functions as a Home Hub, enabling remote control of HomeKit and Matter accessories, automations, and shared user access. No additional configuration is required. To verify the Home Hub is active, open the Home app, go to Home Settings, and check the Home Hubs & Bridges section. The HomePod Mini should show a "Connected" status.

Connecting to Apple Music and Other Services

If you subscribe to Apple Music, your account is linked automatically during setup. You can also use AirPlay to stream audio from Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, or any other app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Simply start playing audio on your device, tap the AirPlay icon, and select your HomePod Mini.

Tips for Getting Started

• Use only the included 20W adapter or an Apple-certified USB-C adapter. Third-party adapters with insufficient wattage may cause setup issues or reduced performance.
• Say "Hey Siri, where am I?" after setup to confirm the HomePod Mini is assigned to the correct room.
• Adjust the microphone sensitivity by going to the Home app, selecting the HomePod Mini, and tapping the settings gear icon.
• Enable Sound Recognition in the Home app to receive notifications when the HomePod Mini detects smoke or carbon monoxide alarms.