If you can't set up HomePod or HomePod mini

Learn what to do if a "Setup Failed" or "Wi-Fi Incompatible" alert appears, or if you have another issue when setting up your HomePod.

Review setup requirements

  • You need an iPhone or iPad to set up HomePod. You can't set up HomePod with a Mac.
  • Update your iPhone or iPad. You need an iPhone with iOS 16.3 or later, or an iPad with iPadOS 16.3 or later to set up HomePod (2nd generation).
  • HomePod uses the Wi-Fi network* that your iPhone or iPad is connected to. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and check that your iPhone or iPad is connected to Wi-Fi. Personal hotspots are not recommended.

* HomePod can connect to many 802.1X Wi-Fi networks and captive networks that require additional sign-in steps, such as networks provided by hotels or dorms.

Get more help

If you don't see the HomePod setup screen

Lock then unlock your iPhone or iPad, go to the Home Screen, then hold your iPhone or iPad next to your HomePod.

If you still don't see the setup screen:

  1. Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap the Add button .
  3. Tap Add Accessory > More options > HomePod.

If your HomePod doesn't appear as an option, reset HomePod. Then try setting up HomePod again.

If you get a "Wi-Fi Incompatible" alert during setup

HomePod and HomePod mini use the Wi-Fi network that your iPhone or iPad is connected to.

If you get a Wi-Fi alert during setup, use your iPhone or iPad to forget your Wi-Fi networkreconnect to the network, and try setting up HomePod or HomePod mini again.

If you get a Wi-Fi alert about 6 GHz during setup, make sure that all routers on your network use the same name for every band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz) that they support.

Learn more about recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points

If you want to connect your HomePod to a different network

If you want to connect your HomePod to a different network, open the Home app and check for a network mismatch alert.

  • If a network mismatch alert appears, connect your HomePod to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone or iPad. Tap View Details under the alert message, scroll down, then tap Move HomePod to [Wi-Fi network].
  • If a network mismatch alert doesn't appear, reset HomePod. Then make sure your iPhone or iPad is connected to the Wi-Fi network you want your HomePod to connect to and set up HomePod again.

If you get a "Loading Accessories and Scenes" alert in the Home app

Wait for the Home app to finish loading. If the Home app stays in a loading state for more than 30 minutes, an option to reset the home should appear. Reset your home, then try to set up your HomePod again.

After you reset your home, you will need to add home accessories and establish home settings again.

If an orange flashing light appears on the top of HomePod mini

If an orange light shines on and off repeatedly on the top of HomePod mini, then HomePod mini is connected to a computer, or is plugged into a power adapter that isn’t rated 20W (9V ⎓ 2.22A).

Plug your HomePod mini into power using a 20W (9V ⎓ 2.22A) adapter, then try to set it up again.

Identify status lights on HomePod and HomePod mini

If you have a different HomePod setup issue

Check if you can set up your HomePod after each step:

  1. Forget the Wi-Fi network on your iPhone or iPad, then reconnect to the network.
  2. Make sure your iPhone or iPad has the Home and Apple Music apps. If you deleted these apps, go to the App store, search for the apps, and tap the Redownload button .
  3. Turn on Bluetooth in the Settings app.
  4. In the Settings app, tap [your name] > Password & Security and turn on Two-Factor Authentication.
  5. In the Settings app, tap [your name] > iCloud and turn on Passwords and Keychain.
  6. If you previously added accessories to the Home app, sign in to iCloud on your iPhone or iPad with the Apple ID that matches your home owner ID. To check your home owner ID, open the Home app, tap the More button , tap Home Settings, then tap your name.
  7. If you previously added accessories to the Home app, connect your iPhone or iPad to the same Wi-Fi network as your accessories. To check which Wi-Fi network your Apple TV or HomePod is connected to, open the Home app, tap Apple TV or HomePod, tap the Settings button , and scroll down to Wi-Fi Network.
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