what to know
- Method 1: Open Apple TV Settings > Video & Audio > Audio Output . Choose a name for your HomePod.
- Method 2: Open an Apple TV show. Swipe down from the top of the screen, and select Audio > Name of HomePod.
This article explains how to connect your Apple HomePod to your Apple TV using two methods that require Apple TV 4 or later. It includes a list of some limitations and requirements for the process.
The Apple HomePod is a voice-controlled smart speaker designed to easily deliver clear, room-filling sound, just like its competitors, the Google Home and Amazon Echo. As a standalone speaker, HomePod can serve as an audio output for a digital TV.
However, HomePod cannot connect directly to a TV. As a wireless Bluetooth device, HomePod must be connected to an Apple TV device via AirPlay in order to play audio from the TV.
Once you've set up HomePod, there are several ways to set it as the audio output source for your Apple TV. This allows audio from Apple TV content to play on your HomePod instead of your TV. The first method involves Apple TV settings.
On Apple TV, open Settings .
Select video and audio .
Select audio output .
Choose a name for your HomePod. A checkmark will appear next to it, indicating that audio from Apple TV is being sent to HomePod.
There's another, easier way to send audio to the HomePod, although not every Apple TV app supports this shortcut.
Start playing content on compatible apps in Apple TV.
Swipe down on the Apple TV remote to display the Info Subtitles Audio menu. (If you don't see this menu when you swipe down, the app is not compatible with this method and you should use other instructions.)
Select audio .
In the Speakers menu, select your HomePod's name so a checkmark appears next to it. Audio starts playing through HomePod.
To connect HomePod to your TV, you need the following:
- Apple HomePod.
- Fourth generation Apple TV or Apple TV 4K with Bluetooth.
- Both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Both devices use the same Apple ID.
While it's fairly easy to connect the HomePod to your TV, it's not ideal for home theater sound. This is because HomePod is primarily designed for audio and does not support surround sound functionality.
For the best audio experience for TV and movies, you need a speaker arrangement that delivers surround sound or multi-channel audio that can play audio from multiple directions. This provides a more immersive audio experience, with sound moving in all directions like a movie theater. This can usually be accomplished with speakers on either side of the TV or a soundbar with separate left and right speakers.
HomePod doesn't support multi-channel audio, but it does support stereo via AirPlay 2. This means it can provide two audio channels (left and right). This is great for music, but still not ideal for a home theater system, which should at least have a 5.1 channel system.
To set up HomePod Mini, plug it in and hold your iPhone or iPad close to it. Wait for the HomePod Mini card to pop up on your device, then follow the on-screen instructions.
If your HomePod isn't working, check your Wi-Fi connection and update your HomePod. If you're still having problems, reset your HomePod.
