How to add your HomePod to the Home app and Wi-Fi

Using my HomePod Mini as my smart home hub comes with its rewards and challenges, but one thing is for certain: It's a great complement to any Apple ecosystem. 

The HomePod Mini is a small, spherical smart speaker that works as a hub for HomeKit, Apple's smart home system.

Beyond being a smart home hub, an Apple HomePod Mini makes for a fantastic speaker with surprisingly crisp, clear, and powerful sound for its small package. 

Also: 5 ways AirTags can help make your life easier

If you've just gotten a HomePod for your home or have just reset your current HomePod, we'll walk you through the ins and outs of setup to get you started.

How to add a HomePod to the Home app

FAQ

How to connect HomePod to Wi-Fi?

The Apple HomePod needs a mobile device to be set up, like an iPhone or iPad, rather than a Mac or PC. When you're setting up your HomePod, it will automatically connect to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone or iPad, so you don't have to follow any particular steps to connect it to the internet.

If your Wi-Fi password ever changes or you make changes to your network, simply hold your iPhone near your HomePod again and you'll get a message on your phone prompting you to finish setting up your device. Follow these prompts and your HomePod will automatically connect to the same network from your mobile device.

How can I add the HomePod directly in the Home app?

All it takes to begin setting up your HomePod is to plug it in, unlock your iPhone or iPad, and keep the two devices near each other, and your mobile device should find the HomePod automatically. If for some reason that doesn't work, you can set it up directly in the Home app by following these steps:

1. Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap the add button, the plus sign at the top right of your screen.
3. Select Add Accessory.
4. Tap More options.
5. Choose HomePod and then follow the prompts in the app.

Do I need a HomePod to use HomeKit?

Apple's smart home software, HomeKit, requires a compatible hub to work as your smart home system, and the HomePod Mini does the job very well. However, you can also use a regular HomePod or an Apple TV 4K.