How to Update Your HomePod: Step-by-Step Guide

Updating your HomePod (or HomePod mini) ensures you get the latest features, bug fixes, and security improvements from Apple. This guide walks you through checking for updates, installing them automatically or manually, and fixing common issues. You’ll need an iPhone or iPad with the Home app, and your HomePod must be connected to Wi-Fi.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone or iPad with the Home app (iOS/iPadOS 16 or later recommended).
Your HomePod or HomePod mini powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iOS device.
Apple ID signed in with two-factor authentication enabled (for HomePod software updates).
A stable internet connection.

Step-by-Step

Check your current HomePod software version. Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the Home tab (house icon) in the top-left corner, then tap Home Settings. Scroll down to Software Update to see the current version installed on your HomePod(s).
Enable automatic updates (recommended). In the same Home Settings screen, tap Software Update. Toggle on Install Updates Automatically. This will download and install updates overnight when your HomePod is not in use.
Check for a manual update. If you prefer to update immediately, stay on the Software Update screen. Your HomePod will check for available updates automatically. If an update is available, you’ll see a message like “Software Update Available” with a version number.
Download and install the update. Tap Update (or Download and Install) next to the available version. Confirm if prompted. The update will begin downloading. Your HomePod will restart during installation, and the status light on top will show a white spinning light. Do not unplug the HomePod during this process.
Wait for completion. Depending on the size of the update and your internet speed, this can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. The Home app will show a progress bar. Once finished, your HomePod will chime and be ready to use.
Verify the update. After the update completes, go back to Home Settings > Software Update to confirm the version number matches the one you installed.

Common Mistakes

Not enabling automatic updates – Many users miss new features because they never turn on auto-update. It’s the easiest way to stay current.
Using a different Wi-Fi network – Your iPhone and HomePod must be on the same network for the Home app to communicate with the speaker.
Unplugging the HomePod during an update – This can interrupt the process and potentially corrupt the software. Always wait for the update to finish completely.
Ignoring the “Update Not Completed” error – If an update fails, don’t just leave it. Retry after a few minutes or restart your HomePod.
Assuming updates happen instantly – Updates can take a while, especially if you have multiple HomePods. Be patient.

Tips

Update multiple HomePods at once – If you have more than one HomePod, you can update them all simultaneously by tapping Update All in the Software Update screen (if available).
Use a wired connection for your iPhone – If possible, connect your iPhone to power and Wi-Fi to avoid interruptions during the update process.
Keep your HomePod plugged in – Ensure the HomePod is plugged into a working outlet and not on a power strip that might be turned off.
Restart your HomePod before updating – If you’ve been having issues, unplug the HomePod for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and then try updating. This often clears temporary glitches.
Check Apple’s system status – If updates are slow or unavailable, visit Apple’s System Status page to see if there’s a service outage.

Troubleshooting

Update won’t start or is stuck on “Downloading” – Check your internet connection. Restart your Wi-Fi router, then try again. Also, ensure your iPhone is connected to the same network and has a strong signal.
Update fails with an error message – Unplug your HomePod, wait 10 seconds, plug it back in, and try again. If the error persists, restart your iPhone and try again. If it still fails, reset your HomePod to factory settings (see below).
HomePod not showing in the Home app – Make sure your iPhone is signed into iCloud with the same Apple ID used to set up the HomePod. Also, check that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone (though updates use Wi-Fi, the Home app needs Bluetooth for initial setup).
Update appears available but won’t install – Ensure your HomePod has at least 50% battery? No, HomePod is always plugged in, but ensure it’s not in a power-saving mode (which doesn’t exist). Just make sure it’s not in the middle of a Siri request or playing audio. Pause any playback and try again.
Reset HomePod to factory settings – If all else fails, reset your HomePod. Unplug it, wait 10 seconds, plug it back in, then press and hold the top of the HomePod (the touch surface) until you hear three chimes (about 10 seconds). Release when you hear the third chime. Then set it up again from scratch in the Home app. After setup, check for updates again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a HomePod update take?

Typically 10–30 minutes, but it can take up to an hour depending on the update size and your internet speed. The Home app will show progress.

Can I use my HomePod while it’s updating?

No. During the update, the HomePod is unavailable for playback or Siri. It will restart and be unresponsive for a few minutes.

Do I need to update my HomePod manually?

No, if you have automatic updates enabled, your HomePod will update itself overnight. Manual updates are only needed if you want the update immediately or if automatic updates are turned off.

Why isn’t my HomePod updating automatically?

Automatic updates require your HomePod to be plugged in, connected to Wi-Fi, and not in active use. Also, your iPhone must be on the same network and have automatic updates enabled in Home Settings. If it’s still not updating, check for a pending update manually.

Will updating my HomePod erase my settings?

No. Updates preserve your settings, scenes, and automations. However, a factory reset (which is different) will erase everything.

What if my HomePod is on an older iOS version and can’t update?

If your HomePod is too old to support the latest software, it will stop receiving updates. Apple typically supports HomePod for many years, but eventually, updates stop. In that case, you can continue using it with the last supported version.

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