Connect HomePod as Your Apple TV Speaker in Three Steps

To use HomePod as the speaker for your Apple TV, open Settings on your Apple TV, go to AirPlay and HomeKit, then select AirPlay. Choose your HomePod from the list of available speakers. Your Apple TV will when ready route audio through that HomePod instead of its built-in speaker or soundbar. The connection happens over your home Wi-Fi network and stays active until you change it.

This works with any HomePod model — the original HomePod, HomePod mini, or HomePod (2nd generation). Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network and signed into the same Apple ID account. If your HomePod doesn't appear in the list, restart both devices and try again.

Key Takeaways

  • HomePod connects to Apple TV through the AirPlay settings menu, not through the Home app.
  • Both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network and signed into the same Apple ID.
  • Once connected, all Apple TV audio plays through HomePod until you switch to a different speaker.
  • You can switch back to Apple TV's built-in speaker at any time using the same AirPlay menu.

What You Need Before You Start

Your HomePod must be set up and added to your Home in the Home app before you can use it with Apple TV. If you haven't done this yet, open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad, tap the plus icon, and follow the setup steps. Make sure you're using the same Apple ID on both your HomePod and your Apple TV.

Both devices need to connect to the same Wi-Fi network. If your HomePod is on a different network than your Apple TV, they won't see each other. Check your Wi-Fi settings on both devices to confirm they're connected to the same network name.

Step-by-Step Connection Instructions

On your Apple TV: Pick up the Siri Remote and press the Menu button to go to the home screen. Scroll to Settings and open it. Navigate to AirPlay and HomeKit.

Select AirPlay. You'll see a list of available speakers on your network. Find your HomePod in the list — it will show the HomePod's name (for example, "Living Room" or "Kitchen"). Tap it to select it. Your Apple TV will confirm the connection and begin sending audio to that HomePod.

If you don't see your HomePod listed, make sure it's powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. Restart your HomePod by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Restart your Apple TV the same way. Once both devices restart, return to Settings and try again.

Switching Between Speakers

You're not locked into one speaker. Go back to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > AirPlay at any time to switch to a different HomePod, a soundbar, or back to your Apple TV's built-in speaker. The change takes effect when ready.

If you have multiple HomePods in your home, you can only route Apple TV audio to one at a time through this method. If you want sound in multiple rooms, you'll need to use AirPlay from the Apple TV app on your iPhone or iPad instead, which lets you send audio to multiple speakers at once.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If your HomePod appears in the AirPlay list but the connection drops or audio cuts out, the devices may be too far apart or Wi-Fi signal is weak. Move your HomePod closer to your Apple TV or your Wi-Fi router. Check that neither device is in a cabinet or enclosed space that blocks the signal.

If your HomePod doesn't appear in the list at all, sign out of your Apple ID on your Apple TV and sign back in. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > [Your Account] > Sign Out. Then sign back in with the same Apple ID you use on your HomePod. This syncs your account settings and makes your HomePod visible to Apple TV.

If audio plays from both your HomePod and your Apple TV at the same time, you may have accidentally set up AirPlay mirroring instead of speaker selection. Return to the AirPlay menu and make sure you're selecting the HomePod as the speaker, not mirroring to it.

Using HomePod with Apple TV Remote Commands

Once your HomePod is connected as your Apple TV speaker, you can control the volume using your Siri Remote. Press the volume up or down buttons on the remote, and the HomePod volume will adjust. You can also ask Siri on your Apple TV to change the volume by saying "Hey Siri, turn up the volume" or "Hey Siri, mute."

If you want to control the HomePod independently — for example, to play music on it while watching a movie on Apple TV — use the Home app or ask Siri on your iPhone. The HomePod will respond to commands from the Home app even while it's serving as your Apple TV speaker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use HomePod mini the same way as a full-size HomePod?

Yes. HomePod mini works exactly the same way as the full-size HomePod for Apple TV audio. The connection process is identical, and you'll see it listed in the AirPlay menu by whatever name you gave it in the Home app.

What happens to my HomePod when I disconnect it from Apple TV?

Your HomePod goes back to normal operation. It will still respond to voice commands, play music from the Home app, and work as a smart home hub. Disconnecting it from Apple TV doesn't erase any settings or remove it from your Home.

Can I use HomePod as a speaker for Apple TV if I don't have HomeKit set up?

No. Your HomePod must be added to the Home app and linked to your Apple ID before it will appear in Apple TV's AirPlay menu. HomeKit setup takes about five minutes and is required for this feature to work.

Will my HomePod work as an Apple TV speaker if it's in a different room?

Yes, as long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Audio will stream wirelessly from your Apple TV to your HomePod, so you can have the speaker in another room. Keep in mind that audio will only come from the HomePod, not from your TV's speakers.