How To Update Your HomePod

Manually force a software update on a HomePod

by
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Writer
Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others.
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Sam Costello
Updated on April 19, 2021

What To Know

  • In the Home app on your iOS device, tap the House icon > Home Settings > Software Update and follow the onscreen prompts.
  • Set HomePod updates to automatically install by going to the Software Update screen and move the HomePod slider to on/green.

This article explains how to install HomePod software updates manually, no matter how many HomePods you have. It also shows you how to set HomePods to update themselves automatically.

The instructions in this article were written using iOS 14. You can update HomePod software using earlier versions of the iOS, but the exact steps on those versions may be slightly different.

How to Update HomePod Software

Apple regularly releases new versions of iOS to deliver new features and bug fixes. HomePod software updates do the same thing. Whether you want compatibility with the latest version of the iPhone, to add support for new features, or to fix bugs, follow these steps to update HomePod software:

  1. Begin by making sure your HomePod is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. Make sure your iPhone is on the same Wi-Fi network.

  2. Open the pre-installed Home app.

    If your HomePod doesn't appear in the Home, make sure you've selected the right Home (if you have more than one set up). If it still doesn't appear, make sure the HomePod is set up properly.

  3. Tap the house icon in the top left corner.

  4. Tap Home Settings.

  5. If there's a HomePod software update available, the Software Update menu will show an icon. Even if there's no icon there, you can check for an update. Tap Software Update.

    Home app with the house icon selected and the Software Update highlighted.

  6. The HomePod software update appears here. To learn more about it, tap more. To download and install it, tap Update.

    If you don't see a software update listed here but want to force a check, swipe down from the top of the screen to refresh.

  7. Agree to the terms of the update and tap through other onscreen instructions.

  8. The update will download and install onto your HomePod. How long this takes depends on the size of the update and the speed of your Wi-Fi. When the HomePod updates, a message will let you know it's ready.

    Home app's HomePod software update screens.

Have multiple HomePods in your house (either to use as intercoms or for surround sound stereo pairs)? We've got good news. You don't have to update each HomePod individually. Instead, you download the update once, and then every HomePod is updated simultaneously.

How to Automatically Update HomePod Software

Would you rather not have to check the Home app every time there might be a HomePod software update? You don't have to! Just set updates to install automatically, and your HomePod will always be up to date. Here's how:

  1. Follow steps 1-5 from the previous section.

  2. On the Software Update screen, in the Automatic Updates section, move the HomePod slider to on/green.

    Screenshot of the Home app with the automatic software updates toggle enabled

  3. Now, whenever a HomePod update is available, it will install it automatically.

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