Skip to main content

How to set up a HomePod for stereo audio

Apple’s HomePod speaker is an excellent addition to any smart home or entertainment system. Adding one Apple HomePod can make your life easier, but adding two HomePod speakers can be transforming. Instead of listening to music or movies in bland mono on one speaker, you can broadcast in stereo by connecting two speakers together using HomePod Stereo Audio. We will walk you through the process of combining two HomePod speakers so you can assemble the ultimate surround-sound system without any problems or issues.

Step 1: Arrange your HomePods in your room

The Apple HomePod on a desk.

Apple initially rolled out the HomePod Stereo Audio feature in iOS 11.4, which was released in 2018. It first debuted on the original HomePod and was included on the HomePod Mini when it was released in late 2020. Though both models support stereo audio, you cannot mix and match them. You can join two HomePods or two HomePod Mini speakers, but you cannot connect a HomePod with a HomePod Mini.

Not only do you need the same HomePod models to create a stereo pair, but you also need to place them in the same room and assign them to the same room in the Home app. When situating the speakers, you should place them to the left and right of where you typically listen to your music or watch TV. Keep them away from the wall for the best sound experience.

Step 2: Set up the HomePod in the Home app

Setting up the Apple HomePod Mini on an iPhone.

Before you can create a stereo pair, you need to add both HomePod speakers to the Home app. Start by turning on one of the HomePod speakers and placing your iPhone or iPad close to the speaker. iOS should detect the speaker automatically and walk you through the process. Repeat this process for the second HomePod speaker. As mentioned above, be sure to assign them to the same room.

If your iPhone or iPad fails to detect the HomePod or HomePod Mini, then you can configure the speakers manually. Open the Home app, and then tap the Add button in the upper-right corner. You then can select the Add Accessory option and tap I Don’t Have a Code or Cannot Scan. Your HomePod should then appear in the list of Nearby Accessories. Tap on the HomePod, select Set Up, and follow the step-by-step instructions to pair the device.

Step 3: Connect the HomePods together in stereo

Apple HomePod Mini sitting on top of a shelf.

You can pair the HomePod or the HomePod Mini speakers using the Home app on your iPhone or iPad. If you are setting up the two HomePod speakers at the same time, the Home app should detect the two speakers and prompt you to create a stereo pair. Follow Apple’s instructions to bind the two together.

If this auto-detect fails, you can pair two speakers together manually by opening the Home app on your iPhone or iPad. Find one of your HomePod speakers in the list of available devices and tap and hold the HomePod Speaker icon. Scroll down to find the Gear icon and tap it to open the settings. Select Create Stereo Pair and follow the on-screen instructions to link two HomePod speakers together.

Once connected, you can use your stereo speakers to playback music from your iOS device or even connect it to your Apple TV. Because the two HomePods will play the same audio stream,  you can enjoy a richer, more immersive surround sound experience.

Kelly Hodgkins
Kelly's been writing online for ten years, working at Gizmodo, TUAW, and BGR among others. Living near the White Mountains of…
Apple HomePod Mini vs. Apple HomePod
A white HomePod mini sitting on a desk.

Apple's HomePod mini is one of the most popular smart speakers of 2023 -- but the newly announced HomePod is going to give it a run for its money. While the miniature HomeKit hub can control your smart home gear and engage with Siri, the HomePod 2023 can do all of that while also pumping out some impressive audio. But does the HomePod do enough to warrant its $299 price tag? Here's a closer look at both the HomePod and HomePod mini to help you determine which is best for your smart home.
Pricing and availability

One of the most common complaints about the original HomePod (released in 2018) was that it was one of the most expensive smart speakers on the market. That’s still true, as the HomePod 2023 clocks in at $299.

Read more
Apple HomePod vs. Apple HomePod 2023
Apple HomePod second-gen.

It has been quite a few years since Apple first launched the (now-defunct) HomePod, but the old smart speaker has been given a revival. The second generation HomePod retails for $299, and it offers some serious improvements over the original. Not only does it bring enhanced audio quality, but there are plenty of other upgrades that make it much better than its older sibling. Here’s a closer look at all the differences (and similarities) between the original HomePod and HomePod 2023.
Design

When compared side by side, you won’t notice many differences between the two HomePods. The new HomePod is about 200 grams lighter than the original model and is a couple of millimeters shorter, but overall the two are very similar. The touchpad on top of the HomePod 2023 is also a bit larger and now extends almost all the way to the edge of the device. Beyond those minor differences, they both sport an oblong design and come in multiple colors.
Speakers and sound
A diagram of the second-gen Apple HomePod internals (left) seen next to those of the first-gen HomePod. Image used with permission by copyright holder

Read more
Apple finally activates HomePod Mini’s hidden temperature/humidity sensor
Black HomePod mini on a side table, in front of an Apple TV

Apple recently revealed its second-gen HomePod, which is set to become the company’s flagship smart speaker in 2023. Featuring the S7 chipset, spatial audio, Matter compatibility, and tons of fancy room-sensing tech, the device is certain to be a hit when it launches in February. It’ll also feature a temperature and humidity sensor. Oddly enough, so does the existing HomePod Mini -- except Apple has only just activated the feature.

Apple has kept the temperature and humidity sensor deactivated for years, although now, with the launch of a new HomePod around the corner, the company has finally gone ahead and turned on the instrument in its existing Home Mini lineup. Once your HomePod Mini receives the update, you’ll be able to use it to track both the temperature and humidity in your home, then use that information to create various automations through Apple Home.

Read more