HOW TO Make the most of your HomePod

HomePod options

Once you’ve selected your HomePod in the Home app, you’ll see this screen, which enables you to view and control the currently playing track (if any), or choose from any recent albums or playlists you’ve been listening to.

Check alarms and timers

Scroll down to the Alarms and Timers sections to view any alarms you have set or any timers you have running. Use the On/Off sliders to toggle any existing alarms on or off. Tap New to add one.

Set a new alarm

Next, tap the clock at the top to choose an alarm time, then Repeat to choose when you’d like the alarm to be repeated (e.g. Every Monday). Next, choose an alarm sound — either Play Tone or Play Media. Let’s choose Play Media.

Choose alarm sound

Tap Choose Media to either select a track from Apple Music or to choose from a range of ambient sounds, including Fireplace, Forest, Night and Ocean. To do that tap Ambient Sounds, select a sound, then tap Done.

More options

Return to the HomePod options screen, then scroll down to Automations. Here, you can choose options like having the HomePod start up when you get home or switch off when you leave. Tap Add Automation to add one.

Set an automation

On the Add Automations screen are four options. Let’s tap People Leave. On the next screen you can choose Anyone Leaves, The Last Person Leaves, plus a Location/Time. Tap Time for “During the day”, “At night”, or a specific time.

Customize Siri

Head back to the HomePod options screen then go to the Siri section. Here you can choose whether or not your HomePod listens for “Hey Siri” among other options. To have Siri recognize your voice, switch Personal Requests to On.

Use the Intercom

A fun option in HomePod settings is Intercom. Ensure it’s switched on, then go back to the Home app home screen. Tap the sound wave at the top–right to open the Intercom. This lets you send a voice message to others in your home.

Reset your HomePod

If your HomePod stops responding, head back to the main HomePod options screen, then scroll to the bottom and tap Reset HomePod. Alternative instructions for resetting your HomePod can be found at https://apple.co/3nJMQfl.