I recently got a new 4K UHD television set and purposefully didn't invest in a sound bar because I knew my HomePod would be the perfect alternative with Apple TV thanks to AirPlay connectivity on Apple's smart speaker. You can't use HomePod to ask Siri to find content or start watching something on Apple TV (though you can use it for video playback) but you can use it as a sound bar when connected to your Apple TV. Here's how.

What you need

HomePod must be set up with a compatible iPhone or iPad. Currently, you can't simply connect it directly to your Apple TV. So, you'll first need to complete the HomePod setup process on your iPhone or iPad.

How to set up HomePod

You'll also need a compatible Apple TV, which is the fourth-generation Apple TV or newer.

Your HomePod must be connected to the same wifi network as your Apple TV.

How to set up HomePod with Apple TV

If you're on the Apple TV Home screen:

  1. Launch Settings on your Apple TV.
  2. Select Video and Audio.
  3. Select Audio Output.
  4. Select your HomePod under Other Speakers.

Or, simply do this:

  1. Hold down Pause on the Siri Remote for 3 seconds to bring up AirPlay.

If you're already watching the video:

  1. Swipe down to reveal the Info Center.
  2. Swipe right to go to the Audio tab**.
  3. Swipe down to select your HomePod.

How to set up two HomePods for Stereo sound

At launch, HomePod does not support pairing of multiple HomePods. However, after Apple updates the speaker, you'll be able to connect two of them when they're in the same room.

After they've been set up, your HomePod will automatically detect that a second one is in the same room and they will balance out so that the beaming array sends sound perfectly from one side of the room to the other.

Note: You won't be able to set one HomePod as the right channel and one as the left channel. This is so you can have a fuller sound across a larger room.

How to remove your HomePod from Apple TV

To remove a HomePod so that it is no longer used to play the audio from Apple TV, simply de-select it from your speaker options.

  1. Launch Settings on your Apple TV.
  2. Select Video and Audio.
  3. Select Audio Output.
  4. De-select your HomePod under Other Speakers.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions about using your HomePod with your Apple TV?

Updated February 6, 2018: Clarified that HomePod only works as a soundbar through Apple TV.

Updated February 7, 2018: Removed the term FullRoom when referring to HomePod's pairing feature.

Updated February 12, 2018: Clarified that you can use video playback controls with HomePod.

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