How to set up your HomePod or HomePod mini with your Apple TV

The HomePod and HomePod mini are fantastic ways to elevate your binge-watching or movie night experiences when combined with the Apple TV. Whether it is using a single HomePod for all of your audio, pairing two HomePods together for bigger sound, or using a HomePod mini as a replacement for your TV speakers, setting it all up only takes a few clicks on the Siri remote. Here's how to set up HomePod with Apple TV.

What you need

HomePod or HomePod mini must be set up with a compatible iPhone or iPad. Currently, you can't connect one 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, the fourth-generation Apple TV or newer, and your HomePod or HomePod mini must also be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV.

How to set your HomePod as your default speaker on Apple TV

Note: This feature is only available with the Apple TV 4K and the original HomePod. It doesn't work with the Apple TV HD or the HomePod mini.

Starting in iOS and tvOS 14.2, you can set your HomePod up as the default speaker for all of your Apple TV's audio. This method means that you won't have to remember to switch over to it on your next movie night.

1. Open Settings on your Apple TV.

2. Click Video and Audio.

   Source: iMore

3. Click Default Audio Output.

4. Select your HomePod with a click.

   Source: iMore

Alternatively, you can set up your HomePod as your default speaker through the Home app on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.

How to set your HomePod as your default speaker on Apple TV

How to set up HomePod or HomePod mini with Apple TV via AirPlay

If you want to use your HomePod as a speaker temporarily or want to use a HomePod mini with your Apple TV, you can do so via AirPlay. With this method, you can link your Apple TV content with multiple AirPlay 2 speakers, not just the HomePod, allowing you to create a makeshift surround system.

1. Hold down the Home Button on the Siri Remote for around 3 seconds to bring up Control Center.
2. Click the AirPlay icon.

3. Select your HomePod or HomePod mini with a click.

   Source: iMore

How to stop using AirPlay with your HomePod or HomePod mini

1. Hold down the Home Button on the Siri Remote for around 3 seconds to bring up Control Center.
2. Click the AirPlay icon.

3. De-select your HomePod or HomePod mini with a click, then select your TV.

   Source: iMore

How to set up two HomePods for Stereo sound

Since iOS 11.4 for iOS and tvOS added support for AirPlay 2, you can pair two HomePods for a full stereo experience with your Apple TV. Through Stereo Pairing, audio quality is significantly better than a single HomePod, but it only works with the original HomePod, not the HomePod mini.

If you have a second HomePod and want to create stereo audio, it's just about as simple as plugging in your HomePod and waiting for technology to take its course!

How to create a stereo pair with your HomePods and AirPlay 2

Any questions?

Do you have any questions about using your HomePod or HomePod mini with your Apple TV? Let us know in the comments below!

Updated November 2020: Updated steps for setting up HomePod and HomePod mini with Apple TV.