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How to reset your HomePod Mini

The HomePod Mini can be your go-to speaker, your smart home companion, or both. But how do you reset your HomePod after it's been set up?
Written by Maria Diaz, Staff Writer
HomePod Mini on desk
Maria Diaz/ZDNET

There are a few reasons you may need to reset your HomePod Mini

You might be having issues with the device, and it has become unresponsive. 

Or you might want to sell the Apple smart speaker, or maybe you're looking to give it away to someone else. 

Also: Apple updated everything from iOS to HomePod: What's new

Regardless of the reason, knowing how to reset your HomePod Mini could come in handy if you own one.

How to reset your HomePod Mini

Requirements 

Resetting your HomePod only requires your hand, some good timing, and the device. If you'd rather reset it from the Home app, scroll down to find those instructions.

1. Unplug your HomePod

The first step to reset your HomePod Mini is to unplug it and wait 10 seconds. 

Hand unplugging HomePod
Maria Diaz/ZDNET

2. Plug in your HomePod and wait 10 seconds

Once you've unplugged your HomePod and the 10 seconds have passed, plug it back in and wait for 10 more seconds or until the white light comes on.

Hand plugging the HomePod back in
Maria Diaz/ZDNET

3. Touch and hold the display

After plugging in your HomePod and waiting 10 seconds, touch and hold the display until the spinning light turns red. 

Continue to touch and hold.

HomePod Mini on desk

When 10 seconds have passed or the white light has come on, whichever happens sooner, press and hold the display on the HomePod Mini.

Maria Diaz/ZDNET

4. Listen for Siri

Don't remove your hand from the display. 

Listen for Siri to tell you that the HomePod is about to reset and continue holding your finger on the top of the device. 

HomePod Mini on desk

The white light on the HomePod Mini display will turn red. Continue to hold.

Maria Diaz/ZDNET

5. Listen for three beeps and let go

Once you hear the three beeps after the voice prompt, you can take your finger off the HomePod Mini.

Review: The HomePod Mini is for Sirious Apple users only

After this, your device will start up.

HomePod Mini on desk

You can let go after the three beeps.

Maria Diaz/ZDNET

6. Remove from Home app

Now, just remove your HomePod from the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.

FAQs

How to reset the HomePod from the Home app

If you'd rather try resetting your HomePod from the Home app on your iPhone or iPad, you can also do that instead of doing it on the HomePod itself. This is a good solution if you don't have your HomePod right next to you or want to do it remotely. 

To reset your HomePod using the Home app, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Home app from your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap on the HomePod in question.
  3. Scroll down to find Settings.
  4. Tap on Reset HomePod.
  5. Select Reset to confirm.

Can I reset my HomePod using a Mac or a PC?

In the unlikely event that you can't reset your HomePod Mini by pressing on the top of it or by using the Home app, you could also use your computer to restore it. Your HomePod Mini comes with a USB-C cable that you can plug into your Mac or PC. Once you do this, you can find your HomePod Mini on your Mac in Locations by using Finder.

If you have a PC, just use the latest version of iTunes to access your HomePod Mini and its settings.

Then, simply select the HomePod Mini and click on Restore HomePod. This will reset the device and update it to the latest software.

How do I reset one of my HomePods in a stereo pair?

The ability to group two HomePods to create a stereo pair is a great feature that results in rich, room-filling stereo audio. But if you need to reset one or both of your HomePod Minis already in a stereo pair, you'll need to unlink them first. 

To ungroup two HomePod Minis, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Touch and hold the HomePod pair with the one you want to reset.
  3. Scroll down and select Settings
  4. Select Ungroup Accessories.

How can I restart my HomePod?

If you're having issues with your HomePod becoming unresponsive, you can try restarting the device before diving into resetting it. Sometimes the old "Did you try turning it off and on again?" move really is the answer. 

To restart your HomePod Mini:

  1. Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap on the HomePod.
  3. Go into Settings.
  4. Tap on Restart HomePod.

This should reboot your HomePod. If this doesn't work to make your HomePod responsive again, then you should reset it. 

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