How to use Apple HomePod as a Bluetooth speaker

If you are an Apple user looking for a Bluetooth speaker with crystal clear sound, HomePod is for you. You can connect it to any Apple device and use your Apple HomePod as a Bluetooth speaker to enjoy your favourite music and podcasts from Apple music, iTunes, or Spotify.

Wondering how to use HomePod as a Bluetooth speaker with your iPhone? Fret not. Let’s walk you through the process.  

How to use HomePod as a Bluetooth speaker using Apple Music and Apple Podcast

To use your Apple HomePod as a Bluetooth speaker, open the Music or Podcast app on your iPhone, and tap on the ‘Playback controls’ icon. From there, tap on the ‘AirPlay’ icon and select your HomePod. Return to the playback screen now.

Here, tap on the ‘Play’ button beside the song you’d like to play. If you want to select a different song, swipe down from the top screen to go back and choose your favourite. You can also queue songs by selecting the ‘Playing Next; option on your HomePod. Touch and hold the song that you want to play, and then tap on ‘Play Next’ or ‘Play Last’ depending on your preference.

How to use HomePod as a Bluetooth speaker using Control Centre

To play audio on HomePod using the Control Centre, open the Control Centre on your iPhone by using Face ID, and swipe down from the top-right edge. For those who have a Home Screen button on their iPhone, swipe up from the button. Tap on the audio card, select the AirPlay icon, and choose one or more HomePod speakers.

How to use HomePod as a Bluetooth speaker using Siri

When you use Siri to play audio on HomePod, the latter will automatically start an AirPlay session from your nearby Apple device.

To use HomePod using Siri, you need to set the voice recognition first from the Home app. To set up, Go to the Home app and click on the ‘settings’ icon. Make sure the toggle of ‘Listen for Siri’ or Listen for ‘Hey Siri’ is turned on. Also, turn on the Two-factor authentication settings from the ‘Password & Security’ option under the Settings. Now, go to the Home app, and tap on the three horizontal dots icon. Tap on ‘Home Settings,’ tap a user profile under the People option, and toggle the ‘Recognise My Voice option’. 

ALSO READ: Apple HomePod second-generation launched in India 

Make sure the HomePod and your iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Now, go to the Settings of your iPhone, tap on your profile name on the top, and select the ‘Find My’ option.  Toggle the ‘Share My Location’ option. Now give a voice command mentioning the app name when you are requesting Siri. For instance, “Play Numb on SoundCloud”. 

With these steps, connect your HomePod to your Apple device and get an uninterrupted audio experience all day. 

Bear in mind. If you own any other device apart from an Apple, you cannot connect it to the HomePod. Though HomePod uses both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to stream your audio, it cannot be used as a Bluetooth speaker replacement for Android smartphone and Windows laptoip/desktop users. You need to have an iPhone, iPad, MacBook, iMac, or Apple TV to set up or pair your HomePod and use it as a Bluetooth speaker.