HomePod Won't Turn On? Here's Every Fix (2023)

If your HomePod is not turning on, there are several things to try before you go out and get a replacement.

By Amy Spitzfaden–Both Updated 03/07/2023

What to Know

  • If your HomePod won't turn on, it may be connected to an unreliable power source.
  • You can restart your HomePod by unplugging it for ten seconds and then plugging it back in, or in the Home app > HomePod > Reset HomePod... > Restart HomePod.
  • Sometimes a HomePod won't turn on because it is broken and needs a replacement.

If your HomePod or HomePod mini is not turning on, you may feel like throwing it out the window and starting fresh with a brand-new one, but there are a few things to try before you rush out for a replacement. Here are all the steps to try to get your HomePod working again and how to know when it's time to call Apple.

What to Do If Your HomePod Won't Turn On

Make Sure You're Connected to Reliable Power

The most common reason why a HomePod or HomePod mini won't turn on is that it isn't connected to a power source. HomePods are not battery-powered, so they need to be plugged in to work. Check to make sure your HomePod's cable is connected to a working outlet and that the electricity in your home is working. A loose cable or a broken outlet might very well be to blame for your HomePod or HomePod mini not turning on.

Check Your Wi-Fi

If your Wi-Fi is down, your HomePod may experience connection issues that make it seem like it is not turning on. Check to make sure your Wi-Fi is up and running if you're running into HomePod issues, and, if it is working, try disconnecting and reconnecting your iPhone to your Wi-Fi to see if that resolves the issue. For more Apple troubleshooting tips, check out our free Tip of the Day newsletter.

Restart Your HomePod

If your power source is stable and your Wi-Fi is up and running, it's time to restart your HomePod. Restarting your HomePod can get your HomePod out of a glitch loop and get your HomePod back on track. To reset your HomePod, you can either unplug your HomePod, wait ten seconds, and plug it back in, or restart it through your Home app. Make sure your HomePod is plugged in before trying these steps:

  1. Open your Home app.

    open home app how to restart homepod
  2. Tap on your HomePod.

    tap your homepod wont turn on
  3. Scroll to the bottom of the screen that pops up (you may have to wait a few seconds for the scroll option to become available).

    swipe to bottom homepod won't turn on
  4. Tap Reset HomePod...

    tap reset homepod homepod not turning on
  5. Tap Restart HomePod.

    tap restart homepod homepod mini not turning on

Your HomePod will restart and your problem may be solved!

Related: Can You Listen to Conversations or Eavesdrop with HomePod?

Reset Your HomePod

If restarting doesn't do the trick, resetting might. Resetting your HomePod means removing it as an accessory that your Apple device recognizes and adding it again. Sometimes this kind of reset is needed to break a loop causing a glitch.

Check Your Speaker

If you think your HomePod isn't working because you're not seeing any lights and the touch controls aren't working, check to see if Siri is working. Say "Hey Siri" and give a command to see if your HomePod is still working. There may be an issue with the lights and/or touch panel if Siri is working and you just aren't getting the visual or touch response you're looking for.

Update Your HomePod

If your HomePod or HomePod mini is not turning on, updating your HomePod might solve your issue. Fortunately, you can update your HomePod through your phone, so you don't necessarily run into the challenge of the technical issue blocking the update. 

Delete and Re-Install Your Home App

A bug in your Home app might be causing the issue, so if you've made it this far without any success, try deleting and reinstalling your Home app. This may break whatever cycle your HomePod is stuck in and get you back on track.

Contact Apple Support

If none of this works, it's time to contact Apple Support. You may be experiencing a hardware issue that only the experts can tackle. Next, learn how to turn off your HomePod's always listening feature for peace of mind.

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Topics

How-To
HomePod
Smart Home
Speakers
Apple Apps
Apple Support
Home
Bluetooth
HomePod Software
Device Management

Author Details

Amy Spitzfaden–Both's picture

Author Details

Amy Spitzfaden–Both

Amy Spitzfaden Both is a Feature Writer at iPhone Life, an award-winning novelist, and an iPhone enthusiast. Over the past decade, her work in the publishing industry has included live coverage of industry events including the Yale Publishing Course and Magazine Innovation’s ACT 9 Experience, providing editing services for several start-up publishing houses, and acting as newsstand consultant for magazines such as The Old Farmer’s Almanac and The New York Review of Books. She graduated from M.I.U. with a Bachelor’s in Literature and Writing, and has gone on to publish two novels and two short stories. Her debut novel Untold won the 2014 Chelson Award for Fiction.
Writing everything from book reviews to skincare tips, Amy discovered a passion for bringing exciting and useful information to even the most casual researcher. The mix of usability and endless possibilities is what drew her to Apple products originally, and the more she learns, the more she loves.
Amy lives in New Hampshire with her husband and daughter. When she’s not writing or glued to her iPhone, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and creating her own tea blends.