Apple tips
Enable VoiceOver
Apple's best accessibility feature is also on the HomePod, meaning Siri can announce which controls you're touching. To enable it, head into the HomePod settings, scroll down to Accessibility and select VoiceOver. Here's a guide that dives deeper into the feature and what it can do.
Use your HomePod as your HomeKit hub
An easy tip here – one that requires no effort on your part. HomePod works as a hub for HomeKit, letting you control your smart HomeKit appliances with your voice via Siri. And the good news is that it will automatically add itself as a Hub within the Home app. Obviously, with the HomePod most likely to stay in one place, it makes more sense to have it as your HomeKit hub than an iPad (although an Apple TV is still preferable, as there are a few extra features). The HomePod Mini is actually the best Home Hub you can use as it also boasts Thread connectivity.
Stream sound from Mac to HomePod
The Spotify app itself doesn't list AirPlay speakers in the devices list, and the Mac AirPlay option in the menu bar only lists Apple TVs. But you can play any sound from your Mac – Spotify and more – over AirPlay to your HomePod. Dive into your System Preferences. From there, choose Sound and select your HomePod as the device for sound output.
Turn on a HomePod Siri tone
If you have your HomePod on a shelf above your eye level, the chances are you'll struggle to notice that Siri has heard you. If that's the case, the Siri tone may be useful. To turn it on, head into the HomePod's settings menu within the Home app on your iPhone and check the Sound When Using Siri option.
Add a song to a Apple Music playlist
When you're listening to Apple Music or Beats Radio you can simply say, "Hey Siri, add this song to [name of playlist]" and it'll be added on to the end of that playlist.
Factory reset your Apple HomePod
If your HomePod is acting up, is unresponsive, or you want to sell it or give it away, then you'll want to hard reset it. You've got two methods for resetting your HomePod. Firstly, on the Home app, press and hold the HomePod tile, tap 'Details', scroll to the bottom and select 'Remove Accessory'. From the HomePod itself, you can reset it by unplugging it, waiting five seconds, then plugging it back in. After another five seconds, hold your finger on the top of HomePod until the white spinning light turns red. Keep holding your finger down and you'll hear Siri say that your HomePod is about to reset. You'll hear three beeps, then you can lift your finger, as it's all done.
Block explicit content on your HomePod
To get to the meatier HomePod settings, you'll want to head into your iPhone's Home app. Within the HomePod's menus you'll see options to set alarms, change up some of the default settings and block explicit content. The restrictions available are dependent on which country's store you use. In the States, you'll be able to block any music with a Parental Advisory Label from the Recording Industry Association of America. Basically, music with naughty words.
Beef up the security of your HomePod
A lot has been made of the lack of support for multiple users on HomePod, and while there's no hidden iPhone settings menu for changing that, there is a multi-user menu of note, although it's centred around AirPlay playback. Using the iOS Home app, you can limit your speaker's streaming to just people in your Apple Home or people on your network. You can also add a password, if you like, or throw caution to the wind and leave it open so as anyone close enough with an iPhone could stream their music.
Set up multiple users
The HomePod and HomePod Mini can now recognize individual voices from up to six users, so you always get your own information – like calendars and playlists – when interacting with it. You should actually get a prompt to set this up automatically, provided you've met certain criteria that Apple has set out here (updating your iPhone to the latest iOS, having Bluetooth and "Hey Siri" turned on, and so on). To customize how your HomePod interacts with your personally, head to the Home app on your phone, and tap the Home icon, Home Settings, then your home setup and your user profile under People.
Organize Your Apple Watch Home Screen
Apple Watch Tip: Organize Your Home Screen The small screen on your Apple Watch can easily get cluttered with a larger number of installed apps. The easiest way to rearrange your home screen is by tapping and holding icons until they begin to wiggle, just like they do on your phone. Then drag the icons to their new positions. Another way of doing this is by using the companion application on your phone. Access the ‘App Layout’ menu and easily rearrange the apps by tapping, holding and dragging them to your desired location. Looking for a way to de-clutter your bedside table? This phone and watch stand is a must have for you.
