Apple HomePod mini Flashing Orange? (Let’s Fix It Fast)

If you’re wondering why your Apple HomePod mini flashing orange–this is not a good sign!

It could mean one of two things–either the HomePod is connected to a PC or the power adapter is incompatible.

For instance, using a third-party power adapter to set up your HomePod that is not rated 20W will result in this error and orange blinking light.

However, before replacing any of your equipment, there’s a variety of things to try right away!

Apple HomePod mini Flashing Orange – Here’s What to Do!

Quick Tip: Have you tried offloading the “Home” app on your iPhone for several seconds?

1. Unplug the Pod from your PC

The orange status of the indicator may not always be a problem.

It could indicate that the mini has been connected to a computer or a laptop that has been granted access to the system files. 

In other words, the orange light appears when the HomePod enters a type of “Service” mode, thanks to a connected PC or laptop.

So, ensure the HomePod is not connected to your PC or laptop over a metered USB connection. 

And if it is, don’t mind the orange light–this is normal.

2. Power Cycle the HomePod mini

The orange light on your HomePod mini is not as bad as you may have initially thought.

All the HomePod mini possibly needs is a refresh in the power supply and in order to do that, you must engage the power cycle. 

Follow these steps to perform a power cycle on the HomePod:

1. Unplug the HomePod’s type-C from the adapter.
2. Disconnect the adapter from the electrical outlet.
3. Wait for 60 seconds until the devices discharge.
4. Reconnect the USB type-C to the power adapter.
5. Plug your power adapter into the electrical outlet.
6. Wait until the unit starts up and check for the light.

If the orange light is still there, it could mean one of two things:

• There’s a problem with the electrical outlet.
• OR, you are using an incompatible adapter. 

Note: We strongly recommend testing the HomePod with an original power adapter, and with a different, proven-to-work power adapter.

3. Connect the HomePod to iTunes

If you’re still wondering “why is my HomePod mini blinking orange”, relax, it almost certainly has something to do with the device profile.

Not all functions of the HomePod are accessible through the Home app, so to make the needed changes, you must download and install the iTunes app.

Here’s how to view the HomePod via iTunes on PC:

1. Download and install the iTunes app on your Windows PC.
2. Connect the HomePod to your PC via a USB type-C cable.
3. Now, open the iTunes app and sign into your iCloud profile.
4. Wait until the PC’s system recognizes your HomePod mini.
5. Open the HomePod options and check if all options appear.
6. Now, check if your LED is orange while viewing the options.
7. Disconnect the HomePod from your PC after 1–2 minutes.
8. Check whether the indicator is still flashing in orange color.

If the indicator stops flashing in orange right after connecting the HomePod to your PC, it means the power adapter is no longer delivering sufficient electricity. 

Quick Note: If you’re using a Mac, the HomePod mini’s profile should appear within the “Finder” window, right under “Devices”.

4. Install an Original/Compatible Adapter

Well, your HomePod mini could be triggering the orange blinking light as a way to indicate an unoriginal charging component or fluctuations in the power supply.

The HomePod mini uses a non-detachable USB type-C power wire along with an adapter, which must be exactly 20 Watts.

If you still have the old adapter of your HomePod, even if it’s functional, connect it with the USB type-C and check if the orange light is still blinking.

Attempt to interact with the HomePod mini’s options through the app or remotely turn it on from there to test. 

How to Replace the HomePod mini Adapter?

We strictly advise against using unoriginal equipment with your HomePod mini, even if it has been qualified as a functional replacement.

So, only purchase equipment for your HomePod through the official Apple Stores and consult with an employee when browsing, just in case. 

5. “Flash” the HomePod’s OS

The HomePod “Flush” is not considered a straightforward factory restoration, because it doesn’t erase the user profile within the “Home” app or the factory settings. 

This can immediately resolve bugs with the indicator, hence, it’s quick and a convenient way to reboot your HomePod mini, rather than restore the default system configuration.

Follow these simple steps to flush the HomePod mini:

1. Unplug the HomePod’s adapter from the outlet.
2. Wait for exactly 10 seconds and plug it back in.
3. Wait for another 5 seconds after it is connected.
4. After that, press the top panel of the HomePod.
5. Release the top after you’ve heard three beeps.

Before the three beeps, your HomePod will announce the initiation of the factory reset but only release it after you’ve heard the three consecutive beeps. 

Note: Shortly after the reset starts, your HomePod mini’s top panel should turn solid white and remain this way for several minutes.

6. Change the HomePod’s Outlet

Proceeding further, the next thing to try against the blinking orange light on your HomePod mini is altering the electrical outlet used as a power source.

If you are confident that the flashing orange light is not due to an existing computer connection, then it almost certainly has something to do with the power supply.

Hence, disconnect your HomePod and relocate it to another fully functional wall socket.

Wait for several seconds and reconnect the adapter to check if the light is still there.

How External Equipment Impacts the Power?

Avoid using any type of external equipment in the setup of your HomePod mini, while testing the power supply.

This involves power strips, dividers, cord extenders, or anything that reroutes the voltage, as this may be your culprit. So, verify the HomePod is plugged directly into the outlet. 

Note: In case of a recent power outage, the voltage in your home may still be fluctuating, which could be the reason why your HomePod mini is blinking in orange.

7. Recover HomePod mini to Defaults

If the Apple HomePod mini flashes orange after all the solutions you’ve attempted so far, it’s time for a full-on factory reset, or a “Recover” as referred to in the settings.

For this purpose, you will need a MacBook, iMac, or a Windows PC along with a USB type-C-to-USB 2.0 3.0 cable. 

How to Recover the HomePod On Mac?

1. Connect the HomePod to your Mac with a USB-C cable.
2. Now, open the “Finder” tab and wait for several seconds.
3. Click on the HomePod mini within the “Devices” section.
4. Select “Recover HomePod…” within the device settings.
5. Wait until the HomePod reboots remotely and initializes.

How to Recover the HomePod On Windows?

1. Download and install the latest version of the iTunes Store.
2. Connect the HomePod mini to your PC via the USB type-C.
3. Launch the iTunes application and navigate to “Devices”.
4. Press on the HomePod and select “Recover HomePod…”.
5. Wait until the reset initiates and finishes within ~2 minutes.

While waiting for the HomePod to reset, we recommend deregistering the speaker through the “Home” app and creating a new profile. 

• Additionally, avoid all interactions with the device before the reset is finalized. 

Note: Well, if your HomePod mini is still flashing in orange, there isn’t anything else you can do at home, so the next step is to get in touch with Apple customer service.