Your HomePod Mini Setup Failed? (Don’t Panic! Easy Fix)

The HomePod mini setup failed repeatedly, despite following all the steps? Relax, this guide will show you how to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
We understand how frustrating it is to unbox your new HomePod, only to get stuck in the setup process.
In most cases, the issue can be caused by your iPhone/iPad, the Wi-Fi network, or even the default “Home” app integrated into your device.
We’re about to review some of the best solutions so keep reading!
How to Fix When HomePod Mini Setup Failed? – Top 7 Solution
Tip: Have you tried rebooting the network router and your HomePod at once?
1. Use an iPhone or iPad for the Setup

The standard HomePod and the HomePod mini can be only set up through an iPhone or an iPad running the most current firmware version.
That’s why the automatic setup prompt does not appear on your MacBook or iMac when near the HomePod.
All you have to do to initiate the automatic setup is verify the iPhone/iPad is turned on and stand 3–5 feet from the HomePod.
Well, if the HomePod is plugged in and the top LED is illuminated, the setup prompt should appear automatically and allow you to press “Set Up.”
Note: Once the setup starts, you will be guided through all of the steps automatically.
2. Switch the iPhone to the Home Wi-Fi

During the setup, your HomePod mini will be prompted to connect with the network your iPhone is currently using.
So, if you’ve left the mobile data enabled or have connected to a personal hotspot of some kind, the HomePod’s setup may fail halfway through.
- To ensure the iPhone uses Wi-Fi, go to “Settings” → “Wi-Fi” and check if any of the networks in the list say “Connected.”
You should also not forget about all iPhones’ priority connections that allow them to switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data based on the connection’s speed and performance.
If the Wi-Fi in your household is too weak or has sustained an outage, your iPhone may automatically switch to mobile data, if the feature is enabled.
Tip: We also recommend setting the “Mobile Data” to “Off” through the iPhone’s menu!
3. Conduct a Manual HomePod mini Set Up

The HomePod mini failed setup could be occurring due to an issue with the automatic setup.
If that’s the case, there’s a simple method to set up the HomePod mini easily through the “Home” app on your iPhone and assign all of its settings as intended.
Here’s how to set up the HomePod mini manually:
- Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad device.
- Tap the “+” button at the top and “Add Accessory.”
- Press “More Options” and tap on “HomePod mini.”
- Wait until your device loads up the manual process.
You will be guided through all of the HomePod mini’s essential settings similarly to the automatic setup, and you will also have a speaker profile within the “Home” app.
4. Reset the Power of the HomePod mini

Perhaps, the setup is failing repeatedly due to a functionality issue with the HomePod mini.
The power reset can be an effective solution for any underlying problems with the HomePod, as it works by discharging the device’s residue electrical charge.
- To power reset the HomePod mini, unplug the speaker’s power cable from the outlet and wait for 45–60 seconds.
Note: In the meantime, remove all third-party equipment from the HomePod mini’s power setup, inspect the A/C adapter, and test the outlet of the speaker.
5. Update your iPhone or iPad’s System
An outdated software version is among the leading causes of the HomePod mini’s setup failure.
This is the exact reason why the next step consists of updating your iPhone or iPad product to the most current software version.

Follow these steps:
- Open the “Settings” app and go to “General.”
- Tap on “Software Update” right under “About.”
- Wait until the iPhone/iPad loads new versions.
- Next, tap “Update Now” or “Update Tonight.”
Well, pressing “Update Tonight” causes your iPhone to schedule the update for overnight at approximately midnight.
So, as long as your iOS product sustains a stable connection to the internet, the new software will be uploaded automatically.
Note: Your iPhone or iPad needs a reliable internet connection in order to download updates!
6. Offload the Home App in the Settings
The Home app could be responsible for the persistent HomePod mini setup failed error you are experiencing repeatedly.
Offloading applications on iOS is similar to clearing the cache on Android or uninstalling it of some sort, as the “Home” app will not be accessible temporarily.

Here’s how to offload the “Home” app in easy steps:
- Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Head to “General” and tap on “iPhone Storage.”
- Locate the Home app in the list of applications.
- Next, tap “Offload App” on the Home app’s page.
- Tap “Offload App” again to confirm and then wait.
- After 30–40 seconds, tap “Load App” to enable it.
As established, all offloaded applications on the iPhone or iPad will be temporarily inaccessible, meaning your HomePod mini could also stop working without its digital interface.
Note: The Home app cannot be uninstalled because it’s a default app on your system!
7. Reset the HomePod mini to OS Defaults
Assuming your HomePod mini is still not set up within the “Home” app, the only way to perform a factory reset is to your Windows PC or Mac.
So, if you have a desktop computer running the Windows 10 or 11 system, then you would have to download the iTunes app to start the reset.

Let’s review the steps thoroughly!
7.1 How to Factory Reset HomePod Mini Via Windows?
- Plug the HomePod into your PC using the supplied USB-C.
- Download the latest version of the iTunes app on the PC.
- Launch the app and wait for the HomePod mini to appear.
- Click on the device’s settings and click “Restore HomePod.”
7.2 How to Factory Reset HomePod Mini Via MacBook/iMac?

- Connect the HomePod mini to the iOS-enabled computer.
- Open the “Finder” app and find the “Locations” section.
- Click on the HomePod and press “Restore HomePod…”
- Wait until the procedure is finished and test the device.
Note: Your HomePod must be turned on during the factory reset!

Finn Wheatley, a Master’s graduate in Computer Science from UCL, London, honed his skills at small data science consultancies. There, he helped large corporations enhance their data capabilities by deploying cutting-edge machine learning analytics and resolving technical hurdles.