HomePod mini Won’t Connect to WiFi? (Simple Fixes!)

homepod mini won't connect to wifi

We understand that whenever HomePod mini won’t connect to WiFi, you can’t control any of your smart accessories.

But don’t worry–This guide will help you get your HomePod connected.

  • The HomePod mini typically prefers a 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection over a 2.4 GHz frequency.

Well, any distance insufficiency, a mismatch of the networks, and even interference could prevent the device from connecting.

Fortunately, we’ve managed to find many working solutions!

How to Fix HomePod mini Won’t Connect to WiFi?

Important: Ensure you’re using an iPhone to set up the HomePod mini!

1. Check for “Network Mismatch” Error

check for “network mismatch” error

The first time your HomePod mini refuses to connect, you may receive a “Network Mismatch” notification on your iPhone.

This means that the iPhone is not on the same Wi-Fi as the one your HomePod must connect with.

This applies specifically if your iPhone’s mobile data is still active and takes priority in terms of connection speed over your household’s Wi-Fi. 

“Network Mismatch” HomePod Error: Fixed

In order to match the same network as your HomePod, open the Wi-Fi settings of your iPhone and reconnect with the correct network.

While in the settings, set the “Mobile Data” feature to “Off” and proceed to verify that your iPhone is on the home Wi-Fi network.

Additionally, double-check the SSID of the network you’re connecting to the HomePod to ensure it matches your network’s 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz thread respectively. 

2. Change the HomePod’s Wi-Fi

change the homepod’s wi-fi

Well, it is preferable to connect the HomePod mini with a 5 GHz network, but in some cases, the circumstances may not allow for this type of connection.

  • Although the 5 GHz carries much more connection speed, it is also heavier and may have trouble traveling through solid surfaces/walls.

So, if you have a dual-band router, then you should test the HomePod mini on the opposing 2.4 GHz thread and check if there’s an improvement in the connection.

How to Change HomePod mini’s Wi-Fi?

  1. Open the Home app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on your HomePod’s dashboard.
  3. Tap the gear icon for settings access.
  4. Tap “Move HomePod to (Wi-Fi Name)”.

Now, you will be prompted to specify a new Wi-Fi network for your HomePod and for that to happen, select the SSID of the opposite Wi-Fi.

If the HomePod was paired to the 5 GHz until now, switch it to 2.4 GHz or vice versa.

3. Unplug the HomePod’s Supply

unplug the homepod’s supply

Well, a power cycle might help whenever your HomePod mini not connecting to WiFi.

It takes between 30 and 60 seconds to discharge the HomePod’s power supply after the power adapter is disconnected.

  • This won’t erase any of the settings, only reboot the device’s operating system.

To power cycle the HomePod mini, unplug the power adapter from both ends and wait for a full minute before plugging the cable back in.

In the meantime, you can check for underlying power issues with the HomePod!

Note: The HomePod mini, similar to the standard HomePod needs to be plugged in all the time!

How to Solve Power Issues On HomePod mini?

  • Connect the HomePod to an alternative outlet.
  • Check if the adapter is secured on both ends.
  • Remove third-party equipment from the setup.

Typical behavior indicating power insufficiency involves frequent HomePod reboots, temporary or lasting Wi-Fi issues, and even a Siri failure. 

4. Run Full Network Diagnostics

run full network diagnostics

The average Wi-Fi network speed both the standard HomePod and the HomePod mini need is between 2 and 5 Mb download/upload speed per second.

If your network’s speed is anywhere below these values, the speaker may refuse to connect with the Wi-Fi.

How to Check Network & Wi-Fi Speed?

You can check the speeds of your network only through a connected device, by navigating to speedtest.net.

So, tap the “GO!” button and wait until the service runs online diagnostics to calculate your Wi-Fi network’s download and upload speeds in “Mbps” (Megabits per second).

Reference: For example, 40 Mbps is equal to 5 MB/s download/upload speed, so your network speed needs to be above 15–20 Mbps. 

Solutions for Weak Wi-Fi Speed:

solutions for weak wi-fi speed
Router:

Start by unplugging the router from the power supply for 30–60 seconds.

If that doesn’t help, reconnect the service (Optical/Ethernet) cable from one of the rear ports and check if the device runs on the latest firmware version through the app or GUI.

Wi-Fi:

Reduce the number of connected devices to the network and start by unpairing the ones you no longer or rarely use.

So, temporarily cease high-data downloading/uploading processes conducted by devices connected to the network.

Interference:

Ensure the router is free of interference by relocating all wireless devices within a 10-foot range of the router.

This involves Bluetooth speakers, radios, RF transmitters, hotspots, or anything that produces a wireless frequency.

Tip: If neither of these improves your Wi-Fi speed, get in touch with the ISP.

5. Enable DHCP On your Router

DHP or “Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol” is used for assigning IP addresses to devices connected to the network automatically.

The HomePod requires an IP address to establish a secured connection with your Wi-Fi network and if the DHCP is set to “On”, the setup will fail.

How to Access the Router GUI?

how to access the router gui

The DHCP can be configured through the GUI settings of your router.

For that purpose, you will first need the default gateway of your router. 

Find the default gateway’s value on a sticker attached to the bottom panel of your router, type it into the browser of your PC or laptop that’s connected to the network, and press “Search”.

Once at the login page, use the default login credentials–type “admin” in both fields. 

How to Configure the Router’s DHCP?

Once you’re in the settings, go to “Network” → “DHCP Assignment” and extend the section to view all options.

So, verify the feature is enabled to receive a list of all devices connected to the network and the static IP address they’ve been assigned. 

Tip: Set your network to Google’s DNS – Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8, Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4.

6. Test the HomePod on a Hotspot

test the homepod on a hotspot

Perhaps, your network has just run into a configuration or service problem.

To determine if the fault is with the network or not, we recommend pairing the HomePod with your phone’s hotspot.

The hotspot of your iPhone can be either activated through the quick menu accessible from the homepage or via the “Personal Hotspot” tab within the settings. 

Note: Your iPhone will be discoverable as “iPhone” by default, or the name you’ve manually set. 

7. Factory Reset the HomePod mini

The easiest way to resolve the HomePod mini won’t connect to WiFi is via a factory reset.

As a result, the system settings of your HomePod will be wiped clean, which will hopefully resolve all issues with the Wi-Fi.

However, you will need to carry out the initialization of your HomePod.

factory reset the homepod mini

Here’s how to factory reset the HomePod mini:

  1. Open the Home app and tap on your HomePod’s menu.
  2. Navigate to “Settings” and scroll to the bottom of the tab.
  3. Now, tap on “Reset HomePod” then “Remove Accessory”.
  4. Follow the on-screen steps to finalize the reset procedure.

You can also reset the HomePod through a Mac or by installing iTunes on your Windows PC. 

Pro Tip: If nothing works, share a personal hotspot from your mobile phone, and try to connect your HomePod mini with it.