Ever Trend Zone There’s a HomePod update that’s changed things a bit
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
It probably won’t surprise most HomePod users that the default music service that Siri pulls its songs from is Apple Music.
Before the release of iOS 17.4 in the middle of last year, there was a way to change the default service to another service, like YouTube Music, for example. There were a few steps involved, but it was possible for some third-party music streaming services.
When it came to using Spotify as your default music service, there were a few hurdles to jump through and a slightly different process, and that’s the basis of the process you can now expect from the HomePod or HomePod Mini for setting up a default media. application.
what you will need
- Your HomePod
- Your iPhone or iPad
The short version
- Make sure your iPhone, iPad, and HomePod are all updated to the latest version of Apple software
- Ask Siri to play music on your HomePod
- Tell Siri your preferred service
Before iOS 17.4 arrived, to choose a default music service on HomePod and HomePod mini, you had to head to the Home app, tap the three dots in the top right corner, and select Home Settings. You would then have tapped on its name and the “Default Service” option appeared under Connected Media and the list of supported third-party apps you are logged into.
By tapping Default service, you were able to select the music streaming app you wanted the HomePod to use when requesting your favorite song.
Now it’s different, but not necessarily worse. In fact, it’s probably better as long as it works as intended.
With iOS 17.4 and consequently version 17.4 of the HomePod software, Siri will automatically learn what your preferred media service is, so when you ask the HomePod to play something, once you’ve told it which media app is your preference, will use that option in the future.
It means that for those who prefer Spotify to Apple Music, you’ll no longer have to say “Play Taylor Swift on Spotify,” which is how you used to have HomePod play from Spotify before this update. While you could use Airplay or Spotify Connect, it wasn’t possible to select Spotify as your default music service like you could with Deezer or YouTube Music.
After updating to the latest software, the first time you request a song on HomePod, you’ll need to tell Siri your preferred option or choose from the list of media apps that may appear on another Apple device, but after that, you’re good to go. . . Here are the steps in a little more detail if it doesn’t make sense.
Time needed: 5 minutes
- Update your iPhone or iPad
You’ll first need to make sure your iPhone and iPad are running the latest software. This will usually happen overnight if your iPhone or iPad is connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in. To do it manually, head to Settings > General > Software Update. If a software build appears, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
- Make sure your HomePod is on and ready to receive requests
This is pretty basic, but make sure your HomePod is plugged in and on Wi-Fi. This will allow you to update along with your iPhone and iPad. To force a HomePod update, open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad and find your HomePod on the screen. Press and hold the HomePod tile and tap Accessory Settings. You’ll then want to tap Update at the top of the screen to update your HomePod with the latest software and make sure you’re getting the latest features.
- Ask HomePod to play a song of your choice
In order for Siri to learn your favorite media app, you’ll need to ask Siri to play something. Don’t say “Siri, play Fleetwood Mac on Spotify,” but simply say “Siri, play Fleetwood Mac.”
- Choose your preferred multimedia application
Your request to Siri will prompt it to ask you which app you’d like to use to play what you’ve requested. You may also see a pop-up window on one of your Apple devices, whether it’s your iPad, iPhone, or your Apple Watch. The pop-up window will show a list of media apps that you have downloaded on your device, from Audible to Spotify, as well as native Apple apps, and you will need to select your preferred audio app for what you have requested. If only Siri asks you on HomePod, you’ll have to respond with your voice.
That’s all. The next time you ask Siri for the same type of media request, like a song or album, for example, Siri will play it on HomePod from the option you select.
Frequently asked questions
Unfortunately, the update to iOS 17.4 means there’s no longer a way to set a single default media app for HomePod. Instead, Siri is designed to learn your preferences over time. However, you can still choose the media app each time you make a request if you want to determine which media app Siri uses. For example, you could say “Hey Siri, play Taylor Swift on Spotify” and it will still leave Spotify, even if the default is Apple Music to begin with. Over time, I should learn that you prefer Spotify.
