How to Update the Software on Your HomePod

Sunday February 11, 2018 7:00 AM PST by Juli Clover
Like iOS devices, Macs, the Apple Watch, and the Apple TV, the HomePod will be updated with new software on a regular basis.

By default, updates are installed on your HomePod automatically, but there's also a way to force an update if new software is released. Apple's auto update function isn't typically immediate, so it can sometimes be handy to have a way to manually install software.


Locating HomePod updates and checking on the software version you have installed is simple, but it's not entirely intuitive because the update function is somewhat buried in the Home app.

Here's how to get to it:

  1. Open up the Home app.

  2. Tap on the arrow in the upper left corner of the display.

  3. Tap "Home Settings."

  4. Select "My Home" or "[My Name]'s Home" if you've changed the name of your HomeKit setup.

  5. Scroll down to "Software Update."

  6. Pull down from the top of the iPhone or iPad screen to check for an update.


Once you've selected "Software Update," you'll be able to see the current version of the HomePod software that you have installed, and you can toggle off automatic updates if you want.

If there is an available update, you'll just need to tap the "Install" button to update your HomePod. If you have multiple HomePods in your home, each one will be updated at the same time through this software update feature.

Related Roundup: HomePod
Buyer's Guide: HomePod (Buy Now)
13 comments


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Relentless Power
10 weeks ago

Seriously, what is going on with Macrumors? These article are pure banality and appeal to a niche of the site’s audience. We don’t need a regurgitation of the HomePod manual.


You mean “You” don’t need a ‘Regurgitation of the HomePod manual’. It’s a new product, others are learning something new and this article is informative and they have information readily available all one site. If you don’t approve or find the article helpful, simply skip over it. Or, email one of the authors and direct your thoughts that way.
Rating: 5 Votes
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BWhaler
10 weeks ago
Seriously, what is going on with Macrumors? These article are pure banality and appeal to a niche of the site’s audience. We don’t need a regurgitation of the HomePod manual.
Rating: 4 Votes
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BMcCoy
10 weeks ago
I’m starting to think the HomePod needs its own app. To control software update, volume, eq, Siri, etc. All within one app, rather than being split across 3 places as it is now.
Rating: 4 Votes
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lazyrighteye
10 weeks ago
Wait - isn’t that upper-left corner arrow icon for Location Services?

Regardless, as iOS matures, it seems the intuitive nature that helped make it the now defacto handheld, is eroding.
In my own informal study, I feel I’m having to explain how to navigate the OS for my wife, mom, etc. more than ever. And in many cases, I can no longer automatically walk them through the process. I have to go do it myself. And almost everyone of those attempts, is not something I can run through on 1st pass.
Rating: 3 Votes
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FreakinEurekan
10 weeks ago

Seriously, what is going on with Macrumors? These article are pure banality and appeal to a niche of the site’s audience. We don’t need a regurgitation of the HomePod manual.

Yes, because of course there is only a finite number of posts that MR can put out in a given day - so this one is preventing the site from breaking the hot rumor of the new iPhone XIII
Rating: 1 Votes
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DeanLubaki
10 weeks ago

The three places are home settings, HomePod settings within home, and the music app. And bonus 4th place, control center.


Okay but these are not settings! They are controls for the music.
Rating: 1 Votes
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ersan191
10 weeks ago

I’m starting to think the HomePod needs its own app. To control software update, volume, eq, Siri, etc. All within one app, rather than being split across 3 places as it is now.

Agreed, it isn’t even a home automation device and currently doesn’t have triggers or actions. I have no idea why they crammed it into the Home app, except maybe to get more people to notice the Home app and explore what it does.

The only thing that I can think of is that AirPlay 2 commands are highly dependent on the concept of Rooms (“play music in the bedroom”) and Home already establishes those. Far from ideal though.
Rating: 1 Votes
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DeanLubaki
10 weeks ago

I’m starting to think the HomePod needs its own app. To control software update, volume, eq, Siri, etc. All within one app, rather than being split across 3 places as it is now.


All of the settings are in the Home app. I don't understand what you mean!
Besides, there is no EQ settings for the HomePod.
Rating: 1 Votes
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