Apple’s HomePod and HomePod mini smart speakers produce room-filling sound in incredibly small packages. However, one speaker can only go so far, so if you are serious about sound, you’ll want to combine two in a Stereo Pair. We’ll show you how.
What You’ll Need
While the process of creating a Stereo Pair is relatively straightforward, there are a few requirements you’ll need to meet before you’re able to link up your HomePods. First and foremost, Stereo Pairing requires two identical HomePod hardware models.
The hardware requirement means you cannot create a pair consisting of a HomePod mini with one of the larger HomePod models. It also means you cannot pair a first-generation HomePod with a second-generation model, even though they look nearly identical.
Screenshot/Photo by Christopher Close – No attribution required
Second, you must ensure that your iOS devices and HomePods are up-to-date with the latest software releases. If you need help with the update process, check outhow to update a HomePod or HomePod mini.
Finally, Stereo Pairing requires assigning your HomePods to the same room within the Apple Home app. So, if you haven’t done so already, you’ll need toorganize your HomeKit home with roomsbefore proceeding.
With those requirements out of the way, you are ready to create a Stereo Pair.
How to Create a HomePod Stereo Pair
With the HomePod’s deep iOS integration, Apple offers several ways to create a Stereo Pair. One method is to create your Stereo Pair when youset up your Apple HomePod.
When adding a new HomePod to your household, the setup process will offer to pair your speakers automatically. All you’ll need to do is assign your new speaker to a room with an existing HomePod, tapUse as a Stereo Pair,then choose eitherLeftorRightfor placement.
If you already have two HomePods in your household, you’ll first need to move them to the same room. Start by launching the Home app, then tap theMore… buttonnear the top right corner of your screen.
Next, tap the room that includes one of your HomePods, then tap your speaker to bring up the device controls screen. From here, tap theSettings button, then tapRoomand use the picker to assign your HomePod to the desired location.
At this point, the Home app will detect that there is already a HomePod within the same room and will offer the Stereo Pairing option. Simply tapUse as a Stereo Pairto combine your HomePods.
If you initially declined to use your HomePods in the same room as a Stereo Pair, you’re able to still link them up with just a few taps. After launching the Home app, tap theMore… button, then tap the room which includes your HomePods.
Next, tap one of your HomePods, followed by theSettings buttonon the lower right. Now, tapCreate a Stereo Pair,tap the HomePod to which you wish to link it,then tapDone.
How to Change Your Stereo Pair Orientation
If you ever need to change your HomePods orientation within a Stereo Pair, you’ll again do so via the Home app. After launching the Home app, tap theMore… button,followed by the room with your Stereo Pair.
Next, tap your HomePods, then tap theSettings button. Now, tapAudio Settings, then tap theSwap buttonto switch orientation.
If you need to confirm orientation, you’re able to tap a HomePod to play a tone on your speaker. When complete, tapBackto save your changes.
How to Remove a HomePod Stereo Pair
Removing a HomePod from a Stereo Pair is also quick and easy. Launch the Home app, then tap theMore… buttonnear the top right corner.
Now tap the room with your HomePods, then tap your Stereo Pair. Next, tap theSettings button, then scroll to the bottom of your screen.
From here, tapUngroup Accessories, followed byUngrouponce more, to remove your Stereo Pair.
Rock Out With a HomePod Stereo Pair
While Apple’s HomePod—especially the larger model—already offers excellent, room-filling sound, creating a Stereo Pair can take your tunes to the next level. And, if you have an Apple TV 4K, you can elevate your binge-watching experience by using your Stereo Pair as the default speaker for your set-top box, complete with Dolby Atmos support.
