HomePod tips

How to create scenes with HomeKit to control multiple accessories

Create Scenes HomeKit Mac

For the perfect atmosphere when arriving home after a long day at work or starting your day with something upbeat, you can set up scenes with HomeKit.

Scenes let you control multiple accessories that you connect in the Home app at one time. You can create scenes based on your leaving, arriving, or a custom setting. Then, the automated scene takes over with the settings you choose.

Here’s how to create scenes with HomeKit on both Mac and iOS.

How to play ambient sounds on HomePod

Did you know you can play various ambient sounds on the HomePod wireless speaker, including nature sounds like raindrops, a crackling fireplace and ocean waves? It's not just for unwinding after a long day but also for those times when you're seeking a subtle audible background for working or focusing. Follow along with iDownloadBlog's quick step-by-step tutorial to learn how to play some random HomePod ambient sounds, and fall asleep to them.

How to disable location services for HomePod on iOS and Mac

Disable Location Services HomePod on iPhone

With location services enabled on your HomePod, you can ask Siri for things like your weather conditions and forecast, nearby places and businesses, and traffic information for your commute. But not everyone uses these features and may not want location services turned on.

If you would prefer to disable location services for your HomePod, here’s how to do it on both iOS and Mac.

How to listen to podcasts on HomePod with Siri

HomePod

The HomePod isn’t all about playing songs with Apple Music or setting multiple timers when you’re cooking dinner. If you enjoy podcasts, you can listen to them on your HomePod too.

Choose a new show from the Apple Podcasts store, catch up on episodes you’ve missed for podcasts you subscribe to, and control the podcast playback easily with Siri.

Here’s how to listen to podcasts on HomePod with Siri.

How to manage your Apple Music queue on Apple TV and HomePod

Songs Playing Next Other Devices

If you subscribe to Apple Music, you can control which songs play next on your other devices by using your iPhone or iPad. So, you can queue up what you want to hear on your HomePod when you enter the kitchen or on your Apple TV when you walk into the living room.

Here's how to manage your Apple Music queue on Apple TV and HomePod.

How to enable and use Personal Requests for Siri on HomePod

Personal Requests Enabled on iPhone

Using Personal Requests with Siri on your HomePod, you can send text messages, call your contacts, check your calendar, and create notes and reminders. This is a very convenient way to use your Apple smart speaker because you don’t have to lift a finger to do any of these things.

If you’re interested in setting this up, here’s how to enable and use Personal Requests for Siri on HomePod.

How to see which Wi-Fi network your HomePod is connected to

HomePod Screen on iPhone Settings

Do you need to see the Wi-Fi network that your HomePod is connected to? Maybe you set it up so long ago you can’t recall, or maybe somebody besides you set it up. For whatever reason, if you need to check this setting, it’s easy.

This short tutorial shows you how to see which Wi-Fi network your HomePod is connected to.