How to

How to set and manage alarms on HomePod

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated July 3, 2022
Blue HomePod mini on a white table

Like other Apple devices, your HomePod permits you to set custom alarms.

You can create multiple alarms using just your voice, optionally add some context to them, if you like, and more. Your Siri speaker will signal you when one of your created alarms goes off.

Siri on HomePod allows you to create as many alarms as you want, manage them, remove ones you no longer need, turn specific alarms on or off, create recurring alarms, and more.

Alarms do not synchronize across multiple devices via iCloud. Any alarms created using your HomePod will not appear on your Mac, iPhone, or other devices, and vice versa.

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How to turn off glowing Siri lights on HomePod

Steffen Reich ∙ Updated November 21, 2022
Two HomePod images placed side by side, with one photo showing the glowing Siri lights on top and the other photo showing the black top with no lights

Due to its lack of a screen, HomePod's means of expressing itself are limited to the pulsating, colorful dot on its slick top surface. The design and implementation of the expressive light undoubtedly make for a masterclass in giving an inanimate speaker an air of personality.

While we do have a detailed breakdown of which of HomePod's lights exactly mean what, what we have not done yet is call attention to the fact that the lights can also be shut down - and no, I'm not talking about pulling the plug from the power outlet.

Why would you want your HomePod to become a stale, expressionless object? Well, perhaps you don't want your HomePod to emit as much light in the dark or prefer the look of a sleek black or white speaker sans the play of colors on top! Whatever floats your boat, each to their own, you get the gist. Maybe you just appreciate knowing that there is the option without ever seriously contemplating depriving HomePod of its quirky LED.

Whatever the reason you might decide to neuter your HomePod, there is a simple switch to do (and undo) just that.

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How to change the Apple Music account associated with your HomePod

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated December 29, 2022

You set up your new HomePod for the first time by bringing it near an iPhone or iPad, which prompts Apple's handy Automatic Setup feature to transfer settings such as saved Wi-Fi passwords and your Apple Music subscription information from your iOS device to your new HomePod.

If you would like to associate a different Apple Music account with your HomePod than the one you're currently using on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can do that with just a few taps. We'll show you how to change the Apple Music account just for your HomePod.

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