How To Use HomePod Mini As A Bluetooth Speaker?

For a long time, Mac has controlled the technology scene. While rival tech titans have attempted to dethrone Apple, there is no denying their brand recognition and product excellence are impeccable.

However, when it comes to compatibility, Apple falls short. But, the HomePod Mini aims to make it easier for users to connect their devices for seamless functionality. Using the HomePod Mini should be simple if you use other Apple devices. All you need to do is change a few settings to operate HomePod Mini as a Bluetooth speaker.

On the flip side, you can have some issues if you wish to connect the speaker to a non-Apple device. The HomePod Mini really makes use of Handoff, a feature exclusive to Apple, to connect to other devices. But, no worries! I’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling…

Is Bluetooth compatible with the HomePod Mini?

If you own a non-Apple device, you won’t be able to use the HomePod Mini as a Bluetooth speaker. Though the HomePod uses Bluetooth technology, it does so through Apple’s AirPlay technology.

AirPlay is a wireless connection that allows one of Apple’s HomeKit devices, such as the HomePod, to communicate with an iOS or macOS device. So, theoretically, you can only get the HomePod Mini to work as so long as the two communication devices are both manufactured by Apple.

HomePod primarily uses WiFi to deliver music and other audio, as AirPlay works best when all of your devices are connected to the same WiFi network. Most people who own a HomePod Mini are likely to own other apple devices, so you should have no problems.

If you don’t use iOS, Apple TV, or macOS, you’re out of luck. In that case, I recommend you explore elsewhere for a high-quality Bluetooth speaker.

The step-by-step guide for using the HomePod Mini as a Bluetooth speaker:

While the HomePod Mini does support Bluetooth connectivity, it cannot be used as a Bluetooth speaker that easily. To use the HomePod Mini as a speaker, you must first connect it to an Apple device such as an iPhone, iPad, Macbook, iMac, or Apple TV.

Then, follow the steps below-

Step 1: Wait for a ring sound and a pulsing white light to appear after plugging in the HomePod Mini.

Step 2: Hold the HomePod Mini next to your iOS or macOS device. Then, a pop-up window requesting that you link the two devices should appear.

Step 3: On your iOS or macOS device, follow the on-screen instructions to personalize the interactions between the two devices.

Step 4: Siri will further assist you in completing the setup procedure. Then, your HomePod Mini will be able to play music and other audio.

You must do it manually if you do not receive a prompt to establish a connection among your devices.

To do so, follow the steps below-

Step 1: Launch the Home app on your iOS device.

Step 2: Then, tap on the + button in the top right corner of your screen.

Step 3: Next, select the Add Accessory option.

Step 4: Tap Don’t Have a Code or Can’t Scan at the bottom.

Step 5: Tap on the HomePod option and follow the on-screen instructions.

Is HomePod Mini needs to be Bluetooth or Wi-Fi enabled?

Let me explain how the HomePod interacts. For starters, it supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Still, it cannot be used to replace a Bluetooth speaker. You’re better off choosing another option like the Sonos Roam for better compatibility and convenience (available on Amazon).

Coming to the HomePod Mini, it needs an Apple ecosystem to function. But why is this the case? What gives, if the HomePod operates on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi?

It is not, after all, Apple’s right to engineer products that work with other companies. Call it propaganda to lure you into their ecosystem, or a brilliant technology to have the best of both worlds of wireless access… I leave that to you!

Moving on, the HomePod mini communicates between devices via your wireless network using AirPlay. It employs Wi-Fi for music and audio source connectivity, and Bluetooth to communicate with other Apple devices only.

More applications for HomePod

You may use the HomePod mini as a Mac speaker. Yes, you can do that as long as your HomePod and your Mac are on the same Wi-Fi network. You do not have to use the same Apple ID on both devices. Once they’re both connected to the same Wi-Fi network, the HomePod mini will appear in any AirPlay menu on your Mac.

Both HomePod models, like the wildly popular Echo, can play music and perform a variety of useful functions. It can tell you about the track that’s playing, set timers, search for and relay information found on the web, read text messages for you, set calendar appointments, and much more.

To Conclude

 Undoubtedly, the HomePod Mini is an excellent little speaker. It has a powerful punch and a plethora of functions. My onion on this is second to none. However, when it comes to Bluetooth, it falls a little short. You’d be mixed up if you thought you could use it as a solo Bluetooth speaker.

While there are some ingenious solutions, if Bluetooth music is your goal, a speaker like the Bose SoundLink II is a superior option (on Amazon). Connecting is simple if you already own some Apple goods, such as an iPhone. Furthermore, Apple has developed some really exciting features, such as audio handoff. When it comes to Bluetooth, though, a HomePod Mini cannot be used in the same way as a standard Bluetooth speaker.

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