How to Change WiFi Networks HomePod mini or Connect HomePod to WiFi
In this article, we will take a look at changing WiFi networks on your HomePod mini, and also how you can connect your HomePod to an 802.1X WiFi network. If you’re interested, we have also explained in layman terms how WiFi works on HomePod mini so you can get a better understanding of it. As always, you can use the table of contents below to navigate through this article easily.
How to Change WiFi Networks on HomePod
Open the Home app on your iPhone (or iPad). Here, you will see an exclamation mark (!) next to your HomePod mini. This indicates that there’s an issue with the HomePod’s network settings.Touch and hold the HomePod icon.You will see a message saying something along the lines of “This HomePod is on the
Wait for a few seconds, and that’s it, your HomePod mini will now be on the same network as your iPhone or iPad. Easy, right?
Connect Your HomePod to a 802.1X WiFi Network
You can connect your HomePod to 802.1X WiFi networks that don’t require a one-time password and use the below-mentioned authentication types:
PEAP EAP-TLS EAP-TTLS EAP-FAST
Depending on your needs, you can choose to share the WiFi configuration from your iPhone/iPad to your HomePod or install a configuration profile to automatically connect.
Share the WiFi Configuration from Your iPhone or iPad
On your iPhone or iPad, connect to the 802.1X WiFi network and then launch the Home app. Now, long-press the HomePod tile. For stereo-paired HomePod speakers, you need to first tap Speakers and then touch and hold the individual HomePod. Next, scroll down and hit “Move HomePod to [network name]”. Make sure to tap Done after your HomePod has successfully connected to the new network.
Use a Configuration Profile to Automatically Connect Your HomePod to a WiFi Network
Apple also allows you to install a configuration profile that automatically connects HomePod to an 802.1X WiFi network. As a network administrator, you can make a profile available from a website or an email message.
Simply, tap the profile on your iPhone or iPad and then select your HomePod. If your HomePod doesn’t appear, choose Other Devices and then select your HomePod. After that, follow the instructions to complete the installation.
Find Your MAC Address
In some cases, your network administrator may need the WiFi address of your HomePod to be able to provide access. The Home app for iOS offers quick access to your MAC address.
Open the Home app on your iPhone. Touch and hold the HomePod icon. Scroll down and you will find your WiFi address (MAC address) at the bottom.
How Does WiFi Work on HomePod mini or HomePod?
When you set up your HomePod mini or HomePod using your iPhone or iPad, your smart speaker automatically makes use of the same WiFi network that your iOS/iPadOS device is currently connected to. Considering that both the HomePod and the iPhone need to be on the same network to work seamlessly, this automatic use of the same WiFi makes sense. Moreover, it also means you don’t have to worry about manually switching the WiFi network on your HomePod.
But what if you happen to switch to a different WiFi network on your iPhone later? Well, in this case, you will need to manually change the WiFi network since the HomePod doesn’t change the network automatically.
You can connect your HomePod to most 802.1X WiFi networks. Following the release of iOS 15.4/iPadOS 15.4 or later, HomePod can also be connected to captive networks which require additional sign-in steps such as the networks offered by hotels or dorms. Moreover, if your 802.1X WiFi network requires a unique identity certificate for each device, you can also install a configuration profile to connect.
