If you’re using an Apple HomePod or HomePod Mini, you’ve already got Apple Music set up, but did you know you can also switch to some other streaming services?
By changing the default music service, Siri commands for hearing artists, songs, albums, or playlists will be pulled from a different streaming app. It’ll be a switch, but you won’t notice a big difference in how everything works.
Talking to your HomePod to play your favorite tunes and genres is a cinch. Just say, “Hey Siri, play…” to kick things off. Plus, the main upside is getting access to your favorite playlists from another service, if that’s where you’ve built them up.
AirPlay is one option for getting tunes on your HomePod. Credit: David Nield
Your HomePod speakers have AirPlay support baked in, making it easy to beam audio from a Mac, iPad, or iPhone. You can play anything from any app or browser tab as long as you’re on the same Wi-Fi network as your HomePod.
Want to switch things up? On a Mac, click the Control Center icon, then the AirPlay icon, and pick your HomePod. On an iPad or iPhone, swipe down, tap the AirPlay icon, and connect to your HomePod from the list that appears.
Sign into your third-party music app account for deeper HomePod integration. Credit: David Nield
When it comes to voice commands, you can pick from a certain number of supported services. At this point in time, in the US, the options include Deezer, iHeartRadio, Pandora, TuneIn, and YouTube Music. But remember, services available vary by location.