Apple’s HomePods are renowned for their remarkable sound quality. By taking advantage of a feature called “stereo pairing”, people can connect two identical models of HomePod smart speakers for an immersive soundstage that emulates a live concert’s audio experience right in their living room. Follow along to find out how to create a HomePod stereo pair in the quickest way.
Is HomePod Stereo Pair Worth It?
Undeniably, a HomePod stereo pair is a considerable investment. However, the immersive stereo sound quality provided by a pair of HomePods justifies the investment. Two HomePods paired together deliver a room-filling, rich, and detailed sound that can’t be achieved by a single HomePod.
Can You Pair Two HomePods for Stereo?
Yes, two HomePod speakers of the same model (either two HomePods or two HomePod Minis) can be paired for a stereo experience. However, it’s crucial to note that you cannot pair different models together.
How Many HomePods Can You Stereo Pair?
You can create a stereo pair with just two HomePod minis or HomePod speakers. While you can have multiple HomePods in your home, they can’t be linked to form more than one stereo pair in the same room.
Setup Requirements
Setting up a HomePod stereo pair requires two of the same model of HomePod speakers. Both speakers need to be assigned to the same room in the Home app on your iOS or iPadOS device. Note that only one HomePod will respond to Siri requests, plays alarms, and acts as a speakerphone in a stereo pair.
How To Create a Homepod Stereo Pair
Time needed: 2 minutes
Creating a HomePod stereo pair involves a series of steps that can be easily carried out using your iOS or iPadOS device. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process of HomePod stereo pairing:
- Start by opening the Home app on your iOS or iPadOS device.
- Navigate to the room where your HomePods are located. Then, select one of the HomePods that you wish to use as part of the stereo pair.
- After selecting the HomePod, scroll down and tap on the Settings button.
- Within the settings page, you will see an option labeled Create Stereo Pair. Tap on this.
- The app will now guide you through the process of creating the stereo pair. It will present the two HomePods located in the same room. Confirm that you wish to pair these two speakers.
- Once you’ve completed the above steps, your HomePods will be paired as a stereo pair. Now, any audio you play, be it from Apple Music or otherwise, will be outputted through both speakers, delivering a more immersive sound.
- If you ever wish to ungroup the paired HomePods, simply return to the settings and choose Ungroup Accessories.
Follow the exact same steps in order to set up a HomePod mini stereo pair, but make sure to have 2 HomePod mini speakers as you cannot pair a HomePod mini with a HomePod.
Managing Paired Speakers
Managing your paired HomePods involves a number of steps that allow you to view details, switch channel assignments, and unlink your stereo pair. Here’s how you can accomplish these tasks:
- Start by opening the Home app on your iOS or iPadOS device.
- Proceed to the room in your home where your paired HomePods are located.
- Tap on the stereo pair you’ve previously created to bring up the details.
- To view more detailed settings, tap on the Settings button.
- Here, you can view information such as the software version, serial number, and model of your paired speakers.
- If you wish to swap the left and right channel assignments, scroll down and tap on Create Stereo Pair, then follow the instructions to swap the speakers. This is particularly useful if you decide to rearrange your room and move your speakers.
- If you want to unlink the stereo pair, simply scroll down and tap on Ungroup Accessories. The speakers will return to functioning as individual HomePods.
What is the Best Placement for HomePod Stereo Pair?
Positioning your HomePods properly is essential for maximum stereo separation and immersive sound. Ideally, the speakers should be at the same height and set several feet away from each other to create a broad soundstage. In general, an equilateral triangle configuration, with your head and the two speakers forming the points, works best.
Apple TV and HomePod Stereo Pairing
To attain a more immersive, cinematic audio experience in your living room, you can easily pair your HomePod stereo pair with your Apple TV 4K. Below, we outline the necessary steps:
- Ensure all devices are on the same Wi-Fi network: For a seamless pairing, your Apple TV and HomePods must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the Settings on Apple TV: Navigate to the home screen of your Apple TV, and select the ‘Settings’ option.
- Go to Video and Audio Settings: Inside the Settings, select ‘Video and Audio.’
- Select Audio Output: Scroll down and select the ‘Default Audio Output’ option.
- Select the HomePod Stereo Pair: You will see a list of available audio devices. From this list, select the HomePod stereo pair that you’ve previously set up.
- Confirm Your Selection: Apple TV will ask you to confirm the HomePod stereo pair as the default speakers. Confirm this selection.
- Check Volume Control: Once paired, you can use your Apple TV remote to control the volume of the HomePod stereo pair. Make sure this functionality is working properly.
Benefits of a HomePod Stereo Pair
A HomePod stereo pair goes beyond simply providing louder audio. The paired speakers create an expanded, room-filling soundstage that adds depth and dimension to your music or video audio. This immersive sound experience could outperform many soundbars within the same price range.
Common Use Cases
A HomePod stereo pair is perfect for long music listening sessions, movie nights, or anytime you want to get lost in high-quality sound. When used as speakers for an Apple TV, they enhance your viewing experience by providing superior sound.
FAQ
While you can have multiple HomePods in your home, you can only create stereo pairs with two HomePods (either two HomePods or two HomePod minis) of the same model in the same room.
Yes, two HomePods in a stereo pair can deliver an immersive, room-filling sound that a single HomePod can’t achieve alone.
Yes, you can use 4 HomePods or HomePod minis at the same time, but they would be in two separate stereo pairs or operate individually. You can’t link all four together for a single audio output.
Conclusion
A HomePod stereo pair setup, though a significant investment, can drastically enhance your audio experience. Whether for music, movies, or even casual listening, this setup is a great addition to any Apple-centric smart home. As always, the positioning and correct setup process plays a crucial role in leveraging the most out of your HomePods, ensuring immersive and room-filling sound.