Level 1

21 points

Dolby Atmos not working on Homepods

I'm trying to have my Homepods output Dolby Atmos sound; however, it doesn't work for any of the Atmos-labelled movies and shows in Apple TV 4K. How do I get this to work?

Some context below:

I've updated my Homepods, iPhone 10, and Apple TV 4K to the iOS 14.2
My Homepods and AppleTV are set-up in the Home App and I've labelled them in the same room.
I've set Homepods as the default output speaker for Apple TV
I've keep Audio mode to auto (note: I never saw any option for selecting Dolby Atmos or surround sound).

For context, my AppleTV 4K uses an HDMI to output video through a projector. I now output sound uses Homepods via AppleTV 4K default audio output setting. I get sound but not the Dolby Atmos sound.

HomePod, 14

Posted on Nov 7, 2020 9:46 PM

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66 replies

abbo1612

Level 1

25 points

Dec 13, 2020 2:52 PM in response to Plasmakris

Agree! The homepods claim to provide DA sound, but putting the words “dolby atmos” on the screen doesn’t mean that’s the quality of sound that comes out! It’s a gimmick and needs to be fixed, or they need to remove this qualification from the list of specifications for the HomePod. Otherwise, Apple is walking on very thin ice...

Also, in order for us to see change, we all need to submit feedback to www.apple.com/feedback

Dec 16, 2020 7:46 AM in response to Yumbo

Silly question. Is there supposed to be visual evidence of Atmos, when it's working. Or is it actually working, but just works really badly. So far I've asked six different people if they can hear surround sound (all say no), so no auditory 'evidence'. I'm also expecting the top bar to actually say 'Atmos' ie (see image) it would say Atmos instead of Full Dynamic Range +/- Reduce Loud Sounds?

Have I got that right?

Nov 10, 2020 3:52 AM in response to MomentofZen

Did you get anywhere with this subject? I am having similar issues.

Also can't figure out which format to transform .mkv files into.

All very confusing...

Stay Safe.

MomentofZen Author

Level 1

21 points

Nov 10, 2020 4:02 AM in response to MacMini2054

Unfortunately, no luck. I still have no Atmos sound.

Nov 12, 2020 3:51 PM in response to Seshtai

I’m having the same problem. According to Apple you can do this is one of the larger HomePods and do not need two of them, although two would obviously sound better.

MomentofZen Author

Level 1

21 points

Nov 12, 2020 4:04 PM in response to Howard_99

I’m using two large homepods and I’ve paired them. No luck unfortunately.

MomentofZen Author

Level 1

21 points

Nov 12, 2020 6:10 PM in response to MacMini2054

Yes, I’ve double check using my iPhone, Home app, and Apple TV.

Nov 13, 2020 10:21 AM in response to MomentofZen

Yes, the 14.2 Atmos feature is being promoted as another audio option other than just stereo and Dolby 5.1 as listed on ATV. Should work on a single and/or pair of HomePods. So they say.

MomentofZen Author

Level 1

21 points

Nov 13, 2020 6:22 PM in response to Ironzip

Thanks for sharing. Exact same situation as with me. I primarily bought these for the wireless home theater functionality. Good that more people flag this so that it motivates Apple to correct it.

Nov 14, 2020 11:54 AM in response to MomentofZen

Dude. That was October. A lot has happened since October. November.

axelXLK

Level 1

4 points

Nov 14, 2020 12:56 PM in response to MomentofZen

Why is this thread indicated as solved.

I did not find a solution.

I also have the same problem. Still not solved.

Yumbo

Level 1

15 points

Nov 15, 2020 6:19 PM in response to Rambo2323

I’ve sampled everything.

Doesn’t sound any better.

Nov 18, 2020 11:34 AM in response to Yumbo

Have you tried movies in apple+/iTunes and checked for a atmos badge.

Yumbo

Level 1

15 points

Nov 18, 2020 11:39 AM in response to Rambo2323

I don’t look at badges.

Simply trust your hearing.

Nov 18, 2020 11:40 AM in response to Ironzip

Agreed, I didn't have Atmos and the content screen stills shows both DV and Atmos just what options are available for that movie.

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Dolby Atmos not working on Homepods