HomePod mini play pause lag when paired with Mac mini

@michelehimself

I’m having the exact San and noticed the exact same I thought it was just my unit hopefully Apple fixed this with a software update. Im experiencing the same when AirPlaying music from Spotify whenever I play or pause there’s like a 2 or 3 second delay but no delay for the volume. Also had the same when AirPlaying audio from my MacBook Air from Netflix to my HomePod mini. Audio is great quality and easy if use they just need to solve this. I wonder if the same happens with the OG HomePod ?

I had a similar problem, until I ran into something tat looks like this

The HomePod Mini is "Bedroom" and it just would not connect to my Macbook Pro for whatever reason. I had much better luck using Google Nest Mini; I thought by getting something that is similarly an Apple product would make things even smoother. How wrong I was.

To be honest I have a million problems with the HomePod mini.

Delay, connection issues, compatibility issues, and tons of times the HomePod mini is not responding... I kind of regret my purchase... Plus it’s not even by Bluetooth but only WiFi... so if it’s down for some reason, then it doesn’t work... 🤷‍♂️

How can we make Apple aware of theses issues and work on them?

I thought staying in the Apple ecosystem would make everything smooth but it’s actually worse than other speaker brands... it’s infuriating...

Many thanks for your information. i purchased two Mini's and whilst i am happy with the sound from them, when i tried using this with Zoom today i had the same issue and that is one of the reasons for having purchased these! I may send the back as they aren't fit for purpose if i have to switch back to my MacBook or AirPods to get the sync back.

Let's hope someone fixes the protocol as you suggest.

im personally just seeing this for the first time today, im having no issue at all with streaming, YouTube, music etc... but editing in Final Cut Pro X with them is impossible! not only is there a lag but when the sound does appear it doesn't sync with the point of speech at all, not even close, is anyone else tried this?

I have this exact same problem when airplaying from a Mac Mini. I'm surprised Apple didn't create a quick fix and update for this. I wonder what the underlying issue is. Since the speakers on the Mini are abysmal, I got a homepod mini to use as a speaker, but I wouldn't recommend it for this use at all. The HomePod mini itself is great, but it's not a speaker replacement because (1) the delay makes certain things hard to watch/listen and (2) the homepod often doesn't connect, so I sit there for several minutes connecting and disconnecting until it works (and sometimes it just doesn't not, like right now, which is why I sought out this forum).

I sent my two minis back for a refund. I still have a HomePod that has the same issue but I only use that in the kitchen so connection delays are not an issue as not using it with specific equipment. Disappointing but at least the refund was processed without issue.

Same here. I was hoping to use them as the default speakers on my Mac Mini and MPB. But the lag while trying to participate in a Zoom meeting was horrendous. I guess I’ll be returning them. One would think an OS update could fix this.

Hi DTPhoto. Not sure if you fixed your issue yet or not. I had the same problem with an Apple TV. In the case of the Apple TV, there is a 'wireless sync' you can perform for audio. Supposed to help fix problems (especially if you have a sound bar in the mix). Definitely worked for me!

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210526

Having said that, I do have the same issue with a HomePod mini and a Mac mini as described by OP. No fix yet.

I took mine back to the shop where I bought it from. The guys at the shop said they can't refund me as they have to register the incident and send it to Apple first. So I am waiting for a decision and hope Apple or the shop will refund me and then I'll get myself another third party Bluetooth speaker.

I have the same issue. It is the same on my full size HomePod too. I also have a delay playing sound from apple tv to HomePod Mini too. So annoying.

the same here, a delay when i skip songs