HomePod Mini as Default Audio Device for Mac Mini

Question

HomePod Mini as Default Audio Device for Mac Mini

computer : Mac Mini M1 running macOS 11.2.1 Big Sur

speaker : HomePod Mini

In SYSTEM PREFERENCES → SOUND → OUTPUT, the following devices are available:

NAME TYPE

monitor # 1 HDMI

monitor # 2 DisplayPort

Mac mini Speakers Built-in

HomePod Mini Airplay

Apple TV # 1 Airplay

Apple TV # 2 Airplay

I set the HomePod Mini to be the output device, and it works just as I want it to.

The problem is that when the system is rebooted, the default audio device reverts back to the Mac Mini's internal speakers.

Is there a way to keep the HomePod Mini as the default audio output device?

Thanks.

Posted on Feb 22, 2021 1:09 AM

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Answer 1

hcsitas

Level 6

13,964 points

Feb 22, 2021 2:41 AM in response to Robert Racansky

Don’t shut/reboot except for upgrades and long absences, and don’t sleep the mini, it’s a non-feature for later Macs. That said, when rebooting, the mini chooses the first available output, which, because WiFi is still starting up, won’t be AirPlay.

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Answer 2

asrai

Level 1

133 points

Apr 5, 2021 2:52 PM in response to Robert Racansky

Yeah, it's rather annoying (and ridiculous) that the connection isn't as 'reliable' as one would think it would be in 2021, especially within the Apple echosystem. What's even more annoying is how laggy the audio is with pause/play.

Overall, I have to say I'm extremely disappointed with how this setup 'works.' I was really hoping to ditch my wired speaker setup with the HomePod Mini, but I think I might be better served with a BlueTooth speaker instead.

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HomePod Mini as Default Audio Device for Mac Mini

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