“Hey Siri, play white noise” not working properly

Hello, evanmcarlson.

Thanks for posting in Apple Support Communities. We understand that you're having trouble getting Siri to play the correct ambient sounds on your HomePod.

Does the behavior change if you use different phrasing? For example, "Play ambient white noise" instead of "Play white noise ambient sound."

You can also try checking for any HomePod updates: Update HomePod - Apple Support

Cheers!

I am having the same issue. Since the last software update my HomePod will no longer play Ambient White Noise no matter what phrasing I use. No matter what variation of "play ambient white noise" I now use Siri plays a stream, a fireplace, a vacuum or some weird piano lullaby. Once in awhile Siri will say "Now playing white noise" but then turns off. I think there is something wrong with the last iTunes/Homepod update that broke this command/feature. I had to download an app for white noise and stream it to my HomePod which is very annoying and not the same as the Apple Ambient White Noise and kind of defats the HomePod in the bedroom.

The phrase "Hey Siri, play White Noise" has worked properly since Ambient Sounds were introduced, and I believe it was a Siri tutorial how to select one particular ambient sound. It is no coincidence that a software update broke the Siri command. It's very difficult to change the phrase you are used to using every single day to go to bed.

After the latest update this week, "Hey Siri, play white noise" is finally back to working for me as it had before on my HomePod's. Hopefully once you update that fixes it for you as well.