HomePod Mini Wi-Fi disconnection issues

Question

HomePod Mini Wi-Fi disconnection issues

Was there ever a permanent fix for the Wi-Fi disconnection issues that dogged the HomePod Mini at the end of last year?

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252065199

I have a pair of HomePod Minis both running 14.7 in a stereo pair (I also have a pair of the original HomePods as a stereo pair in another room). Despite the strong Wi-Fi signal where the minis are located they often disconnect from Wi-Fi and turn into expensive door stops unless I switch them off and on again or when this doesn't work a full reset.

I'm using a Virgin SuperHub 4 with plenty of bandwidth (300 Mbps) providing 2.4 and 5GHz signals.

The larger pair of HomePods are fine most of the time and they sit next to the router. The minis are in a different room not far from the router on a floor below. Wi-Fi signal appears strong as tested on an iPhone 12 positioned in the same places as the minis. I placed an Echo Dot in the same place as the minis to test and the Dot works flawlessly.

In addition to dropping Wi-Fi the HomePod Minis randomly disconnect from each other when playing music on them as a stereo pair.

When they work they are amazing but it's the hope that kills you because they fail at least 50% of the time.

I'm sure that if I splashed out another £150 for a mesh network just for these Homepods they would be fine but I shouldn't have to. If they disconnect they should reconnect without me having to restart or reset them before I can listen to my overpriced Music streaming software.

At this stage I am beyond frustrated. It feels like the HomePod is a hobby for Apple rather than a serious product line and my user experience of this product has been appalling.

Any advice, or better still a fix, will be gratefully received.

HomePod mini, 14

Posted on Jul 28, 2021 7:27 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Graham Brown-Martin Author

Level 1

17 points

Aug 2, 2021 10:04 AM in response to Graham Brown-Martin

and seriously, why is @Apple recommending @Vancouver22's response?

this is deliberately misleading to the many other users who are having the same problem since November 2020 and reaching this thread in desperation for a fix

see also this thread, over 200 replies and yet not a single fix beyond switch it on and off again like a bad version of the IT Crowd

so come on Apple, if you have time to come to this thread and blindly recommend answers, fix this or do a recall

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Answer 2

Aug 2, 2021 9:48 AM in response to Vancouver22

@vancouver22

I'm going to respectfully thank you for engaging. however, did you even read my post or just the headline?

I do get that your minis are working just fine. I have 2 original HomePods sitting next to the router and they're just dandy but put any of these puppies a relatively short distance from the router, e.g. < 40' away with a very strong and consistent Wi-Fi signal, they constantly disconnect from the Wi-Fi and each other. I've tried with channel optimisation on (the default) and off with no difference.

As mentioned my router is the Virgin Media SuperHub 4 operating on the standard 2.4 and 5Ghz bands over a single SSID. I'm sure that this router, used in millions of homes, is functioning correctly given that everything else that is connected to it, including iPhone's and MacBooks and PC's as well as some cheap Wi-Fi connected fairy lights, work flawlessly. If Apple are suggesting that I have to make router reconfigurations, switch off one the channels or add new hardware to make them reliable then these HomePods, given that they are consumer products, are not fit for use.

Thanks again

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Answer 3

Vancouver22

Level 8

36,757 points

Jul 28, 2021 1:56 PM in response to Graham Brown-Martin

My mini stays connected.

make sure you’ve updated the software to 14.7 on both minis abd the device you set them up with

Reboot your wifi. If it’s an ongoing issue, do you have Dual Band wifi?, if so this might be your issue. You’d have to split the bands (that act as one) into their own

Otherwise. You might also try resetting network settings on the iOS device you set them up with. Then join the network once it restarts. In settings - General - reset

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Answer 4

Vancouver22

Level 8

36,757 points

Aug 2, 2021 11:43 AM in response to Graham Brown-Martin

Yes I read your post in full and apart from the typos, I stand by my post but I must point out I don’t work for Apple. We are volunteer helpers. We use our own experience we have with products we are familiar with. Apple does not read the forums. I also have no control over what posts they recommend. I understand the frustration and get our answers are not always liked by those seeking help but it’s the best information we have at the time when we reply to a question. It’s entirely up to you if you want to try our suggestions.

My wifi router is nowhere near any of my devices. It’s in a spare room at the back of my house but on the same floor. My Dual Band wifi suggestion was provided to me by my cable guy, not Apple. My symptoms were exactly as you describe “everything else stays connected but this one does not”. The way he explained it was with dual bands the wifi is always working to get on the higher speed, so it keeps hopping around and as it switches over it disconnects and would I like to disable the 5G from being the default? I of course said no but he said it doesn’t mean you can’t still use it, you can (and I do) but this just gives you the option to choose either. It’s been working great.

Also note 2.4 Ghz bands work better through walls. As mentioned above I do use the 5G - through many walls blocking the signal.

You are free to submit feedback to Apple: Feedback - HomePod - Apple

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