How to set the Homepod (or pair of Homepods) to be the default audio source of the Mac?

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Level 1

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How to set the Homepod (or pair of Homepods) to be the default audio source of the Mac?

Hello, I just bought two pairs of HomePods, in my study there is a screen to which Apple TV and Mac Mini (M1) are connected.

I was able to set the HomePods as the default audio source for the Apple TV successfully but I was unable to do so on the Mac.

Is there any way to set the HomePod as the primary audio source for Mac without using AirPlay?

AirPlay does not always work well, there is a annoying delay and you have to reconnect it every time.

Posted on Oct 3, 2021 6:34 AM

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Answer 1

turingtest2

Level 10

278,179 points

Oct 6, 2021 6:41 AM in response to ofer112

There isn't a way to set HomePods as the default speakers for a Mac.

The delay is an unavoidable aspect of the current AirPlay protocol, making HomePods unsuitable for music creation or gaming.

tt2

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Answer 2

turingtest2

Level 10

278,179 points

Oct 6, 2021 6:53 AM in response to ofer112

When working with streamed video content it is possible to add a matching delay so that everything is in sync. This cannot be done for real time audio playback or game effects. Bluetooth in HomePod is used during set up and Handoff, but not for audio data.

tt2

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Answer 3

ofer112 Author

Level 1

13 points

Oct 6, 2021 6:48 AM in response to turingtest2

I believe something can be done about the delay just like there is no delay when the pair of HomePods are connected to the Apple TV (I believe it just connects via Bluetooth)

This is a feature that Apple needs to add.

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Answer 4

turingtest2

Level 10

278,179 points

Oct 6, 2021 7:07 AM in response to ofer112

Apple TV "knows" how much delay to add to the video content so that it will line up with audio sent over AirPlay. See Use Apple TV to play audio throughout your home - Apple Support and the section Calibrate audio between your wired and wireless speakers.

tt2

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Answer 5

ofer112 Author

Level 1

13 points

Oct 6, 2021 6:57 AM in response to turingtest2

So how did Apple manage to eliminate (or significantly reduce) the delay when the HomePod is connected to the Apple TV?

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How to set the Homepod (or pair of Homepods) to be the default audio source of the Mac?

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