HomePod mini password issue: the ongoing saga…

Some months ago, I bought a couple of HomePod minis hoping to simplify things like shopping lists and listening to media for my blind and elderly mother who lives with us. The HomePods work great. Until I try to add my mother as a user.

At that point, my HomePod account starts telling me that my Apple ID or password are incorrect and prompts me to re-enter them. I do, but keep getting the same message. The HomePods also refuse to recognize her.

After removing my mother (from the user list…), the prompts go away.

I’ve been prowling the forums for quite some time now, Reddit, all the ad-filled tech websites. I’ve downloaded the iBook manual, I’ve unplugged and reset everything but my mother, all to no avail.

Sorry for the ranting. Does anyone have any new advice?

BTW, life gets very interesting when you try to help a blind, hard of hearing senior to get Siri to recognize her voice. She can’t read the prompts on the screen, and if you tell her what to say, Siri learns to recognize your voice instead…