HomePods Stuck Configuring after 16.2 and move to new HomeKit framework

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HomePods Stuck Configuring after 16.2 and move to new HomeKit framework

Yesterday I updated all my devices to the latest IOS and macOS. They all updated (iPads, Apple TVs, iPhones, Macs, HomePods - minis, and OG). I then migrated to the new HomeKit framework. It seemed to work, but all my HomePods said "Configuring" for hours in the Home app. I left it overnight, only to find them in the same state this morning.

This morning, I tried powering them off and on, and it didn't fix anything. I removed all the HomePods from my home and my iCloud account. I then reset and re-setup both an OG HomePod and a mini. Both remained stuck in "configuring status" for over an hour.

Following some internet advice, I re-removed both from my iCloud and reset them. To reduce the problem's complexity, I unplugged all the HomePods except one mini. I restored it using my Mac to a clean new copy of 16.2. I set that one up. Now over an hour later, it's still "configuring."

What next? I guess I could remove and reset all my Apple TVs too? I don't want to delete the home as that would be a huge undertaking on a WAG to re-establish. I'll do it if it's the only option, but I'm hoping another option exists.

Is anyone else having a similar issue? Any ideas?

I'll probably call Apple Support this evening when I have more time, but I suspect they will tell me to delete the home, which will be a bear.

HomePod mini

Posted on Dec 14, 2022 6:39 AM

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Answer 1

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jld341

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13 points

Dec 15, 2022 7:07 AM in response to tmutti

So just to update you I found a thread about it on I think reddit. So they worked with someone and ended up.

1) Remove all homepods and then unplug.

2) Plug back in and after about 10 seconds push and hold on screen, red swirl will start spinning and say resetting homepod and to hold till you hear three beeps.

3) Do this to all homepods

4) Unplug apple TV's or any other HUBs that you have

5) Setup all your home pods again.

I did this and it resolved the issue and then plugged apple TV's back in. It is pretty poor that it seems that apple is aware of the issue and still pushing the update out. Thankfully I am still at 4 home pods, was about to add 3 more, but I am slightly worried since this happened on the 14.x update too and now this update. It must be something in their software that causes the issue. I would hate as I get larger house and more devices that I would need to reset, thankfully everything else homekit is through home assistant and so it is not affected, if I used matter and had to reset all my smart home devices, I would be very upset.

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Answer 2

tmutti Author

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20 points

Dec 21, 2022 8:08 AM in response to tmutti

5th Update

I'm still going around and around. It's so inconsistent.

If I don't add HomePods then things seem to work fine (Apple TVs as the Hub).

Obviously, that's not a solution I'm okay with since I have 6 HomePods.

With the HomePods as the only hub(s) I can add accessories (I don't have the endless configuring issue any more, but I'm not sure why), but they don't work right, basically they either update forever or no response. I can't get the Hue to work at all. I tried the Matter Beta option for Hue, they add, but constantly update. If I use just an Apple TV everything seems to work (I've only tried with a few accessories at a time). If I don't use the AppleTv or any hub and just add an accessory (local home access), they seem to work fine locally. If I add a HomePod after adding them they seem to work locally and remotely. That's where I am now. Tonight I'll try to add more accessories now that I've added a HomePod.

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Answer 3

gothwin

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8 points

Feb 5, 2023 6:38 AM in response to tmutti

I have a similar situation. Somewhat randomly the temperature and humidity sensor on one of my homepods stopped responding. Not the biggest deal in the world so I did a reset of that homepod. Initially I just did a restart, but eventually I did a complete reset.

I then rebooted my router for good measure (or so I thought). When the router came back up all accessories in HomeKit were giving me 'no response' in the Home app. Furthermore, I can no longer airplay or handoff music from my iPhone to any of the homepods.

I did spend a while with a helpful support technician from apple this morning, but didn't solve the problem. Numerous reboots of everything and still I don't have my home working. Managed to get Philip Hues working, and working with Siri from Phone or iPad...but not HomePod.

I am on 16.3 for everything and I did the upgrade to the new home architecture when it was available (regret that now!).

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Answer 4

tmutti Author

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20 points

Dec 15, 2022 3:20 AM in response to tmutti

A brief update…

I worked with apple support last night, and based on the quick access to an engineer I suspect this is a known issue.

At this point, don’t do anything too radical. Nothing we tried fixed the issue.

As an FYI, in the spirit of helping myself and the community, I did delete my home from the home app and tried configuring a single HomePod mini (freshly restored using my computer) to my home. I created a new home and added the HomePod mini and had the same issue.

I logged out of iCloud on my phone, restarted the phone, logged back in, restarted the phone, then added the reset HomePod back… same issue.

I had another iPhone user in my house who never had their own home in the home app create one and install 16.2, and and add the HomePod. While connected to the same WiFi, but different iCloud user and phone IT WORKED. So some progress. It’s likely not the device or my network.

I had been on the beta program (though I never messed with upgrading to the new framework), so to make sure that’s not the issue, next I’m restoring to the public release version of 16.2 and trying basically the same steps and see if there is a change.

If there is no change I have a direct line to support to install profiles and start logging data this evening.

I’ll update this thread with any progress.

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Answer 5

tmutti Author

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20 points

Dec 15, 2022 5:56 AM in response to tmutti

Update number 2

I restored my phone to iOS 16.2 and then restored my iCloud backup. I waited about 20 minutes to see if the HomePod mini I had added prior to the restore ever stopped configuring and it didn't. I removed the HomePod, reset it, and re-added it. This time, after about 10 minutes, it did finish configuring. However the home app still says there are no home hubs responding. I also can't change the name of the HomePod. I tried adding an original HomePod just to see and it's stuck in configuring. I let Apple Support know. For now I have to work, but tonight I'll re-attack.

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Answer 6

tmutti Author

Level 1

20 points

Dec 15, 2022 6:26 PM in response to jld341

Third update

I unplugged all my Apple TVs, hue bridge and another bridge. Then I re-added the mini and I got more functionality. I also was able to add the OG HomePods. I could also change their names.

BUT it’s not working correctly still. For example, if music is playing on the HomePod I can pause it, but I hitting play or advance doesn’t work. Also, nothing works on cellular.

I was on the phone with Apple for about 30 minutes and am awaiting another appointment to continue to debug.

Im going to add the rest of the HomePods and a few devices if only for later testing. Sigh.

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Answer 7

Grimnar

Level 1

8 points

Dec 16, 2022 3:41 PM in response to jld341

Same here in Norway as well. Apple support never heard of this issuse and was convinced it was Norwegian language issue. Next step for me was to return my papir of HomePod minis. Hoping for 16.2.1-quickfix for this.

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Answer 8

Grimnar

Level 1

8 points

Dec 17, 2022 4:58 AM in response to jld341

Tried this as well today but still having issues with connectivity. I can use the speaker to play music, I can ask Siri about some simple stuff. But I cannot add items to shopping list etc. Nothing "advanced"

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Answer 9

tmutti Author

Level 1

20 points

Dec 17, 2022 5:05 AM in response to Grimnar

As long as my Apple TV is the active home hub, most things work. I had to go into each Apple TV in settings and re add them to a room. Since I deleted my house and have to re-set it up, I have yet to successfully add a non apple hub like my hue lights. A few singe devices like door locks are working fine. However, things are not fixed. Still waiting on a follow up from apple.

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Answer 10

Dec 20, 2022 2:34 AM in response to tmutti

I had the same issue. I tried those below and issue was resolved

(1)remove HomePod from Home app and iCloud account

(2)unplug HomePod

(3)reset Apple TV(you can skip this step if you don't have apple TV)

(4) HomeSettings in Home app, click Software update(if you running into issues for this one, try to update other devices under the same account to the latest version like iPad,Mac,Imac and update home settings in those devices as well etc)

(5) Plug in HomePod and pressing the the top to reset

(6) Set up with IPAD(I tried with iPhone, it did not work)

My HomePod is in 16.2, My guess is that the Home app is outdated that the HomePod stuck in configuring

Hope this helps

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Answer 11

tmutti Author

Level 1

20 points

Dec 20, 2022 2:58 AM in response to tmutti

4th Update

so… it was working well-ish. Either totally randomly or when my wife accepted the invitation to the new home I setup (the timing is unclear), I lost access to all devices in home except some limited access to HomePods and Apple TVs (I can see when things are playing). It says no homehubs are setup.

The kicker is that my wife has access and it’s working, and all my automations

i re-established continue to work.

I might “reboot” the house and see if it helps. Or start pulling hubs off the network.

BTW, haven’t heard from apple…

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Answer 12

ever3

Level 1

13 points

Jan 8, 2023 10:21 PM in response to tmutti

Solved! Tried all the mentioned solutions on Reddit but none worked. In the end I plugged the Homepod into my Mac and reset it (search for "Reset Homepod with computer"). This ensures the latest software is installed as well, which seemed to be the issue.

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Answer 13

jld341

Level 1

13 points

Dec 14, 2022 9:10 PM in response to tmutti

Same exact problem here.

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Answer 14

tmutti Author

Level 1

20 points

Dec 15, 2022 7:29 AM in response to jld341

Funny, I actually suggested to Apple that I disconnect all my Apple TVs and that’s not what they wanted to focus on. I have another call at 8pm, but before that, I may try this.

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Answer 15

Dec 20, 2022 9:28 AM in response to tmutti

please keep us updated on the progress and any ultimate solution

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HomePods Stuck Configuring after 16.2 and move to new HomeKit framework

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