Apple TV 4K 2nd Gen + HomePod Minis

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Level 1

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Apple TV 4K 2nd Gen + HomePod Minis

I have been trying for months (with Apple support on several occasions) to connect my 2 HomePod Minis to my Apple TV 4K 2nd gen, with no luck. My questions:

If my Apple TV is connected to the internet via ethernet cable as opposed to wirelessly, will that create problems in successfully connecting the HomePod Minis to the Apple TV streaming device? If so, can I assume that my only option to use the HP Minis in this context is to operate the Apple TV 4K wirelessly (which I would much rather not)?
If I successfully connect these two hardware devices (in whatever manner) and set the HomePod Minis as default speakers on Apple TV's settings, can I still use my Bose headphones when I want to watch/listen privately (& these Bose headphones have worked flawlessly thus far, and I'd like to have them continue as such)?
Lastly, can someone recommend a basic article for connecting the Minis to the Apple TV 4K? I do not need the more advanced articles re: Home Theater, eARC, etc. Many thanks!

Posted on Feb 25, 2023 2:44 PM

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Answer 1

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Urquhart1244

Level 10

146,430 points

Feb 27, 2023 10:21 AM in response to Tammi909

1. If my Apple TV is connected to the internet via ethernet cable as opposed to wirelessly, will that create problems in successfully connecting the HomePod Minis to the Apple TV streaming device? If so, can I assume that my only option to use the HP Minis in this context is to operate the Apple TV 4K wirelessly (which I would much rather not)?

It shouldn’t matter, if your router is configured to bridge the wired and wireless as one network. Many users have it working that way. The connection between Apple TV and the HomePod mini speakers is AirPlay over the home network, but is indifferent about the wired, wireless, or combination of both.

2. If I successfully connect these two hardware devices (in whatever manner) and set the HomePod Minis as default speakers on Apple TV's settings, can I still use my Bose headphones when I want to watch/listen privately (& these Bose headphones have worked flawlessly thus far, and I'd like to have them continue as such)?

You can use wireless bluetooth headphones as temporary audio output, but not simultaneously with room speakers. That is the same for HomePods, TV speakers, soundbar, or receiver.

3. Lastly, can someone recommend a basic article for connecting the Minis to the Apple TV 4K? I do not need the more advanced articles re: Home Theater, eARC, etc. Many thanks!

This is the public article on the subject:

Set up home theater audio with HomePod or HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K - Apple Support

The (e)ARC feature of Apple TV is separate from that, and focusses on a different function, but is completely compatible with HT207705.

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Answer 2

Tammi909 Author

Level 1

12 points

Mar 5, 2023 3:14 PM in response to Urquhart1244

Thanks for your helpful replies. My only continuing question relates to the wireless/wired issue in #1. You responded that it shouldn't matter whether my Apple TV 4K 2nd gen is connected via ethernet cable or wirelessly for the successful hook-up of the HomePod Minis if "your router is configured to bridge the wired and wireless as one network." My internet service provider tech set up the router, and I highly doubt that he configured the router as you indicated. However, you then wrote that the "...connection between Apple TV and the HomePod mini speakers...is indifferent about the wired, wireless, or combination of both." Can you clarify, i.e., is the Apple TV/HomePod Mini connection truly indifferent to the nature of the connection OR is it only indifferent IF the router bridges "the wired and wireless as one network"? In other words, does the bridging of the router have to occur for the Minis to work? I have tried everything else (including the article you mentioned plus multiple rounds of Apple phone support), and this wired/wireless issue is the only reason I can think of as to why my 2 HomePod Minis (total of $300 CDN) only work as silent bookends!! Thanks again for your help!

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Apple TV 4K 2nd Gen + HomePod Minis

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