Why does the Apple Home Pod mini not allow charging from non Apple USB-C charger?

We have every Apple device there is, now, with the exception of the Airport.


Other than the old MacBook Air, that uses the magnetic charger, and the iMacs, all our devices use wireless or the new USB-C chargers.


The HomePod Mini is the only one that only works off the Apple charging brick. It will not work off any other, nor any USB-C charging port, even step down power ports.


In NZ we have 240V power ports, so anything small (USB powered) uses a step down. It’s just the HomePod that won’t work off any other than Apple made.


Why?

Posted on Oct 9, 2023 1:54 PM

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Posted on Oct 9, 2023 9:52 PM

Depending on the device, USB-C can supply 5 volts, 9 volts, 15 volts, and/or 20 volts, each at various amperages.


Does your USB-C charger supply at least 2.0 amps at 9 volts? If so, it should work with HomePod mini. If not, nope.


Some background: Apple USB-C power adapter volts, amps - Apple Community



9 replies

Oct 10, 2023 1:52 AM in response to letterhead28

I'm not sure that is the problem, it is not an input problem (from the wall) but an output (from the USB-C port).


  • Line voltage: 100V to 240V AC for 20W power adapter11
  • Frequency: 50Hz to 60Hz


For example, you connect your new iMac to the wall, it doesn't matter if 100V or 240V. The power output of its USB-C ports are capped to max 15W (as far as I know at the moment), so they won't work with the homepod mini.


I don't know what multiboard you are using but you should check if all its USB-C ports output in the same way. Sometimes some hub have different power capacities for different ports with different quick charges capacities or data transfer capacities. Also, if they are smart or intelligent port that let the device decide the power it needs.


You can also connect the Homepod mini to a portable battery if you have one. As long as the output of the battery has the specifications required of 20W 9V/2.22A. You could test this way before buying something.




Oct 10, 2023 4:09 PM in response to letterhead28

letterhead28 wrote:

3A up to 240V on a multi board. Up to 2400W on a non apple adapter. More than enough power. But all that happens is the HomePod flashes orange to say “non Apple adapter”, according to the instructions.


The issue is whether your particular USB-C charger supplies 9V2A via USB PD, not what the input voltage and amperage might be. Check the output specs for your charger.

Oct 10, 2023 12:14 AM in response to letterhead28

As others said already, the problem might be the charger that you are using.


  1. In homepod mini specs is written, at the bottom of the page, point 11: "The 20W power adapter supplies 9V/2.22A required by HomePod mini."

HomePod mini - Technical Specifications - Apple


I have also read that there has been an update in the past to allow 18W, however I don't see it written in the current specifications.


Have you checked the outputs you have available, if they reach the minimum requirements?



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Why does the Apple Home Pod mini not allow charging from non Apple USB-C charger?

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