New MacBook M3, want to set up a stereo pair of HomePod 2 Gen

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Level 1

13 points

New MacBook M3, want to set up a stereo pair of HomePod 2 Gen

My new MacBook is the only Apple device I own and, after 28+ years of Windows, I am really liking it. I would like to set up a stereo pair of HomePod 2 Gen to use with Apple Music via Airplay. All instructions I find for HomePod stereo setup refer to IOS. I chatted with support and was advised I would in fact need a IOS device, which I will have to borrow. I would also need to log into the borrowed device with my Apple ID to complete the process. And possibly the same process again if there is an update or glitch. I really want to stay with Apple products but this seems overly complex. Is the IOS process correct and the only way to achieve a stereo pair of HomePods with my MacBook? Thank you!

HomePod (2nd generation)

Posted on Aug 13, 2024 1:17 PM

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Answer 1

Vancouver22

Level 8

36,776 points

Aug 13, 2024 1:46 PM in response to Rrick59

If you don’t yet have these HomePods you will need an iOS device to set them up and you will need to stereo pair them to act as one when controlling volume. Set up HomePod - Apple Support

Once you have them set up you can perform updates and adjust other settings, including creating the stereo pair for them on the Mac in the Home App.

You can set them to be your sound output on the Mac in settings:

On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Sound in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)
Click Output on the right, then select the device you want to use in the list of sound output devices

Change the sound output settings on Mac - Apple Support

Or Use Control Center on Mac which is easier to switch back and forth from MacBook speakers to HomePods

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Answer 2

sventek_

Level 4

1,261 points

Aug 13, 2024 1:29 PM in response to Rrick59

Yes, unfortunately, the HomePod was not designed to be used by people that do not also have iOS. Your only option is to borrow a device to sign in and set it up.

Sorry!

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Answer 3

Rrick59 Author

Level 1

13 points

Aug 17, 2024 11:15 AM in response to Rrick59

I want to use Airplay for music and a stereo pair of HomePods would seem ideal. However, it is difficult for me to get past the fact that the product page for HomePods only shows iPad and iPhone compatibility.

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Answer 4

Aug 13, 2024 7:28 PM in response to sventek_

This may be the stupidest, silliest thing Apple's ever done.

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