HomePod Siri fails: 'this is taking too long' on 26.5

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HomePod Siri fails: 'this is taking too long' on 26.5

I have three HomePods on HomePod Software 26.5. All three configure successfully, connect to Wi-Fi, appear in Home, and AirPlay works. Siri works normally on my iPhone and other Apple devices on the same network. The only failing function is Siri on the HomePods, where every request returns “this is taking too long.” Router logs show the HomePods are associated and authorised with good RSSI. I have tested DNS and Wi-Fi stability. This appears to be a HomePodOS 26.5 Siri/HomePod issue, not a general network fault. Repairing does not solve it.

Apple Watch Ultra 2, watchOS 26

Posted on Jul 6, 2026 7:43 AM

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Answer 1

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Mac Jim ID

Community+ 2026

Level 10

85,814 points

Jul 6, 2026 8:29 AM in response to cryptocrab

Have you:

Disabled WiFi Agile Multiband on the Asus router.
Turned off Smart Connect on the router for the 5Ghz connection on all Apple devices, not just the HomePod.
Have you turned off Air Time Fairness in the Professional settings of the router

There have been compatibility issues going back for years with the Asus mesh router that have occurred across multiple firmware version on the router and OS versions on the HomePod. Some users had success with the Settings above. Replacing the HomePods makes no difference, but using a different router resolves the problem. It is also unclear what specifically causes this incompatibility with the HomePod (either with the 26.5 update or earlier OS) that would affect only this brand of router with the exact same problems being reported by others.

HomePod mini won’t work on the asus mesh … - Apple Community

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Answer 2

Jul 6, 2026 7:55 AM in response to cryptocrab

What frequency are the HomePods connecting to on your router, is it the 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz band? If you see that they are connected to 2.4Ghz, you should create a 5Ghz only network on your router and connect all your Apple devices to that WiFi network.

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Answer 3

cryptocrab Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 6, 2026 7:56 AM in response to Mac Jim ID

Running latest firmware on a Asus BQ16 Pro mesh and been stables for months before the 26.5 update. The HomePods are on 5ghz band and I’ve tried 2.4ghz as well. Everything works apart from Siri commands. Just times out. Only started this week. Can not control any HomeKit devices or even play music. AirPlay though works fast and easy.

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Answer 4

cryptocrab Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 6, 2026 8:53 AM in response to Mac Jim ID

Thanks I’ll take a look at those. It’s been solid for six months. Only this week with no changes just the 26.5 update.

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