One of the best uses of Apple’s HomePod isn’t as a conventionalsmart speaker, like an Amazon Echo, which you’re usually meant to set on tables, shelves, and counters for music andsmart homecontrol. Instead, a growing number of people – judging from anecdotes – are choosing to use HomePods as wireless speakers for theirApple TV 4K. It’s not always the most cost-effective home theater option, but it is nice to eliminate clutter, and even a pair of HomePod minis can sound surprisingly nice. A pair of full-size HomePods playing Dolby Atmos material is a thing to behold.
Some people don’t realize, though, that you can funnel audio from more sources than just your Apple TV. In fact, just about anything connected to your TV should work, including cable boxes, game consoles, and Blu-ray players. The catch is that you need a specific hardware and software setup for everything to work properly – and once you’ve got it going, you may find yourself stuck in the Apple ecosystem unless you’re willing to shell out even more cash for a replacement. I’ll explain everything you need to know.
Apple HomePod 2
If you are already part of the Apple ecosystem, this is your best option for precise, crisp sound and with Dolby Atmos expect a spacious, 3D immersive experience. It’s locked to Apple Airplay 2 technology, but has Apple’s expected sleek design, user-friendly setup and control process.
Are Macs good for gaming in 2025? It’s complicated
Apple has been struggling to attract gamers to Macs for decades. How’s it doing now?
What hardware do you need to get started?
Before anything else, you’ll need a TV with anARC or eARC port. ARC stands for Audio Return Channel, and the short explanation is that it allows speakers and other audio gear to deliver their content viaHDMI, rather than dedicated audio cables.eARCis an updated standard based on HDMI 2.1, the benefit being much higher bandwidth – at its best offering uncompressed, 192kHz, 24-bit sound. So, while both ARC and eARC support common formats like Dolby Atmos, you won’t get the most out of your TV without eARC. Check the labels on your TV’s HDMI ports to see what you’re equipped for.
Unavoidably, you’ll also need a second- (2021) or third-generation (2022)Apple TV 4K. The first-gen model simply isn’t compatible with Apple’s pass-through tech, and there’s no method to connect HomePods directly to a TV. Instead, they need to be set up in theApple Homeapp, then selected as audio output on the Apple TV.
There’s no sign that Apple is planning to add more ports to HomePods anytime soon.
Be sure to use thecorrect HDMI cable, too. You’ll need an HDMI 1.4 cable or better for ARC, and HDMI 2.1 or later for eARC. There should be some version marking on the cable you’re using. If not, you’ve only got two options: testing a cable to see what it’s capable of, or buying a replacement you know is compatible.
You can use either one or two HomePods, but if you plan to use a pair, they need to be the same model and generation – you can’t link a full-size HomePod and a HomePod mini, for example, or a first-gen and a second-gen. I’d strongly recommend buying a pair – it’s the only way to enable stereo andDolby Atmosplayback. Of course, you’ll also need to check if a particular app, video, or song is encoded for Atmos.
5 dumb mistakes to avoid when buying a TV
Let me save you the return trip to Best Buy.
How to get game consoles and Blu-rays to play through your HomePods
All the steps you need to know
So you’re aware, I’m not going to run through the full setup processes for Apple TVs, HomePods, or the Apple Home app. That would extend things needlessly, since Apple provides basic setup information in the Apple TV and HomePod boxes. I will mention when each setup needs to happen, though, since you might be unboxing everything for the first time.
If you plan to use a pair, they need to be the same model and generation.
Follow the steps below. If you’ve already got one or two HomePods linked to your Apple TV, skip ahead to step 10.
Why can’t Google and Roku match the Apple TV?
It may be matter of whether the companies even share the same goals.
Additional notes
Troubleshooting, and the downsides of using HomePods
If you’re still having trouble, check that ARC, eARC, and/or HDMI-CEC are enabled in your TV’s native settings menu (not the one on your Apple TV). You may also need to double-check the version on your HDMI cable, and whether it’s plugged into the proper port. Most TVs have multiple HDMI ports, but only one equipped for ARC or eARC.
The major downside of using HomePods as a do-it-all audio source is, of course, that your Apple TV has to remain permanently connected. If you pull it out of the loop, a HomePod will lose its connection with the TV. That’s a major discouragement to leaving the Apple ecosystem, so you might want to choose a conventional soundbar instead if you’re not an Apple die-hard.
Because the connection between a HomePod and an Apple TV is not only wireless, but linked to Apple Home, there’s also the potential for problems from wireless interference or bad settings in the Home app. To repeat, your Apple TV and HomePod(s) have to be assigned to the same room in the same home – if not, they won’t be able to see each other.
My 6 favorite Apple HomeKit accessories for apartment living
Home automation often feels like a homeowner-only game. Fortunately, there are plenty of renter-friendly HomeKit devices.
