Can you stream Spotify from your HomePod?
Can you stream Spotify from your HomePod?
Best answer: Here's the thing, you can't technically stream Spotify from your HomePod because Apple has created the speaker to effortlessly tie into its exclusive ecosystem. And since the speaker was designed to be used primarily with other Apple devices and services, in order to stream music from your HomePod, you'll need to have an Apple Music subscription, previously purchased iTunes tracks, or music uploaded to the iCloud Music Library. But just because you can't stream Spotify from your HomePod doesn't mean you can stream Spotify to your HomePod.Apple: HomePod ($349)
Wait! What are you talking about?
Don't check out on me just yet, let me explain. As I said, you can't stream Spotify, TIDAL, or any other music service directly from the HomePod but you can totally stream to the HomePod via AirPlay. So, while you won't be able to ask the smart speaker to start your music or request specific tunes from DJ Siri, you can start playing music from your phone, connect through AirPlay, and still have Siri perform basic play/pause/skip functions with your voice.
All you have to do is make sure the Apple device you're playing from is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your HomePod, make sure the Bluetooth is on, launch your preferred streaming service, in this case, it's Spotify, and start playing your favorite track. Once the track is playing, you can then choose your HomePod speaker from the "Devices Available" list in the app. If you were already playing music from Spotify, you can simply slide up to access your Control Center, open the music widget, tap the AirPlay icon in the upper right corner of the widget, and then select your HomePod.
Sure, it takes a few extra steps but if you love your HomePod and you're committed to remaining in the Apple ecosystem, it shouldn't be too much of an adjustment for you.
Hey Siri!
You absolutely can't deny that the HomePod is an incredible smart speaker. If you can overlook the limitations, the speaker is well-worth checking out for its beautiful design and terrific sound quality.
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Stephanie Barnes is a contributor at iMore. She fell in love with technology after building her first PC as a little girl. She later followed that passion to become a front-end/iOS engineer before switching to writing full-time. Stephanie's writing on technology, health and wellness, movies, television, and much more can be found all over the internet, including at HuffPost, HelloGiggles, PopSci, MindBodyGreen, and Business Insider. At iMore, she covers everything from breaking news to product roundups with the latest and greatest devices, apps, and accessories on the market. Stephanie also writes the occasional how-to guide to help readers get the most out of their Apple's devices and services.