How to set up HomePod and HomePod mini to play music when you arrive home

How-to
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Start the party as soon as you arrive home with your HomePod and Apple Music. Here's how!

HomePod mini touch panel illuminated
(Image credit: Luke Filipowicz / iMore)

Apple's smart speakers are great for playing your tunes with Siri on-demand — but did you know that you can set up the HomePod and HomePod mini to play Apple Music tracks as soon as you walk through the door? Setting this excellent feature up is simple, and if you know how to create an automation in the Home app, you already know how to do most of the work. Is this your first time with automation? Don't worry — it's easy! Here's how to set up the HomePod to play music when you arrive home.

How to set up HomePod and HomePod mini to play music when you arrive home

  1. Launch the Home app.
  2. Tap the Add Button (looks like a plus sign).
  3. Tap Add Automation.

How to set up HomePod to play music when you arrive home on the iPhone by showing steps: Launch the Home app, Tap the Add Button, Tap Add Automation. (Image credit: Future)
  1. Tap People Arrive.
  2. Tap Anyone Arrives or The First Person Arrives.
    • Tap the i button to select whose location will be taken into consideration for the automation if you share your home with others.
    • Tap Location to set a different location like a work address if desired.
  3. Tap Time, then tap a specific time to set when the automation is active.

How to set up HomePod to play music when you arrive home on the iPhone by showing steps: Tap People Arrive, Tap Anyone or First Person Arrives, Tap Time. (Image credit: Future)
  1. Tap Next.
  2. Tap the HomePod that you wish to play music on.
    • You can select more than one HomePod if desired.
  3. Tap Next.

How to set up HomePod to play music when you arrive home on the iPhone by showing steps: Tap Next, Tap a HomePod, Tap Next. (Image credit: Future)
  1. Tap Play Audio.
  2. Tap Play Audio if it is not already selected.
  3. Tap Choose Audio....

How to set up HomePod to play music when you arrive home on the iPhone by showing steps: Tap Play Audio, Tap Play Audio, Tap Choose Audio... (Image credit: Future)
  1. Tap Library and navigate to a song or playlist.
    • You can also use Listen Now, Browse, or the Search field to locate a song.
  2. Tap the Plus icon next to the song you would like to use for this automation.
    • If selecting an album or playlist, use the Plus icon to add all of the songs within.
  3. Tap additional options such as Repeat or Shuffle.

How to set up HomePod to play music when you arrive home on the iPhone by showing steps: Tap Library, Navigate to a song, album, or playlist then Tap the Plus icon, Tap additional options such as Repeat or Shuffle. (Image credit: Future)
  1. Tap Use Current Volume or Set Custom Volume and use the slider to set your desired volume.
  2. Tap Back.
  3. Tap Done to save the automation.

How to set up HomePod to play music when you arrive home on the iPhone by showing steps: Tap Use Current Volume or Set Custom Volume then set accordingly, Tap Back, Tap Done to save the Automation. (Image credit: Future)

Give yourself a warm welcome with your HomePod and your favorite tunes

Once your automation is ready, your HomePod or HomePod mini will welcome you home with your favorite tunes from Apple Music. Be sure to check your volume options on the automation before saving. Without setting the volume, your HomePod may greet you with an unexpected serenade of loud music at the level you were listening to previously.

Christopher Close
Christopher Close

Christopher spends most of his time writing and dreaming about all things HomeKit and the Home app. Whether it is installing smart light switches, testing the latest door locks, or automating his households daily routines, Christopher has done it all.