Connection to HomePod Mini dropping a lot

I've been having a lot of problems in the last couple of months with connection to my HomePod mini (purchased in Sep 2021). I usually listen the radio via iHeartRadio, using AirPlay from my iPhone. I did get a new iPhone 14 Pro Max in mid-November.

It cuts out quite frequently now, and it's very frustrating. Sometimes I can get it playing again, sometimes I just have to listen to the radio via the iPhone itself. I thought I had solved the problem when it turned out that it needed my updated Apple ID password, but no. That only helped for a day. Things I have tried - restarting the HomePod from the Home app, restarting the the HomePod by unplugging it for a minute, restarting the iPhone. All of the these things may or may not bring the signal back and get it working for a time, maybe a day, and then it will cut out again.

This used to work seamlessly for my listening needs, now I'm wondering if I should just chuck the HomePod and go back to an actual AM/FM radio. Any ideas?
 

chas_m

Well-Known Member
I've been having a lot of problems in the last couple of months with connection to my HomePod mini (purchased in Sep 2021). I usually listen the radio via iHeartRadio, using AirPlay from my iPhone. I did get a new iPhone 14 Pro Max in mid-November.


This used to work seamlessly for my listening needs, now I'm wondering if I should just chuck the HomePod and go back to an actual AM/FM radio. Any ideas?

Why are you using AirPlay from your iPhone? The HomePod is already connected to the internet, so just ask it to play the station by saying "hey Siri, play (station call letters) radio."

See if that works for you.
 
Why are you using AirPlay from your iPhone? The HomePod is already connected to the internet, so just ask it to play the station by saying "hey Siri, play (station call letters) radio."

See if that works for you.
Hi Chas.

I think this pre-supposes that I have Apple Music, which I do not. However, I was I was willing to try, so I tried various versions of what you suggested, and every answer came back with "I can't find that on your Apple Music". Finally I tried "Hey Siri, connect to iHeart Radio and play CFAX 1070" and the response was "Siri is not set up for that app" or some such wording. I don't know how (or if) Siri can be set up to work with iHeart Radio. Still wondering why this worked seamlessly since 2021 and now... does not.
 

chas_m

Well-Known Member
You’re right, I presumed an Apple Music subscription.

Alan tells me that the iHeartRadio app is having a wealth of issues right now, I think he said at the meeting last night to use an alternative app like the CFAX app or TuneIn.

There are many alternative radio apps out there you can use. The one I currently use is myTunerPro.
 
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