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iPad User Guide

Set up HomePod in Home on iPad

You can use the Home app to set up HomePod and control many HomePod settings.

To learn what you can do with iPad and HomePod, see the following in the HomePod User Guide:

Note: HomePod is not available in all countries or regions.

Use Home to send and receive Intercom messages

  1. Go to the Home app 👁 Image
    on your iPad.

  2. Tap 👁 the More button
    ,     then tap Home Settings.

  3. Tap Intercom, then configure these settings:

    • When you can receive Intercom messages

    • Who is allowed to send or receive Intercom messages

    • Which HomePod speakers can use Intercom

    Note: Any member of the Home can choose when they receive Intercom messages. Only a home owner or admin can choose who can send or receive Intercom messages and which HomePod speakers can use Intercom.

  4. Tap Back, then tap Done.

  5. Tap 👁 the Intercom button
    ,     say something like “Who ate the last cookie?” then tap Done.

    Your Intercom message is sent to all the HomePod speakers in your home, and to the iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS devices of all members of your home who can send and receive Intercom messages.

See Use HomePod as an Intercom in the HomePod User Guide.

Use HomePod and HomeKit Secure Video to announce guests

With a HomeKit Secure Video camera or doorbell, HomePod can notify you when someone you know is at the door (or send you a message if the person isn’t recognized).

Note: To announce guests, first turn on Face Recognition.

  1. Go to the Home app 👁 Image
    on your iPad.

  2. On the Home tab, tap 👁 the More button
    ,     then tap Home Settings.

  3. Tap Cameras & Doorbells, then tap your camera or doorbell.

  4. Tap Doorbell Chime, then choose which HomePod speaker or speakers to enable

Use Home to add and edit HomePod alarms and timers

  1. Go to the Home app 👁 Image
    on your iPad.

  2. Tap the right side of a HomePod tile, swipe up, then do any of the following:

    • Add an alarm: Tap New, create the alarm, then tap Done.

    • Edit an alarm: Tap the alarm, change the time, then tap Done.

    • Turn alarms on or off: Tap the switch next to an alarm.

    • Delete an alarm: Swipe left over the alarm, then tap Delete.

    • Create a new timer: Tap New Timer, enter a timer label (optional), choose the length of the timer, then tap Start.

    • Pause and restart a timer: Tap 👁 the Pause button
      ;       tap 👁 the Play button
      to restart the timer.

    • Remove a timer: Tap 👁 the Delete button
      .

Change HomePod settings

  1. Go to the Home app 👁 Image
    on your iPad.

  2. Tap the right side of a HomePod tile.

  3. Tap 👁 the Settings button
    ,     then configure HomePod settings.

    You can assign HomePod to a different room, add an automation, create a stereo pair with two HomePod speakers of the same kind in the same room, and more.

Use HomePod to listen for alarm sounds

HomePod can notify you when an alarm sound is detected in your home.

  1. Go to the Home app 👁 Image
    on your iPad.

  2. Tap the right side of a HomePod tile.

  3. Tap 👁 the Settings button
    ,     then tap Sound Recognition.

  4. Turn on Smoke & CO Alarm, then choose which HomePods will listen for alarms.

Your HomePod will listen for certain sounds and notify you when alarm sounds may be recognized.

Important: Sound Recognition may detect smoke and carbon monoxide alarm sounds and send you notifications when recognized. Sound Recognition should not be relied upon in circumstances where you may be harmed or injured, or in high-risk or emergency situations. Sound Recognition requires the new version of Apple Home.

Add a Siri-enabled accessory

You can extend access to HomePod throughout your home by enabling Siri on compatible Apple Home accessories. If you enable Siri on these accessories, you can control them with your voice, get help with everyday questions or tasks, and play your favorite music and podcasts.

See Set up a Siri-enabled accessory in the HomePod User Guide.

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