The HomePod and HomePod mini are distinctive creatures in Apple’s line-up: in contrast to practically all different {hardware} Apple sells, these assistants/audio system will not be completely locked to your iCloud account nor to a paired iPhone or iPad. An iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Watch has Activation Lock enabled in case you activate Discover My. Most Beats and Apple audio gadgets, in addition to all Discover My gadgets (AirTags and third-party), use what Apple now calls Discover My Lock–Discover My Lock connects a tool with no seen interface to your Apple ID, and the lock can solely be disabled through an iPhone or iPad within the Discover My app. (Audio gadgets can be utilized with different {hardware} however they continue to be trackable by the unique proprietor, as reporter Casey Johnston seemed into when she misplaced hers.)
A HomePod or HomePod mini has no such lock. Which means in the event that they’re stolen, somebody can carry out a reset and put one proper again into use.
In the event you deliberately hand yours off as a sale, present, or donation, you must nonetheless undergo the steps to take away it out of your account and carry out a tough reset. First, you’ll be able to keep away from any potential of another person gaining access to playlists, songs, and different doubtlessly personal information related together with your account. Second, it’s at all times higher to wipe something related to your self from {hardware} earlier than it leaves your possession.
Apple makes it pretty easy.
First, in a House app in iOS, iPadOS, or macOS:
- Discover your HomePod or HomePod mini.
- Click on or faucet it to disclose settings.
- Click on or faucet the gear icon.
- Click on or faucet Reset HomePod and observe the prompts.

Now, after these steps are accomplished:
- Unplug your HomePod for 10 seconds.
- Plug it again in, and after a short second, place your finger on the highest of the HomePod and maintain it there. (Apple says to attend 10 seconds first, however I’m unsure it issues in testing.)
- Ultimately, the HomePod will present a spinning white sample. This can change to a strong pink when the reset is triggered. Hold holding down.
- The machine will say that it’s about to reset. You’ll hear three beeps. After the final of these beeps, you’ll be able to take away your finger.
Your HomePod or HomePod is now absolutely eliminated out of your account and prepared for its subsequent life.
This Mac 911 article is in response to a query submitted by a Macworld reader.
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