Apple’s second-generation HomePod is lauded for its exceptional sound quality, delivering rich Spatial Audio thanks to its impressive hardware. Pairing two HomePods creates a truly immersive audio experience, particularly when combined with an Apple TV 4K. This setup unlocks Dolby Atmos surround sound, rivaling traditional soundbars and multi-speaker systems, making it a compelling option for home entertainment.
To enjoy Dolby Atmos through your Apple TV 4K, you need to create a stereo pair of HomePods. Both speakers must be the same model (first-gen HomePod, HomePod Mini, or second-gen HomePod), and all devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If setting up your HomePods for the first time, your iOS device will guide you to create a stereo pair after setting up the first speaker. You can choose whether the second speaker will be the left or right.
If you already have a HomePod set up and want to add a second for a stereo pair, follow these steps:
1. Open the Home app on your iOS device and select one of your HomePods.
2. Tap the Settings icon (gear).
3. Scroll down and tap Create Stereo Pair. Follow the onscreen instructions.
4. Select the second HomePod and choose whether it will be the left or right speaker.
To connect your stereo-paired HomePods to your Apple TV 4K for immersive sound with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital 7.1, and 5.1 formats, follow these steps:
1. Ensure your Apple TV 4K and iPhone or iPad are updated to at least iOS 16.3.
2. Assign your HomePod stereo pair to the same room as your Apple TV 4K in the Apple Home app.
3. Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad and tap Apple TV.
4. Scroll down and tap the Settings icon.
5. Select Default Audio Output and choose the room assigned to your stereo pair of HomePods.
6. If setting up using the Apple TV 4K, navigate to Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Output and select the HomePod as your speaker.
Note that HomePod Mini does not support Dolby Atmos 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound but will automatically play them in mono or stereo.
For optimal sound quality, position your HomePods to the left and right of your TV screen, with at least 4 feet of distance between them. Ensure they are at head level from your usual viewing spot to optimize the sound experience. Apple’s computational sound technology automatically scans the room and adjusts the sound output accordingly.
