HomePod as a USB speaker: YouTuber finds hidden access

A YouTuber from the USA has found a way to connect a first-generation HomePod directly to his Mac as a speaker. In this way, he managed to use the Apple speaker despite a defective Wi-Fi module in the device.

In the two-hour video, the repair specialist, who calls himself "NicsFix", focuses on the question of how the defective power supply of a HomePod can be repaired. In the course of his research, he came across the possibility of using the speaker, which is otherwise used wirelessly to transmit music, via a cable.

Apparently, for tests after repairs

To accomplish this, he used a hidden diagnostic port in the device. He had to use a cable with a customized connection for this. When he connected the USB end of the cable to his Mac, he discovered that he could suddenly access and use the previously inaccessible HomePod via AirPlay despite the broken Wi-Fi module.

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"NicsFix" suspects that the ability to use the HomePod via the underside by cable was also intended for diagnostic purposes. Other functions, such as stereo pairing multiple HomePods, were not available to him. Also, the connection via USB only worked on a Mac, but not on a Windows PC, iPhone or iPad, as he reported.

Solution is not very practical

It is not known whether today's second-generation HomePods also have a diagnostic port. However, access to the first-generation HomePod, which was sold from 2018 and discontinued in 2021, requires the device to be dismantled. The solution shown by the YouTuber is suitable for hobbyists at best, and is not very practical for most users.

(mki)