How to Turn Off HomePod Handoff from iPhone

By Olena Kagui Updated 09/23/2024

When you play music on your iPhone and approach your HomePod, the song automatically transfers to your HomePod. Or at least, it should. But if this is happening when you don't want it to, I'll teach you how to turn this off to give you more control over what plays where. These tips can also help you troubleshoot your HomePod handoff not working as it should.

How to Turn Off Automatic HomePod Mini Handoff

I love being able to easily transfer a song playing on my iPhone to my HomePod mini so the whole room can hear. However, I don't like it happening automatically. If your HomePod keeps stealing your iPhone audio without your permission, the steps below will prevent that from happening. The steps below are also great for troubleshooting HomePod handoff not working, in case you're having problems with your HomePod not receiving audio from your iPhone.

Remember to sign up for our Tip of the Day newsletter to learn more about your Apple devices.

Discover your iPhone's hidden features

Get a daily tip (with screenshots and clear instructions) so you can master your iPhone in just one minute a day.

To check your HomePod handoff, open Settings on your iPhone.
Tap General.

Next, tap AirPlay & Handoff.
Toggle off Transfer to HomePod.

You can also toggle Handoff off if you don't want media to be transferrable between any of your Apple devices. Alternatively, if you're having trouble getting audio to play on your HomePod from your iPhone, even when you want it to, you can ensure that Handoff is toggled on. (It will be gray when off and green when on.)

Now you know how to turn off handoff! But did you know that you can make your HomePod portable with this third-party accessory? Since a HomePod doesn't have a battery, it has to be plugged in to work.

Now you know how to turn off your automatic iPhone to HomePod mini handoff! You can use these same steps to turn the handoff back on. Next, learn about HomePod mini Bluetooth range and how to improve it or how to turn off your HomePod's always listening feature.

Master your iPhone in one minute a day: Sign up here to get our FREE Tip of the Day delivered right to your inbox.

Topics

Author Details

Olena Kagui

Olena Kagui is a Feature Writer at iPhone Life. In the last 10 years, she has been published in dozens of publications internationally and won an excellence award. Since joining iPhone Life in 2020, she has written how-to articles as well as complex guides about Apple products, software, and apps. Olena grew up using Macs and exploring all the latest tech. Her Maui home is the epitome of an Apple ecosystem, full of compatible smart gear to boot. Olena’s favorite device is the Apple Watch Ultra because it can survive all her adventures and travels, and even her furbabies.

Featured Products

Hands Down One Of The Best 0% Interest Credit Cards

If you have outstanding credit card debt, getting a new 0% intro APR credit card could help ease the pressure while you pay down your balances. Our credit card experts identified top credit cards that are perfect for anyone looking to pay down debt and not add to it! Click through to see what all the hype is about.

The Best Calendar & Advanced Task Manager for iOS

Now you can try Informant 5 for free and experience a productivity boost by managing projects with tasks and notes, syncing your calendar among all your devices, enjoying a user-friendly 30-day calendar view, and so much more. Informant 5 features SmartBar navigation which makes it so much easier to use and master this calendar app. Plus, you can use it almost anywhere thanks to Dark Mode. With a dark background, you can check in on your tasks and schedule anywhere, even the movie theater. Upgrade to the best calendar app and task manager for iOS! Embrace an "out with the old, in with the new" spirit with Informant 5.