How to Stream Tidal to HomePod & HomePod Mini [Updated]

Part 1. Does Tidal Music Work with an Apple HomePod?

Yes, to play Tidal on HomePod, the simplest way is to use AirPlay from an iOS or macOS device. That's because there is no an official Tidal HomePod integration. You can check it out on Tidal-supported devices page.

In the following parts, we will help you get Tidal on Apple HomePod via AirPlay on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac device step by step. It is noted that using AirPlay to play music from Tidal always requires a paid TIDAL subscription. If you'd like to save money, try ripping Tidal music and exporting Tidal playlists to files locally and keeping them forever for free use. AudFree Tidal Music Downloader is a necessary tool you need. You can skip to Part 3 to learn more.

Part 2. How to Get Tidal HomePod to Work via AirPlay

AirPlay is a proprietary protocol suite created by Apple. It lets users access audio, videos, photos, etc. from Apple devices to smart speakers, Apple TV, and more. Once you have activated the AirPlay feature, it's able to play music from the iPhone/iPad to HomePod - whether the music is from Tidal, Spotify, or another service.

To stream music to HomePod from Tidal, please make sure:

• You have subscribed to a Tidal paid subscription.
• The mobile and desktop device's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled.
• Your iPhone/iPad/Mac and HomePod are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Now, you can follow the steps below to play Tidal music on Apple HomePod and HomePod Mini.

1. How to Stream Tidal to HomePod/HomePod Mini via AirPlay on iOS

From Control Center

Step 1. First, set up your HomePod and check whether it works properly.

Step 2. Next, open "Control Center" on your iOS device and tap the "AirPlay" icon to select "HomePod" under the "Speakers & TVs" section.

Step 3. Now, start to play Tidal songs. Tidal music playing on the iOS device will be streamed to HomePod.

From Tidal App

You also can use the Tidal Connect function on Tidal to enable AirPlay. Here are the steps.

Step 1. Open the Tidal app on your iOS device and start playing a track.

Step 2. On the bottom line, tap the "Now Playing" screen.

Step 3. Tap the "Tidal Connect" icon and select "AirPlay & Bluetooth".

Step 4. Choose your Apple HomePod from the list of available devices.

2. How to Play Tidal on Apple HomePod via AirPlay on Mac

Step 1. On your Mac computer, go to the "Apple menu" and select the "Sound" tab.

Step 2. In the "Sound" interface, click the "Output" button.

Step 3. Select the "HomePod" that you get ready to play Tidal music.

Step 4. Then, check the "Show volume in menu bar" option on the bottom so that you can choose HomePod from the audio control on the menu bar next time.

Step 5. Open the Tidal app on your Mac and begin to play music. Music playing on Mac will be streamed through your HomePod.

Part 3. How to Play Tidal on HomePod as Local Audio Files

If you want more control of Tidal music and play Tidal music offline, it's necessary to get help from AudFree Tidal Music Converter. This software enables you to download and convert Tidal music to MP3, FLAC, etc. so you can import Tidal music to Apple Music or iTunes as local files for playback.

Since the lossless sound quality is retained, you can play original high-quality Tidal music on your HomePod. It also allows you to customize output parameters. AudFree Tidal Music Converter will convert Tidal songs at about 37X faster speed and save them as local files. This way, you can transfer the converted Tidal tracks to Apple Music or iTunes music library and then play Tidal on HomePod/HomePod Mini as well as other devices. You can play Tidal music anywhere even if you cancel the Tidal subscription.

These steps will guide you to use the AudFree Tidal Music Converter to convert and download Tidal music locally. Then you can sync the converted Tidal songs to Apple Music or iTunes for playback on Apple HomePod.

Step 1. Add Tidal music to AudFree Tidal Converter

Please launch the AudFree Tidal Music Converter. Just locate the music track you want in the built-in Tidal web player, then touch the "+" > "Add to list" button to load Tidal music automatically.

Step 2. Customize Tidal output settings for HomePod

Click the top-right menu bar and choose the "Preferences" > "Conversion" option. Here you can customize the audio format, bit rate, sample rate, etc. as needed.

Step 3. Download Tidal music for playing on HomePod

Now, hit the "Convert" button at the bottom of the "Converting" interface. Then this software will start converting Tidal music to local audio files. In general, it works at about 37X faster speed to get local Tidal audio tracks. After the conversion, you can find all Tidal tracks in the destination folder by clicking the "Converted" icon.

Step 4. Upload Tidal music to Apple Music/iTunes Library

Now you have the compatible Tidal music files with Apple Music or iTunes app. You can first transfer Tidal to Apple Music library or move Tidal music to iTunes. Then follow the steps below to play Tidal music on HomePod from iTunes or Apple Music app.

Step 1. Launch the iTunes or Apple Music app on your Windows or Mac computer.

Step 2. Locate the added Tidal music in your music app and start playing.

Step 3. Tap the AirPlay icon at the top of the music app window and choose HomePod from the list. Then the Tidal music will play on your HomePod.

Part 4. How to Fix Tidal Not Working on HomePod

If you are unable to play Tidal through your HomePod, please try the following troubleshooting steps before resetting the speaker.

Issue 1: HomePod Doesn't Appear in AirPlay

Fix: First, ensure that your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is on the same Wi-Fi network as your HomePod. Confirm that the HomePod is powered on and responding correctly. Close and restart the Tidal app, then check the audio output menu again. Also, make sure that both your Apple device and your HomePod are updated to the latest software versions.

Issue 2: HomePod Is Connected But No Tidal Music Plays

Fix: Please confirm that a song is actually playing in Tidal. Turn up the volume on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and check the volume settings on the speakers themselves. Try playing a different track to see if the issue is limited to that specific track or if it affects everything you play. Disconnect the HomePod from AirPlay, then select it again. Restart the Tidal app and try once more.

Issue 3: Tidal Keeps Disconnecting from HomePod

Fix: Try moving your Apple device closer to the router or HomePod, and check whether other devices on the same network are experiencing similar issues. You can also try restarting your Apple device and the HomePod. To restart the HomePod, you can use the Home app, or simply unplug the speaker from the power outlet, wait a few moments, and then plug it back in. Avoid resetting the HomePod unless all other, simpler troubleshooting methods have failed.

Issue 4: Tidal Plays on iPhone But Not on HomePod

Fix: First, please ensure that your HomePod is selected as the playback destination. If the playback destination is set correctly, try disconnecting and reconnecting AirPlay. Next, test by playing a different song or using a different application. If the issue persists, check for any available updates for the Tidal app, ensure that your Apple software is up to date, and investigate whether there are any service outages or network issues affecting playback.

Part 5. FAQs about Tidal on HomePod

There are commonly asked and concerned questions about Tidal on HomePod. We will go through them. Hope you find it useful.

Part 6. Final Thoughts

You can use 2 methods to play Tidal on HomePod and HomePod Mini. The easiest method is to use AirPlay from your iPhone, iPad or Mac to stream music directly.

If you want to play Tidal music without a subscription, you can use AudFree Tidal Music Converter. With it, you can convert Tidal music to iTunes or Apple Music-supported audio files. Then you can sync the converted Tidal songs to your music library and play them on HomePod via AirPlay. AudFree Tidal Converter can keep Tidal music as local files so you can play Tidal music on multiple devices without using the Tidal app or web player.