Would you like to output the sound from your game consoles such as Playstation 5 or Nintendo Switch via Apple’s HomePods?
This is now possible with a few settings. In this article, I’ll show you how the connection works quickly and easily.
Prerequisites
If you want to play the sound of your console via the HomePods, there are a few requirements: You need two HomePods configured as a stereo pair and connected to your TV or projector via an AppleTV 4K (2nd generation).
Make sure that you really have the 2nd generation of the AppleTV 4K. Unfortunately, the first generation does not support eARC.
Whether the HomePods are the large or mini models is irrelevant for this application.
Your TV or projector must also have an HDMI connection with eARC function. Most devices from the last 6-8 years already have eARC on board.
Connect Apple TV to TV via eARC
For everything to work, your Apple TV 4K should be connected to the HDMI port of the TV labeled eARC.
Otherwise, the sound from your game console cannot be transmitted to the HomePods. Of course, the eARC function must also be activated in the TV menu.
Apple TV settings
The HomePods must be set as the default audio output in the Apple TV settings. The TV audio playback must be set to “On (eARC)” under the menu item Audio return channel.
Connecting the game console to the TV
Your game console can now be connected to any HDMI port on the TV.
If you have set everything up correctly, the sound should now be transmitted from the console to the HomePods via the Apple TV.
Most game consoles such as the Nintendo Switch have settings for the sound output. At best, this should always be set to Automatic and not Stereo or Surround.
Lars Grudzinski has been working as a sound and lighting technician since the 90s, was a DJ for electronic music, has a large collection of vintage speakers, and has been working for various radio stations in Germany for 20 years. At home, he enjoys high-quality home theater products such as soundbars and projectors and has installed an extensive Sonos system in his own home.