Use HomePod as a PC speaker on Windows 10/11
Yes, you can use a HomePod as a Windows PC speaker. ToneRelay is a Windows 10/11 app that sends the current Windows default-output audio to HomePod or HomePod mini over your local network. It works with Spotify, YouTube, browsers and desktop apps that use that output.
All HomePod models supported
ToneRelay supports the full HomePod lineup: HomePod (1st generation), HomePod (2nd generation), and HomePod mini.
Play Windows 10/11 x64 default-output audio on a configured HomePod over the same reachable local network. ToneRelay has been tested with HomePod software 27.
| HomePod model | ToneRelay support |
|---|---|
| HomePod (1st generation) | Playback supported |
| HomePod (2nd generation) | Playback supported |
| HomePod mini | Playback supported |
From installation to playback: complete setup guide
Follow HomePod setup, ToneRelay installation, firewall approval, device selection and first playback, then configure startup and automatic connection.
Tested with HomePod software version 27
ToneRelay has been tested with HomePod software version 27 for Windows 10/11 default-output playback to HomePod on the same local network. After an update, distinguish missing discovery, failed connections and no sound, then check networking, speaker access and audio output. Trial your own setup and verify other senders separately with the current firmware.
Can a HomePod play Windows PC audio?
Yes. ToneRelay sends the current Windows 10/11 x64 default output over the local network to HomePod or HomePod mini. Set up the HomePod first, keep both devices on a reachable local network, then select the speaker in ToneRelay. This is network audio, not Bluetooth pairing. Per-app routing, stereo pairs and multi-room playback are not supported; test audio delay during the seven-day trial before buying.
Find the failing stage
| Symptom | Check | Expected result | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| No HomePod in the list | Check power and the Home app’s Wi-Fi network. Put the PC on the same trusted LAN; test without a VPN or guest network. | The intended speaker appears in ToneRelay. | If still absent, check router client isolation and ToneRelay’s firewall permission, then refresh discovery. |
| Speaker listed, connection fails | Check Home app → Home Settings → Speakers & TV for speaker access and password requirements. | ToneRelay establishes a session with the selected HomePod. | Recheck access and any authentication prompt. Record the exact error rather than repeatedly changing audio devices. |
| Playing, but no audible sound | Play a known local audio clip. Check Windows default output, app mixer mute and HomePod volume. | The same clip is audible on the selected HomePod. | If PC playback works but HomePod output does not, save the session state and use the system-audio guide. |
Official settings references
Apple documents HomePod network and speaker-access settings; Microsoft documents Windows output and mixer troubleshooting. Menu names may vary by software version. These references explain settings, not a certification of ToneRelay compatibility. This guide provides a diagnostic procedure, not measured results for your hardware.
Which connection method fits your audio?
Choose based on what you want to play. ToneRelay handles Windows default-output audio; Apple Music and iTunes for Windows have their own AirPlay selectors for music inside those apps.
| What you want to hear | Connection method | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Windows apps, browser audio and system sounds | ToneRelay on the Windows PC | HomePod or HomePod mini on the same local network; playback delay is present. |
| Music inside Apple Music or iTunes for Windows | The AirPlay selector in the music app | This plays that app’s own content; Spotify, YouTube and other system sound do not automatically follow. |
| A Windows Bluetooth speaker | ToneRelay uses the local network | Pairing in Windows Bluetooth settings is not the ToneRelay setup path. |
| Stereo pairs, multiple rooms or live audio monitoring | Choose a solution built for those needs | The current ToneRelay release does not support these uses. |
Before you connect
- A Windows 10 or Windows 11 x64 PC with normal sound output working.
- A powered HomePod or HomePod mini that has already completed Apple setup.
- A shared local network that allows the PC and speaker to communicate. Guest Wi-Fi and client isolation can prevent discovery.
Setup outline
- Download ToneRelay from the official download page and run the Windows installer.
- Approve the installer’s Windows Firewall permission for local playback. The current installer is unsigned; review the download page’s verification details if SmartScreen appears.
- Keep the PC and HomePod on the same local network, then open ToneRelay.
- Select HomePod or HomePod mini in ToneRelay and start playback.
- Play a familiar track or browser video through the Windows default output. Confirm ToneRelay reaches Playing and that the selected speaker produces sound.
When ToneRelay is a good fit
ToneRelay suits music, podcasts and everyday desktop listening on HomePod. For video, use the trial to check whether the audio delay works for you. It does not provide zero-latency gaming, live instrument monitoring, separate per-app routing, stereo-pair synchronization or multi-room playback.
Try your setup before buying
The local 7-day trial starts at the first successful Playing state and needs no account. ToneRelay Pro costs USD $14.99 once for a permanent license for Windows, plus applicable taxes at checkout. There is no subscription.
Continue setup and troubleshooting
Choose a tool and solve common problems
Verify playback on your own equipment
Use this repeatable check with your own devices. These are test instructions, not published hardware measurements. Keep the source and environment constant and change one setting at a time.
| Record | Include |
|---|---|
| Versions and date | Actual test date, Windows version and build, ToneRelay 0.1.0, HomePod model and firmware. |
| Playback environment | PC Wi-Fi or Ethernet, source and player, and current default output. Hide device names and network details in public material. |
| Observed result | Record discovery, connection, audible output, reconnection, interruptions and video sync separately; Playing does not prove all checks pass. |
- Play a familiar local audio clip through the current Windows default output. Confirm both Playing in ToneRelay and audible sound from the selected HomePod.
- Pause and resume the source audio. Check that the sound you hear follows the same source, allowing for playback delay.
- Close and reopen ToneRelay, select the same speaker and replay the clip. Record whether discovery and audible playback work again.
Choose the next step for your setup
Check the requirements first, then follow the guide that matches your speaker or symptom. Try on your own equipment before buying.
HomePod model verification and other AirPlay speakers
ToneRelay supports all HomePod models: HomePod (1st generation), HomePod (2nd generation) and HomePod mini. Windows 10/11 x64 default-output audio plays on one speaker over a reachable local network. Stereo pairs and multi-room are outside the current scope. Sonos and IKEA SYMFONISK remain Planned; a Pro purchase does not enable these devices.
Related setup and troubleshooting guides
Frequently asked questions
Which HomePod models does ToneRelay support?
ToneRelay supports the full HomePod lineup: HomePod (1st generation), HomePod (2nd generation), and HomePod mini. Play Windows 10/11 x64 default-output audio on a configured HomePod over the same reachable local network. ToneRelay has been tested with HomePod software 27.
Can I connect HomePod to a Windows PC with Bluetooth?
Not as a standard Bluetooth PC speaker. ToneRelay uses AirPlay over the local network, after the HomePod has been set up.
Can ToneRelay send only one app to HomePod?
ToneRelay captures the current Windows default output. It does not offer separate per-app routing; audio sent to a different output may not be included.
What should I test before buying ToneRelay?
Use the seven-day trial to check speaker discovery, audible output, reconnecting and delay with your actual PC, HomePod and usual apps. A Playing label alone is not proof that sound is audible.
What software connects Windows to HomePod?
ToneRelay is one option for Windows 10/11 default-output audio to HomePod or HomePod mini on the same local network. It includes a 7-day local trial; Pro is USD $14.99 one-time plus applicable taxes.
Can I play YouTube or Spotify from my PC on HomePod?
Yes. ToneRelay can send YouTube, Spotify and other app audio to HomePod when the app plays through the current Windows default output. It does not route apps independently.
Do I select HomePod in Windows Sound settings?
Select the HomePod in ToneRelay. Keep the source app playing through the normal Windows default output; ToneRelay uses that audio as its source.
Does ToneRelay replace first-time HomePod setup?
No. Complete Apple’s HomePod setup with an iPhone or iPad before using ToneRelay. ToneRelay supplies the Windows playback connection to the already configured speaker.
Can ToneRelay play to two HomePods as a stereo pair?
No. The current ToneRelay release supports HomePod or HomePod mini, without stereo-pair or multi-room synchronization.
Is ToneRelay an Apple product?
No. ToneRelay is independent and is not affiliated with or certified by Apple.
Does ToneRelay support HomePod software version 27?
Yes. ToneRelay has been tested with HomePod software version 27 for local-network playback of Windows default-output audio to HomePod. Use the seven-day trial to verify your own device and network.