Someone found a way to fix broken HomePod software

Unlike the HomePod mini, both the original HomePod and the HomePod 2 lack a USB cable, meaning there’s no easy way to connect them to a computer to fix software issues. And unfortunately, there are plenty of users who’ve had their HomePods bricked due to software bugs. But someone has found a way to fix these HomePods.

Repairing original HomePods with corrupted software

As demonstrated in this video by Nic’s Fix, which specializes in repairing HomePods, there is a way to recover some original HomePods with corrupted software. It’s not easy and requires a bit of electronics knowledge, but it proves that damaged HomePods aren’t necessarily doomed to be thrown away.

This is made possible by a proprietary connector hidden under the HomePod’s base. This connector is used by Apple for diagnostics, but with the right tools (and a special adapter), you can use it to connect your HomePod to your Mac.

Since Apple doesn’t provide IPSW files for the original HomePod (since it doesn’t have a USB port), restoring it requires using OTA files linked to the Apple TV firmware — after all, the HomePod also runs tvOS. The tool, which is available on GitHub, provides a step-by-step guide for restoring the software to the original HomePod.

Nic says he plans to build and sell the USB adapter required to connect a HomePod to a Mac, which would make it much easier for people to fix a broken HomePod at home. Those with a little more knowledge can try making their own adapter using a 3D printer with this model available here .

Apple is forcing users to replace their HomePods instead of repairing them.

Again, while fixing a HomePod yourself isn’t easy, the bottom line is that there is a way to do it. However, Apple itself insists on charging users for out-of-warranty repairs when the HomePod software is broken.

“The obvious question is why would Apple tell customers it’s a hardware issue and sell them out-of-warranty replacements for something so easily recoverable? We literally just plug in a USB cable and hit ‘restore.’ That should be a crime,” Nic said in a post on X.

For example, Apple charges $279 to replace an original HomePod that has already expired its warranty, while purchasing a new HomePod 2 costs $299.

Since Apple now has a do-it-yourself repair program, it would be nice if the company admitted there was a way to save broken HomePods.