If moving an iPhone close to a HomePod doesn’t transfer the audio, try choosing the HomePod from the AirPlay list. These two tests tell you more than replacing the speaker does.
Start with one phone and one speaker
Play a short track and select the intended HomePod explicitly as the output. Confirm that sound moves to that room rather than a different speaker with a similar name. Then return playback to the phone and follow Apple’s proximity-transfer instructions for your devices. Use the same track and speaker for both attempts.
Separate discovery from the gesture
If AirPlay works but bringing the phone close does not, investigate Apple’s transfer prerequisites and settings before replacing hardware. If the speaker is missing from the output list too, check its availability and network first. For a used purchase, ask to see the specific method you intend to rely on rather than accepting a generic playback demonstration.
See the manufacturer’s guidance for current requirements. Related: homepod stereo pair used matching model.
