How to use the Touch Controls on the HomePod

Here's how to use Touch Controls on the HomePod.

The HomePod Mini's compact display at the top can be used for everything from pausing music to skipping tracks. If you don't like using the Hey Siri function on your HomePod, the touch controls are really handy.

You will find a touch control surface at the top of the HomePod and the HomePod mini. This is the screen that lights up with a variety of colors.

You should see colors in motion when the HomePod or HomePod Mini is listening to you, when the device is processing a request, or when used as an internal communication system.

When your HomePod is playing something, you'll see a white light in the center of the screen. When your HomePod is inactive, the screen will go blank.

Here are all the ways to use touch controls on HomePod and HomePod mini:

1. Activate Siri: Press and hold the touch surface to activate Siri (don't need to say 'Hey Siri' if you're next to the HomePod mini).
2. Adjust volume: Press the '+' or '-' buttons on the HomePod to increase or decrease the volume. You can press and hold the buttons to make changes faster.
3. Pause / Resume: If you want to quickly pause or resume playback, tap once on the touch surface. This is the fastest way to mute HomePod.
4. Play the next track: Double-tap the touch surface to skip to the next track.
5. Go back to the previous track: Triple-tap HomePod to go back to the previous track. This will only work if you are listening to an existing playlist or an album.
6. Stop an alarm: If you leave the HomePod Mini on your bedside table and you want to use it for your alarm, here's some good news: Just touching the touch surface will turn it off.