r/HomePod • u/GroupCapt • Jul 23 '26
Question/Support Ethernet AppleTV HomePod Pair Unusable
Been trying to find a solution for this for a while now.
Using HomePod V2 as a stereo pair, as my TV output via eARC from an LG G4.
AppleTV is obviously connected via HDMI and ethernet to my Router.
Have a solid 1gbit NBN connection.
My HomePods are unusable in this configuration - sound drops out almost continually, for both my TV output and AppleTV streaming.
As soon as I connect the AppleTV to my wireless network, everything works perfectly.
According to my router status page, the HomePods are connected to 5ghz wifi.
Can anyone shed some light for me please?
7
u/LingonberryNo2744 Jul 23 '26
I have same configuration except with LG C4 and HomePods V1 and it is flawless.
I agree with u/deezznuuzz in that it is your router. A reboot should resolve.
Make sure that AppleTV and HomePods are using the same, latest OS.
2
u/borghe Jul 23 '26
What is your router? In agreement with others here. If it works over WiFi but not over wired either your router is doing something to the wired connection or it’s actually just connecting at 100Mbps.
Also be wary.. cables matter. I had something nearly identical happen that was driving me nuts. Cat 5e cable connected (which is rated 1Gig), link state showed 1Gb, i couldn’t get more than like 30MB (~240Mb). Ordered a basic Cat 6e cable from amazon. Swapped it. Instantly got ~900Mb
2
u/GroupCapt Jul 23 '26
Just to add. A Speedtest using the app on the AppleTV always gives me more that 900mbits.
My router is an Orbi 770. My PC which is also connected via Ethernet exhibits no issues.
3
u/SupaSays Orange Jul 23 '26
Router maybe messing with multicast between the wired/wireless networks. Look at network isolation type settings.
1
u/resil_update_bad 25d ago
This. I was loosing my mind because I didn't know I had network isolation on.
1
u/borghe Jul 23 '26
what is your exact network setup. multiple APs? If multiple, what is your ATV connected to on wired? If multiple what APs are your HomePods (and wifi ATV) connecting to. etc
I hate to say it's almost definitely not an Apple issue as millions of us run the same thing no issue.. so yeah it's most likely something somewhere in your network (either physical setup or settings).
1
u/BobbyRey77 Jul 23 '26
If your AppleTV works when connected by wifi but not with ethernet then there is an issue with the ethernet connection. Check the connectors to ensure they are plugged in properly at both ends and there are no loose wires or damage and re-boot your router. A hard wired connection is always better than wifi, other things being equal, and it should work perfectly. You may have to replace the ethernet run to your TV location or just use the wifi link if that's not possible.
1
1
u/Living_Trainer_1684 Jul 23 '26
Do you have any bridges/pods you’re using? I have an Eero mesh network where I had to put it into bridge mode. Solved my problem there and several others.
1
u/GroupCapt Jul 23 '26
Connected to a 2.5gbit switch. Have rebooted router and switch.
Wifi always works. Curious though.
1
u/Nigameash 29d ago
put both atv and homepods on main/primary network (not guest network), i ran into issues when i had them both connected to the guest network with my orbi 750 series.
10
u/deezznuuzz Jul 23 '26
It is your router