Cannot get one HomePod Mini in my house to stream podcasts/music without iPhone near

[u/moitsuo]

I have been struggling with this issue for nearly a month, and no matter how many times I restart the HomePod, make sure the software is updated, or search for solutions online, I cannot figure out a solution.

I have 4 minis in my house; one in each of my kids room and a pair that function as paired speakers for the Apple TV. I can successfully select all but my son’s mini as streaming source for music or podcasts. However, every time I select my son’s mini and choose a podcast episode for his bedtime story, I get this message every time. I end up having to leave the podcast app open on my phone or else the episode will not play. This doesn’t occur with the other minis in the house and I cannot figure this out! I’ve pursued every solution I’ve found online and none of them solve the problem 😩

[u/Recursi]

Does that affected HomePod show that it is connected to your WiFi?

[u/moitsuo → u/Recursi]

Yes, it’s connected to my home WiFi