How to Fix HomePod Setup Failed (401)

by Rian

1st gen. HomePod is officially classified a “vintage” by Apple. I, for one, who benignly thought HomePod’s role in HomeKit is also depreciated, had to re-add the HomePod back to the home app.

Symptoms

When adding a HomePod to existing home in HomeKit, the app would produce “Setup Failed (401)” message after the login and agreeing to terms and conditions.

Solutions

1. Add HomePod as per usual from Home app or popup.
2. When the app prompts to pair the HomePod, select “other methods”, instead of lining the camera with the top of HomePod’s LED.
3. HomePod will now readout 4 digits long paring codes, enter them manually.
4. Setup process will now continue normally without 401 error message.
   

Afterthoughts

With the first HomePod now classified as a vintage, it is now more unlikely HomePods will receive significant updates until the next version. The lack of Apple Intelligence on HomePods is most daunting when you consider the only way to control HomePod directly is via voice command, where improved Siri would make a significant difference. What’s more, we are yet to find out how HomePod with old Siri will work with Apple Intelligence enabled Siri in the network.

Error 401 is usually indicative of HTTP error. When I started searching for possible solutions, my immediate hunch was to restart the router. Then it occurred to me something was simply off; if it is a network error, it seemed odd I was getting prompts for logins and terms and conditions.

As usual, I am hoping to find more information on this. I couldn’t find a support document for the specific error message, and the message itself is vague.