HomePod can easily be converted into a lifesaver in the event of a fire

The HomePod is the ideal home assistant, but the device can do much more than you think. Did you know that you can also use it as a smoke detector?

It’s everyone’s worst nightmare: a fire in your house. You hope to never have to experience it, but if it does happen you want to be optimally prepared. That is why the government has also made smoke detectors mandatory in homes since this year. That’s great, of course, but you can now also use an extra tool: your HomePod.

The HomePod as a smoke detector

The HomePod can do much more than just play music and execute voice commands. This ingenious device can also detect a fire and does so in a very special way.

In January, Apple announced the new Sound Recognition feature. That was at the same time as the launch of the HomePod 2. With this new feature, your HomePod listens for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

When the HomePod receives the alarm, the device forwards it to your iPhone. You will then receive a warning via the Home app. You will probably hear the alarm when you are at home, but this is of course a useful addition when you are on the road.

By the way, this function does not only work on the HomePod 2. It is also available on the first generation and the mini. And that of course saves a lot of money, because you don’t have to buy a more expensive new one or an expensive smart home accessory.

This is how you set up the iPhone notification

As mentioned, the function is now available on your HomePod, but you have to turn it on. We tell you exactly how to do that

1. Open the Home app and click on three dots at the top right
2. Go to Home settings
3. Go to safety
4. Turn on sound recognition

You may not see Security yet. For this you need to have both the latest version of the HomePod and the Home app installed.

In order for the function to work, you also need a regular smoke and carbon monoxide detector, otherwise the HomePod cannot recognize the sound. Do yourself a favor and really buy one or more, because prevention is better than cure.