How to Fix Blinking or Flashing Volume Buttons on Your Original HomePod
If you own an original, 1st Gen Apple HomePod and have encountered the frustrating issue of blinking or flashing volume buttons (+ and -) after a boot or a failed startup, you’re not alone. This common problem often leaves users with a device that fails to fully boot. Even after a successful reset, the OG HomePod will first show the spinning top wheel (the status light), and eventually default to the blinking, or flashing volume buttons.
But, don’t despair, there’s good news: This issue is more often a software issue than a hardware related malfunction, and can be repaired by restoring the HomePod firmware and software, bringing your device back to full functionality.
Why Does the HomePod Flash or Blink?
The blinking volume button issue on the original HomePod can arise due to multiple reasons. Here are the most common causes:
- Firmware/Software Failures: Failed or interrupted software updates are often the primary reason for the HomePod flashing lights.
- Hardware Issues: Problems with the logic board, such as NAND flash memory issues, can cause the device to malfunction. Occasionally, the connections between the NAND flash and the board gets corroded, which severs the communication with the flash memory. In such cases, the software restore attempt will fail with a prompt stating the the NAND initiation failed. This means that either the NAND itself is faulty, or the connections to the circuit board.Furthermore, the NAND flash memory cannot be replaced with another one – at least we don’t know a way at this time to make this happen. A working NAND from another identical original donor will not work as each NAND is dedicated to a certain logic board by Apple. So, the only option is to reball the NAND and hope that it is not the NAND itself that malfunctioned, but only the connections.
Our Process for Fixing HomePod Blinking Lights
Here’s how we perform a complete restoration for HomePods that show blinking volume buttons. By directly connecting to the HomePod’s diagnostic port and running our restoration software, we can diagnose and often fix software-related causes. In cases of hardware issues, we’re also equipped to repair or replace faulty components.
Step 1: Diagnostic Check
When a HomePod arrives showing flashing buttons, we start with a comprehensive diagnostic check. This allows us to determine whether the issue is software-based (common for HomePods that enter Recovery Mode) or if it’s hardware-related (often the case if the HomePod only boots into DFU mode).
Step 2: Connecting to the HomePod via USB Probe
Unlike traditional devices, the HomePod does not have an easily accessible USB port. To access it, we connect a USB probe to the diagnostic port located at the base of the HomePod. This step requires precision and special tools but is essential to access the device’s firmware for repair.
Step 3: Firmware and Software Reinstallation
Using a Mac and custom restoration commands, we reinstall the firmware, ensuring the device is restored to factory conditions. Here’s how this works:
- Preparing the Custom Firmware: Apple does not provide public restore files for the HomePod. Instead, we use a specialized software restoration process.
- Firmware Installation: We first connect to your HomePod using a special dongle, followed with a full system-restore over USB.
- Testing for Stability: After reinstallation, we thoroughly test your HomePod to ensure it functions properly, with no more flashing lights, booting issues, or audio malfunction.
Step 4: Post-Repair Testing
Once the firmware reinstallation is complete, we test all HomePod functionalities. This includes:
- Ensuring the device boots correctly without blinking volume buttons.
- Verifying audio playback, connectivity, and response to Siri commands.
Common Questions About HomePod Flashing Light Repairs
1. What if my HomePod has a hardware issue?
If we determine a hardware fault—such as a logic board problem or NAND memory failure— we will first attempt to repair it by reballing the NAND onto the logic board to address any connection related malfunction. If that does not work, we will have to replace the entire logic board with a working one, that is also matching the color of your HomePod (the logic boards contain the serial number hardcoded, which also determines the color of your HomePod).
We control this by simply controlling our inventory numbers for each service limited to the available spare logic boards for each color option.The good news is, even if the fault is a hardware related issues, which is much more involved than a software restoration in terms of repair, we will replace your logic board with an original spare at no extra cost to you.
2. Can I fix the flashing lights issue myself?
You certainly can, if you have the special cable that can tap into the diagnostics port at the bottom of the HomePod, accessible by removing the bottom resting pad of your HomePod. Once you do that, the other end of the cable should be attached to a Mac with the right software that can connect to the HomePod and run a complete restore.This is entirely doable, but not very practical for most people.
3. How long does the repair process take?
The repair process typically takes 10-15 business days, including diagnostics, restoration, and testing. With our USPS shipping service, the entire experience is streamlined for your convenience.
Fix Your Flashing Light Issue on Your Original HomePod
If you’d rather have us repair your blinking volume lights problem, feel free to ask any questions to us via our “Contact” page, and feel free to order our blinking volume light repair service.
