How to use the HomePod temperature and humidity sensor?

How to use the HomePod temperature and humidity sensor? In HomePod software version 16.3, Apple has allowed users to run automations based on the built-in temperature and humidity sensors in the HomePod 2 and HomePod mini.

Dynamic Island with Face ID under the screen in the Apple patent

In this article, I’ll show you how to view temperature and humidity sensor information in the Home app and how you can add automation. For example, you can set the fan to automatically turn on when the temperature rises to 30 degrees Celsius, for example.

Note: Temperature and humidity sensors are only available in HomePod 2 and HomePod mini.

Software Update for HomePod

Before you begin, you must update your HomePod mini or HomePod 2 to software version 16.3. For iPhone, iPad and Mac you must also update to iOS 16.3 / macOS 13.2.

To update the HomePod software, do:

1. Open the Home app.
2. Tap the three dots ••• icon in the top left corner and select Home Settings.
3. Click Software Update.
4. Wait a moment for the new version to appear, click Update.

If you don’t see any updates, your HomePod is running the latest version.

Using the sensor from the HomePod

1. Open the Home app and select the room where the ‌HomePod mini‌ or HomePod 2 is located.
2. On first use, you’ll wait a little while for the sensors to start working for information, then it will appear at the top of the room menu, providing live climate measurements. Click on Climate.
3. The Temperature and Humidity indicators will appear. Depending on your purpose, tap either of these options to enter the sensor’s settings.
4. In the menu that appears, you can change the name of the sensor, change the room the sensor is associated with, check the sensor’s status, and add automation.

Note: If you don’t see this after you’ve updated your HomePod, make sure you’ve updated your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the latest version (iOS 16.3 / macOS 13.2).

Hopefully through this article, you can think of many use cases to run automation based on the temperature and humidity sensors of the HomePod 2 and HomePod mini.