Issue with using Airplay from Itunes on a desktop computer to Homepod

I have the same problem. I have two Homepods and an iHome speaker connected to my home WiFi (an update Apple Airport router). When listening to music from iTunes on my iMac. The Homepods stop playing every 2-3 minutes while the iHome speaker keeps playing. Looking under the connected speakers box in iTunes, both Homepods are still connected but now have a (–) instead of a check. Clicking on the Homepods makes them start playing again.

All software is updated (though my Mac is still running High Sierra). The suggested articles have not helped.

Hello Inthedeep.

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. I understand that when your use AirPlay from your Mac to your HomePod that it disconnects after a few minutes. I’m happy to help.

If you haven’t done so already, please restart your Mac and your router. Do you get an error message? If so, what is the exact error message you receive?

Let’s try the steps here: If AirPlay or screen mirroring isn’t working on your device - Apple Support

Does the AirPlay work as expected when trying the steps here: How to test an issue in another user account on your Mac - Apple Support

Take care.

Welcome back Inthedeep.

Did the HomePod work as expected in the test user account? If not, please try the steps here: Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac - Apple Support

I also recommend using the steps here to update the HomePod: Update HomePod - Apple Support

If you still need help, please contact Apple Support here: Get Support

Take care.

I airplay to a stereo and HomePod, HomePod really adds depth to the sound... until it started to loose it's connection.

The stereo equipment that I airplay too, is airplay one compatible, the vendor (Yamaha) has yet to provide updates to make them airplay 2 compatible.

I was able to add a spare airport express to my network and it feeds Audio to the Stereo, this is working and allows HomePod and the stereo to be in sync, HomePod is no longer loosing connection.

The living room stereo is airplay one, the HomePod would loose it's connection (often around 30 seconds into a song) The stereo would continue to play.

Air-playing to both for ~ 9 months worked well, issues started when airplay2 was released about 2 months ago.

I had the same problem with a test user account. After playing music in iTunes, after a while both Homepods stop playing and appear as (-). They are still recognized by the computer but won't pay until re-slected.

It seems that Homepods can have difficulty with some fancy wifi systems. If you are able to, try disabling the 5Ghz band on your router. You may not want this disabled permanently but it will help isolate the problem.

I don't have a fancy wifi system but have the last version of the Airport base station. So I cannot disable the 5 Ghz band of the router. It is sad that an all Apple system does not seem to be able to consistently play music from iTunes through Homepods.