Play local media on Apple HomePod

Hello,

unfortunately it is not possible for me to play local audio files (mp3) via HA on HomePod.

Using media_player.play_media I get “Unknown Error”, I also get “miniaudio.DecodeError: (‘failed to init decoder’, -1)”.

I’ve also tried using a file I put in www, which also didn’t work.

Searching up this issue online unfortunately only resulted in years-old discussions that didn’t help me.

Is it possible at all to play local files on HomePod without having to use an Apple device (Intercom)?

i am having the same issues, i can no longer play a locally stored file on my homepods.

i get this error when trying to play a locally HA stored mp3:
Log details (ERROR)

Logger: homeassistant.components.apple_tv.media_player
Source: components/apple_tv/media_player.py:362
integration: Apple TV (documentation, issues)
First occurred: 9:15:43 PM (10 occurrences)
Last logged: 9:26:40 PM

Media streaming is not possible with current configuration

This has been working for me for years and now seems to have broken when updated to 4.2026

I was able to fix it thanks to my brain giving me a random idea:

Solution:
Install Music Assistant. Literally, that fixed it.