Is the affected network Zone connected with Ethernet or WiFi?
· Ethernet
Does the issue affect all file formats?
· The issue affects *multiple/all* file formats.
Does the issue happen with local library music, streaming service music, or both?
· *Both streaming and local* *library* music are affected.
Do you encounter any playback errors with the "System Output" Zone?
· I don't have a System Output available, but I'd like to keep troubleshooting
How is the affected Zone connected to your RoonServer machine?
· Network - WiFi
Which network audio protocol is the Zone using with Roon?
· Airplay
Since this is an Airplay Zone, have you tried toggling Airplay Compatibility Mode for this Zone in the Device Setup window?
· There is no change in behavior.
Does the device show up at all in Roon Settings -> Audio?
· The Zone is listed under the wrong protocol
Does the device play audio from another source when using the same connection?
· The device has no problems with another audio source
Have you checked that Roon is whitelisted in any firewalls?
· I've checked the firewall and the issue remains
If the device has multiple output options, do the other options work as expected?
· Multiple output types are affected
Is the device using the latest firmware as per the manufacturer?
· Firmware is up-to-date but the issue remains
Do you have an approximate timestamp of when the issue last occurred?
· 10/29 15:48:22 Warn: [airplay/rtsp] IOException in RTSP request: Unable to read data from the transport connection: Connection timed out and around here: 10/29 16:13:49 Trace: [airplay/client] Sending ANNOUNCE. This was around when AirPlaying from my MacBook stopped: 10/29 16:32:13 Error: getting null client....
What are the make and model of the affected audio device(s) and the connection type?
· HomePod original (MQHW2LL/A)
Describe the issue
My HomePod will suddenly stop playback. Sometimes it will drop out of the Roon list of options. Other times, it will be playing back according to Roon, but no audio is coming out. This happens when sending music directly to the HomePod or when Airplaying from another device like my iPhone or MacBook. Looking at the logs on my network, I do not see that the HomePod is disconnecting or dropping from the network.
Describe your network setup
UniFi, the HomePod is locked to a U6-Pro end point so it will not roam. The endpoint is about 15 feet from the HomePod.
I just had Roon stop streaming to my Mac as well. I haven’t had these issues before. Looking at my UniFi logs, the laptop did not roam or switch APs. I was literally sitting in a chair not moving when it stopped.
10/29 22:45:11 Trace: [raatserver] [RaatServer Mac @ 192.168.1.77:9200] lost client connection. Retrying(0)
10/29 22:45:11 Trace: [raatserver] [RaatServer Mac @ 192.168.1.77:9200] connecting (attempt 1)
10/29 22:45:11 Info: [transport] destroyed zone Nick’s M4 was playing? True
10/29 22:45:11 Trace: [zone Nick’s M4] Suspend
I had the issue today at 17:50 if you can look at the logs. I was streaming from Tidal and the audio stopped, but Roon still showed it playing. I then stopped it about 2 mins later and attempted to play again and now it is just locked up. I have the HomePod as an available zone, but nothing will play on it (17:54, 17:56 in logs)
I have not had this experience with other things playing, but I almost exclusively use Roon with it.
I was using it in normal mode, but did switch to Compatibility mode and that is what it is currently set to.
Just used some other Airplay apps and had a similar issue where the HomePod thought it was playing (volume control displayed on top of unit, app showing playback) and nothing was coming out of the speaker. If you see something in the logs, let me know otherwise I’ll just mark this as a HomePod that needs to be replaced.
Having a similar network to you and also HomePods, I have only had one issue with them when used with Roon. This was Roon’s side and addressed by an update as it affected Sonos AirPlay devices as well.
I run mine usually in a stereo pair. Occasionally I see that one is updated while the other gets stuck or just the update isn’t triggered. This requires me to ungroup them and run the update separately. They aren’t used often though, just in a spare room.
I just had the “playback without sound” issue again, even after the changes, so unless the Roon staff see something in the logs, I think the speaker is looking for a reason to be recycled.
To confirm, you’ve experienced this issue outside of Roon as well? If that’s the case, it could very well be the device itself and may be worth investigating any hardware-related issues.
So, this really became two issues: 1) Roon would just stop playing. That I can see in the logs. 2) Roon (and other apps) would be playing and would continue to report that they are playing, but no sound came out.
Apple just released iOS 26.1 for HomePod, so I’ll give a try for another few days and update here.
Audio drop out just happened (issue #2) in Overcast, so I’m guessing this is hardware and not specific to Roon. Thank you for your time looking into this @Benjamin and all the encouragement @Mr.Flibble!
1- Unplug the HomePods
2- Unplug your modem and router from electric, wait 60 seconds, and plug back in. Modem first, then router (If they are separate devices)
3- Perform a factory reset on the HomePods, then re-pair them.
If this happens again in the future you’ll need to perform the modem/router unplug routine again. I do it once a month and it clears hiccups and buffering issues before they start.
I have strong wi-fi and a robust internet connection. But with multiple cell phones and laptops coming and going in this house, who knows what undesired nastiness comes with them.
