How to Disable HomePod mini Proximity Notifications and Vibrations on iPhone

In order to facilitate media transfer functionality, Apple has introduced a new HomePod mini feature in iOS 14.4 that offers haptic feedback when your iPhone is near the smart speaker. The moment iPhone gets close to the speaker, it starts vibrating and HomePod mini controls pop up on the screen, allowing you to perform certain actions. But what if transferring media to the speaker is not on top of your mind all the time, wouldn’t you find the repeated haptic feedback annoying? Most probably, you would. This is where this quick guide about how to disable proximity notifications and vibrations on iPhone comes into play.

Turn Off HomePod mini Proximity Notifications & Vibrations on iPhone

For those unfamiliar, iOS already lets you transfer media to HomePod just by bringing the iPhone close to the top of the smart speaker. With the addition of proximity alerts/vibrations, Apple is trying to streamline the process and make it even better.

Though the haptic feedback appears only on the iPhone 11 and 12, you can turn off the “Transfer to HomePod” feature on any iPhone. Do note that when you turn it off on other iPhone models like Xs or XR, it will stop the standard transfer interface from showing up.

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Now, tap on General.

3. Next, tap on AirPlay & Handoff.

4. Next up, turn off the switch right next to “Transfer to HomePod”. 

Take Control of HomePod Mini Proximity Notifications & Vibrations

That’s it! Your iPhone won’t try to transfer media to your ‌HomePod mini‌ when it’s near the smart speaker. As a result, the haptic feedback and song transfer interface will no longer pop up on the screen. Of course, you can change this behavior if you ever wish to take advantage of this new feature.

Priced at $99, HomePod mini is designed to take on Amazon Echo and Google Home which are currently ruling the market as the leading smart speakers. While Apple’s offering may not yet be the most loved speaker, it definitely has got the quality to disturb the duopoly of Amazon and Google’s speakers. What’s your take on it?