homepod 2 gets super hot to the touch even when it's just sitting there idle, is this normal?

Diagnosis

The Apple HomePod 2nd Generation is designed with a fanless, convection-based cooling system that utilizes the internal chassis and outer fabric mesh to dissipate heat. Under normal idle conditions, the device should feel lukewarm. If the device feels "super hot"—specifically if the top surface is uncomfortable to touch or if you smell warm plastic—the system is likely experiencing a "CPU runaway" state. This happens when the S7 chip is locked in a high-power cycle, often caused by a corrupted background process, a failing HomeKit automation loop, or an unstable Wi-Fi handshake. When the HomePod struggles to maintain a connection to your 5GHz band, the wireless radio increases power output to maintain the link. This creates a localized heat spike near the top of the unit. Additionally, if the device is placed on a soft surface (like a plush tablecloth or a thick coaster), the bottom intake vents are obstructed, preventing the natural airflow required to cool the internal amplifier and processor. You can confirm a software-related heat spike if the device becomes unresponsive to "Hey Siri" commands or if the audio begins to stutter due to thermal throttling.

How to Fix It

To resolve excessive heat and reset the thermal state of the processor, follow these precise steps:

1. Perform a Hard Power Cycle: Do not simply restart via the Home app. Unplug the power cable from the base of the HomePod (or the wall outlet) and leave it disconnected for exactly 60 seconds. This clears the volatile memory (RAM) and forces the S7 chip to reset its thermal management clock.
2. Clear the Airflow Path: Ensure the HomePod is sitting on a hard, flat surface. Remove any decorative doilies, cloth coasters, or narrow shelves that wrap around the base. There should be at least 2 inches of open space around the entire circumference of the device.
3. Optimize Network Stability: Open the Home app on your iPhone. Navigate to the HomePod settings and check the signal strength. If the signal is fluctuating, move the device closer to your Wi-Fi router or add a mesh node within 15 feet of the HomePod. A stable connection prevents the radio from overheating.
4. Update HomePod Software: Go to Home app > HomePod Settings > Software Update. Ensure you are on the latest version of HomePod OS, as Apple frequently releases "under-the-hood" patches to fix CPU spikes and energy efficiency bugs.

If That Didn't Work

• Audit HomeKit Automations: Check for "looping" automations in the Home app. For example, if you have a trigger that tells the HomePod to play a sound when a sensor is tripped, but that sound somehow triggers the sensor again, the processor will run at 100% capacity indefinitely. Delete any complex automations created in the last 48 hours to see if the temperature drops.
• Reset HomePod Network Settings: If the heat persists, the network cache may be corrupted. Unplug the HomePod, plug it back in, and immediately press and hold your finger on the top of the device. Continue holding as Siri tells you the device is resetting. Follow the on-screen prompts on your iPhone to reconnect it to the network from scratch.
• Disable "Listen for Hey Siri" Temporarily: In rare cases, the microphones may be stuck in a "constant listen" state due to acoustic interference. Try disabling the wake word in the Home app for an hour to see if the device cools down; if it does, the issue is likely environmental noise causing the processor to constantly analyze audio.
• Contact Apple Support for Hardware Failure: If the device is hot to the touch even after a factory reset and while disconnected from all automations, you likely have a failing capacitor or a short in the internal power supply. This is a hardware defect and requires a replacement under warranty.

Heads Up

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Never place the HomePod 2nd Gen in a window sill or direct sunlight. The black fabric absorbs UV heat rapidly, which can trigger a thermal shutdown.
• Avoid Tight Enclosures: Do not place the HomePod inside a cabinet or a narrow bookshelf. It requires 360-degree airflow to keep the S7 chip from throttling.
• Power Source Quality: Always use the original Apple power adapter. Third-party smart plugs with unstable voltage can cause the internal power converter to overheat.
• Dust Maintenance: Every few months, use a can of compressed air to gently blow out the bottom vents to remove dust buildup that may be insulating the heat.