How to Play Apple Music on Google Home: Working Methods for 2025

Google Home devices now support Apple Music as a native streaming option, but playing your music requires different methods depending on your device and setup. Here are the verified ways to stream Apple Music through your Google Home speaker, from simple Bluetooth pairing to native integration.

What is Apple Music on Google Home?

As of 2024-2025, Google has officially announced Apple Music support on Nest Audio, Nest Hub Max, Nest Mini, and other Google Assistant-enabled speakers and displays. You can now set Apple Music as your default music streaming service on these devices. However, the integration methods vary depending on whether you’re using native streaming or audio pairing from your iPhone. Current as of: Google Home/Nest devices (2024-2025 firmware) - January 2025

Why Use This Feature?

• Stream your entire Apple Music library on a connected speaker without needing additional apps
• Use voice commands to play specific songs, artists, or playlists (with native setup)
• Create a seamless smart home experience that respects your music subscription choice
• Control playback from anywhere on your WiFi network using the Google Home app

Things to Consider

• Google Home devices do NOT support AirPlay natively (AirPlay is Apple-only technology). Third-party solutions like Starling Home Hub exist but require additional hardware.
• iPhone users cannot use screen casting to Google Home devices—screen casting is only available on Android. However, you can use media controls in the Google Home app to control playback.
• Bluetooth pairing works reliably but requires manual pairing setup and may need re-pairing occasionally.
• Internet connection requirements vary by method: Bluetooth requires both devices on the same WiFi network for optimal performance; native Apple Music integration requires stable internet connection.

How to Stream Apple Music to Google Home: Three Working Methods

Method 1: Set Apple Music as Your Default Service (Native Integration)

If your Google Home device supports native Apple Music integration:

1. Open the Google Home app on your iPhone or Android device. [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Google Home app home screen with speaker device list visible]

2. Select your Google Home or Nest speaker device from the list. [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Device card showing speaker name and connection status]

3. Tap the Settings icon (gear icon) in the top right corner. [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Settings menu expanded showing various options]

4. Scroll down and select ‘Music and Audio’ or ‘Default Music Service’. [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Settings menu showing Music and Audio section highlighted]

5. Choose ‘Apple Music’ from the available music services list. [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Music service selection screen with Apple Music option visible]

6. Sign in with your Apple ID when prompted and authorize the connection. [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Apple ID sign-in screen]

7. Once configured, you can ask Google Home: “Hey Google, play [song/artist/playlist] on Apple Music” to stream your library. [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Google Home speaker in a room setting]

Device Compatibility: Check if your device supports this feature—Nest Audio, Nest Mini, and Nest Hub Max have confirmed support. Verify in your device manual or the Google Store product page.

Method 2: Use Bluetooth Pairing (Most Reliable Workaround)

Bluetooth pairing works on all modern Google Home devices and provides the most straightforward workaround:

1. Enable Bluetooth pairing on your Google Home speaker. Say “Hey Google, Bluetooth Pairing Mode” or open the Google Home app, select your device, tap Settings > Bluetooth > Pairing Mode. [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Google Home app Settings screen with Bluetooth option visible]

2. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth. [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: iPhone Settings app with Bluetooth section open]

3. Look for your Google Home device name (e.g., “Living Room Speaker” or “Google Home Mini”) in the available devices list. [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: iPhone Bluetooth device list showing Google Home device]

4. Tap the device name to pair. You may see a pairing confirmation—confirm the connection on both devices if prompted. [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Pairing confirmation dialog on iPhone]

5. Once paired, the device will show “Connected” in your Bluetooth settings. [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: iPhone Bluetooth settings showing connected Google Home device]

6. Open Apple Music on your iPhone and play any song. Audio automatically routes through your Google Home speaker. [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Apple Music app playing a song with Bluetooth speaker indicator]

7. Control playback directly from Apple Music (play, pause, skip, volume) on your iPhone. [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Apple Music player controls with song details]

Network Requirement: Ensure both your iPhone and Google Home speaker are on the same WiFi network. If pairing fails, restart your iPhone’s WiFi and unplug the Google Home speaker for 10 seconds, then try again.

Persistent Connection: Bluetooth pairs remain active, so your iPhone will automatically connect to your Google Home speaker when you open Apple Music on future uses.

Method 3: Use Google Home App Media Controls (Limited Control)

For playback control without casting:

1. Ensure your iPhone and Google Home speaker are on the same WiFi network.

2. Open the Google Home app on your iPhone. [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Google Home app home screen]

3. Select your speaker device from the list. [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Device card showing speaker selection]

4. Tap the media player button (play icon or speaker icon at the bottom of the device card). [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Device card with media control area highlighted]

5. Open Apple Music on your iPhone and start playing music. [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Apple Music app playing a song]

6. Use the controls in the Google Home app to manage playback: pause, skip, adjust volume, or go to previous tracks. [PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Google Home app showing media playback controls]

Important Note: This method provides remote control of playback but does NOT allow you to “cast” your entire screen. Audio still routes through your iPhone speaker unless you use Bluetooth (Method 2) or native Apple Music integration (Method 1).

Verification Checklist Before You Start

• ✓ Check device compatibility: Google Home Mini, Google Home (2nd generation and newer), Nest Mini, Nest Audio, and Nest Hub Max all support Bluetooth pairing.
• ✓ Verify both devices are on the same WiFi network (check: Settings > WiFi on iPhone, and open Google Home app to confirm speaker is “Connected”).
• ✓ Update your Google Home app to the latest version (check App Store for updates).
• ✓ Ensure your Apple Music subscription is active and signed in on your iPhone.
• ✓ If Bluetooth pairing fails, restart both devices: unplug the speaker for 10 seconds and toggle iPhone WiFi off/on.

Quick Comparison: Which Method Works Best for You?

Method 1 (Native Integration): Best if your device supports it. Enables voice commands like “Hey Google, play Taylor Swift on Apple Music.” Requires initial setup in Google Home app but works most naturally once configured. Recommended for daily Apple Music users.

Method 2 (Bluetooth): Best for immediate, reliable results. Works on all modern Google Home devices. Requires manual pairing once, then automatic connection on future uses. Recommended if native integration isn’t available on your device.

Method 3 (App Controls): Best as a backup option. Provides basic playback control but doesn’t route audio to the speaker unless combined with Bluetooth. Useful for adjusting volume remotely when you’re already using Method 2.

Recommendation: Start with Method 1 if your device supports native Apple Music (Nest Audio, Nest Mini, Nest Hub Max, or check Google Store for your specific model). If that’s unavailable, use Method 2 (Bluetooth pairing), which works reliably across all modern devices and requires only a one-time setup.

Playing Apple Music on Google Home is now straightforward with native integration available on supported devices, or through the reliable Bluetooth pairing method on any modern speaker. Test the method that matches your device and setup to start enjoying your music library on your Google Home speaker today.