Support › iW1

Troubleshooting

Having Problems? Find answers to specific support topics.

• General

  • My remote control does not work.

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    1. Please ensure the plastic tab has been removed from the battery compartment. For instruction on how this can be achieved, please see the iHome iW1 user manual.
    2. Please replace the remote control's battery and test again.
    3. Please ensure there is nothing obstructing the IR receiver on the iHome iW1, this is located on the front beneath the speaker cloth next to where the status LED appears.
    4. Ensure you are using the correct iHome remote for your iHome iW1 (if you own more than one iHome product).

  • The iW1 doesn't respond or doesn't turn ON.

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    1. Verify that the adaptor is connected and the power outlet is always 'live' (not controlled by a wall switch).
    2. iW1 Hardware Reset.
       • Unplug the AC jack/remove the iW1 from the charging base.
       • Slide the rear Power Switch to the OFF and then ON position.
       • This will reset the iW1, wait 30 seconds for the iW1 to startup.

  • I've selected the iW1 speaker as my audio source, but I do not hear any music.

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    1. Verify that the volume is not muted or set to 0.
    2. Verify that there is not another iTunes library or iOS device connected to the iW1 speaker.
    3. Try restarting iTunes or your iOS device.
    4. Try restarting your iW1 by lifting the iW1 off the charging base and switch the rear power switch OFF and then ON.

  • My iPhone and/or iPod does not charge.

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    1. iPhone/iPod is not connected properly – Remove disconnect your iPhone/iPod from the USB sync cable and check for obstruction on the connectors in the USB sync cable, on your iPhone/iPod, or USB port on the iW1.
    2. Reset your iPhone/iPod - Please see the user manual or the Apple web site for details. Typically, holding the sleep button and the home button on a newer iPad, iPhone or iPod will reset it.
    3. Upgrade the software on your iPad, iPhone or iPod to the latest version by connecting it to a computer with iTunes installed and checking through iTunes that your unit has the most recent software. Update if needed.
    4. Verify that the iW1 is compatible with your iPod or iPhone.

    NOTE: The iHome iW1's USB connector works with:

    iPod touch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation), iPod nano (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation), iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 3G.

  • Sound crackles, hisses or is distorted.

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    1. Turn the iOS(iPod/iPad/iPhone) device or other source compent’s volume down.
    2. Make sure that the iPod’s device EQ setting is set to “OFF.”

  • Loud hum or buzzing.

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    1. Make sure that the USB sync cable is plugged all the way into your iPod or iPhone and connected all the way to the iHome AirPlay unit's USB port.
    2. Make sure that the audio cable is plugged all the way into the iHome AirPlay unit’s Aux Input jack.
    3. Replace the aux-in cable or iPod sync cable.
    4. Unplug the power supply and connect it to a different AC outlet.

  • Sound comes from only one speaker.

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    1. Make sure that the iPod/iPhone device is properly connected with the USB sync cable and connected to the iW1’s USB port.
    2. Make sure that the audio cable is plugged all the way into the Aux Input jack.
    3. Make sure that the audio cable is a stereo cable.

  • The front panel amber LED does not work

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    The mention of an "amber" LED is a typo in the product documentation. The iW1 uses a "red" LED for those status indications (e.g. the LED will be "red" solid when battery is charging)

  • The front panel green LED does not light when touching a button on the iW1.

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    This is a typo in the product documentation. The front panel LED will only turn green when controlling the iW1 from the included remote control. The LED will not turn green when pressing a button on the iW1.

• AirPlay & Network Setup

  • I'm trying to stream audio from my iPhone 4S, but it's not working as expected.

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    For iHome iW1 owners who have been experiencing issues with AirPlay audio streaming from iPhone 4S to iHome iW1, please be sure to upgrade your iPhone 4S to iOS 5.1 or later.

  • I've selected the iW1 speaker as my AirPlay audio source, but I do not hear any music.

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    1. Verify that the volume is not muted or set to 0.
    2. Verify that there is not another iTunes library or iOS device connected to the iW1 speaker.
    3. Try restarting iTunes or your iOS device.
    4. Try restarting your iW1 by lifting the iW1 off the charging base and switch the rear power switch OFF and then ON.
    5. Upgrade the software on your AirPlay compatible device (iTunes, iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch).

  • I am unable to connect the iW1 to my home Wi-Fi network.

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    1. If you have an iOS device with 4.0 or later, try using our free iHome Connect app.
    2. Verify that your Wi-Fi network is functioning and that the firmware of your router is up-to-date.
    3. Verify that your router is discoverable (must broadcast itself and not require user to type in the exact name).
    4. Must use WPA/WPA2 security (not WEP, or WPA/WPA2 enterprise).
    5. Move the iW1 closer to your network access point; the Wi-Fi signal is weak or the iW1 is out of range of your Wi-Fi network.
    6. Make sure that the SSID name of your home router consists of normal characters or digits, with no space or special characters like %/#/* inserted.
    7. If your wireless base station / router uses Media Access Control (MAC) filtering make sure the iW1 address (http://169.254.1.1) is added to the MAC filter list on your base station by using the documentation that came with your base station / router.
    8. Reset your router.
    9. iW1 Hardware Reset:
       • Unplug the AC jack/remove the iW1 from the charging base.
       • Slide the rear Power Switch to the OFF and then ON position.
       • Reconnect AC jack, place iW1 on charging base and wait 30 sec.

  • I've successfully connected the iW1 to my home network, but I cannot select the iW1 speaker from iTunes or my iOS Device.

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    1. The iW1 speaker must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your AirPlay source.
    2. Verify that your AirPlay-enabled devices (iTunes, iPad, iPhone or iPod touch) have the most up-to-date software or firmware and meet minimum AirPlay requirements.
    3. Try restarting iTunes or your iOS device.
    4. Verify that all your Mac/PC with iTunes or iOS device are on the same Wi-Fi network as the iHome iW1 speaker.
    5. Ensure that the iW1 is powered ON and that AirPlay Mode is enabled.
    6. Check Internet or network connectivity on all affected devices.
    7. Temporarily disable firewalls (both network and local) and security software. Security software and firewalls may block ports that AirPlay uses to stream content. You can often resolve issues with security software by updating, correctly configuring, or uninstalling security software.
    8. Ensure that other devices are not trying to stream to the iHome iW1 speaker at the same time.
    9. Turn off Bluetooth on your iOS device by tapping Settings > General > Bluetooth.

    NOTE: The original iPhone, iPhone 3G, and iPod touch (1st generation) do not support AirPlay.

  • Problems using the iHome Connect App

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    Sometimes there is an authentication error with an iOS device (common to any iOS accessory) that causes the device running the iHome Connect app to be unable to detect the iW1. Often times when this happens, the user will correctly connect the iW1 with the USB sync cable, but the app will keep showing the message “Please connect your iHome AirPlay compatible device with an iPod USB sync cable.”

    1. Verify sync cable is connected to the rear USB port on the iW1 and securely connected to your iOS device (iPad, iPhone, iPod touch)
    2. Restart iHome Connect app (takes 10 sec.)
       • Exit app
       • Double tap home button
       • Press & hold iHome connect app
       • Close app
       • Exit app manager
       • Restart iHome Connect
    3. Restart iOS device (takes 1 minute)
    4. Restart iW1 (takes 30 seconds)
       • Unplug the AC jack or remove the iW1 from the charging base
       • Slide the rear Power Switch to the OFF and then ON position
       • Reconnect AC jack, place iW1 on charging base and wait 30 seconds
       • Repeat iW1 Wi-Fi Network Setup process if necessary

    NOTE: iHome Connect only works when connected with iHome AirPlay products via the USB sync cable and requires iOS 4.0 to work.

  • No AirPlay icon in iTunes or on my iPad/iPhone/iPod touch.

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    1. Make sure that the device has already joined the AirPlay network.
    2. Before you open iTunes, make sure that you have enabled Bonjour service in your PC. Take Windows XP for example: to enable the service, you can click Start->Settings->Control Panel, and doubleclick Administrative Tools-> Services->Bonjour Service, then click Start followed by OK on the pop-up menu.
    3. Within iTunes open “Preferences”, Select the “Devices” tab, and activate the following option that says “Allow iTunes control from remote speakers.”
    4. Close and restart the music app that you are trying to stream audio content from on your iOS device.
    5. Try restarting iTunes or your iOS device.
    6. Update the firmware of iTunes or your iOS device.

    NOTE: The original iPhone, iPhone 3G, and iPod touch (1st gen) do not support AirPlay.

  • Occasional breaking of AirPlay music streaming.

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    Do one or all of the following:

    1. Enable the Auto Channel Scan option (if available on the Wi-Fi router).
    2. Enable the Wireless Intelligent Stream Handling (WISH) option (if available on the Wi-Fi router).
    3. Enable the Quality of Service (QoS) option (if available on the Wi-Fi router).
    4. Move your iW1 speaker closer to your Wi-Fi access point.
    5. Restart your iPod Touch/iPhone/iPad or iTunes or iW1 speaker.
    6. Browsing Internet content like news, music, video and etc. via your home Wi-Fi network from other Wi-Fi devices may affect the AirPlay performance. In case of AirPlay break or disconnection, it is recommended to stop or limit Internet surfing.

  • Why is AirPlay streaming not working with iTunes?

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    Apple is no longer supporting the hardware authentication chip used in the iW1. As a result, newer versions of iTunes are not compatible.

• Firmware & Updates

  • Where can I download the latest firmware version for my iHome iW1?

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    When a new firmware version is made available for download, instructions on the entire firmware update process will appear in the Firmware section of the iW1 support page The Firmware section of the site will appear on the right side of the support page when there is an update available.

    If this did not help, please proceed to contact us.

  • How do I update the firmware on my iHome iW1?

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    Updating the firmware using a USB mass storage device

    1. Download the iHome_iW1.fw file to your computer and copy it to your USB mass storage device root folder (note: please do NOT save the file in a sub-directory on your USB mass storage device because the iW1 will not be able to locate it)
    2. Properly eject the USB mass storage device from your Mac or PC
    3. Insert the USB mass storage device into the rear USB port of the iW1 (ensure that your iW1 is powered on)
    4. Press and hold the firmware update button (labeled by a "gear") to the right of the USB port for 3 full seconds. (The firmware update button LED will turn red to note that the process is underway)
    5. Please be patient as the iW1 performs the firmware upgrade as it takes around 90 seconds to fully complete.
    6. Upon successful completion, you'll hear a positive confirmation tone from the iW1. You'll also notice that the firmware update button LED is now off.
    7. Now, power OFF your speaker by sliding the rear power switch and remove your USB drive. Then, slide the rear power switch ON and wait about 30 seconds for your iHome iW1 to fully power up.
    8. The network status LED will be blinking red after a successful firmware upgrade. This is to remind you that you'll need to reset your network settings to begin using AirPlay again. For instructions on iW1 network setup please click here to view the iW1 Quick Start Guide

    (note: we recommend ensuring the format of your USB drive is set to FAT or FAT32. If your USB drive was previously used to update the FW of your iHome iW1 and you are attempting to upgrade to a newer FW, or "downgrade" to an older FW, you'll need to ensure that the previous iHome_iW1.fw file was deleted from the drive or any hidden sub-directories)

    If this did not help, please proceed to contact us.

  • How do I update the firmware on iTunes?

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    For advice on how to update iTunes, please visit: http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/

  • How do I update the firmware on my iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch?

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    For advice on how to update the firmware of your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, please visit: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1414

  • How do I check the firmware version on my iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch?

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    Please navigate to: Settings -> General (iOS devices only) -> About

    The firmware version will be listed here.

  • How do I check the firmware version on my iHome iW1?

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    There are two ways this can be achieved

    Using iPod touch, iPhone or iPad

    1. Connect your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to the iW1 via the USB sync cable and, navigate to Settings -> General -> About -> iHome iW1

       The firmware version will be listed there.

    2. Connect your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to the iW1 via the USB sync cable. Launch the iHome Connect app

       The firmware version will be listed on the app interface below the Device Name tab.

    If this did not help, please proceed to contact us.

• Advanced Network Setup

  • I want to find the iW1's MAC address.

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    Some network configurations may require you to know the iW1's MAC address. Follow these steps to determine your iW1's MAC address:

    1. Turn on iW1, press and hold network setup button for 4 seconds, and wait for approximated 60 seconds. From your computer, connect to the network named "iHome Setup ######"

    2. On a Mac, open the "Terminal" application. On a PC, click Start -> Run, type "cmd" and click OK .

    3. When the prompt appears, type "arp -a" and press Enter.

    4. You may get a long list of items in response. Please find the line that reads similar to "ihome-iw1-e52431.local (169.254.1.1) at c8:d5:fe:e5:24:31 on en1 [ethernet]" where the six hexadecimal pairs (c8:d5:fe:e5:24:31 in this example) represent the MAC address for your iW1.

    You can use this MAC address in your network's setup to allow the iW1 on your network.

  • I want to set up iW1 on my home Wi-Fi network that uses a hidden SSID.

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    Setting up iW1 requires you to unhide your SSID. Don't worry, this is only temporary.

    You can use your router's settings to change your security settings to un-hide your network's SSID. After doing so, the iW1 will be able to detect, select, and join your network. Once the network setup is completed, you can re-hide your network's SSID. The iW1 will remain connected to your network after hiding your SSID.

FAQ's

Discover answers to some of the most common questions about your iHome product.

• Wireless

  • How long is the battery life of the iW1?

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    Battery life depends on the unit volume and mode. A fully charged iW1 battery playing music at max volume will last 4.5 hours in AirPlay mode and 3 hours in iPod mode while charging a connected iPod/iPhone (the iW1's battery will be used to charge your iPod or iPhone when connected with USB Sync Cable). At normal listening volume battery life will last around 6+ hours.

  • What is AirPlay?

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    AirPlay is a wireless audio and video platform designed by Apple to stream digital media over a home network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). AirPlay is built-in to iTunes and the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch running the latest software. For AirPlay enabled speakers, this means:

    1. Consumers can stream their iTunes music to our AirPlay enabled speaker, their Apple TV, or other AirPlay enabled speakers.
    2. iPad/iPhone/iPod touch owners can stream their iPod music AND audio content from other music apps like Pandora and iHeartRadio to our AirPlay enabled speaker, their Apple TV, or other AirPlay enabled speakers.
    3. iTunes is unique because a user can stream whatever is playing in iTunes to multiple speakers around the house.
    4. iOS devices (iPad/iPhone/iPod touch) can only stream to one AirPlay enable device at a time.

  • What devices are compatible with AirPlay?

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    AirPlay works with iPod touch (2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation),iPhone 6, iPhone6+, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad Air, iPad 4, iPad mini, iPad 2, iPad with iOS 4.3 and iTunes 10.1 (Mac or PC) or later.

  • What other equipment do I require to use the unit with AirPlay?

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    To use the iHome speaker with AirPlay will require an Mac or PC running iTunes (10.1 or later), or an Apple iOS device running iOS (4.3 or later) connected to the same network. Typically, a network will consist of a Wi-Fi router or hub.

  • I'm having trouble streaming audio from my iPhone 4S, what do i do?

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    For iHome {{ name }} owners who have been experiencing issues with AirPlay audio streaming from iPhone 4S to iHome {{ name }}, please be sure to upgrade your iPhone 4S to iOS 5.1 or later.

  • Can I stream audio wirelessly via Airplay without a network connection?

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    No, the speaker and AirPlay audio source must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network via a router or hub.

  • How many iHome speakers can I stream to at once?

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    This will depend on your network equipment capabilities and set-up. For Mac/PC with iTunes with a high performance network, up to three iHome speaker's maybe used. An iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch can only stream to a single speaker.

  • Can I stream video wirelessly to AirPlay Speaker?

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    No, only audio streaming is supported.

  • Does the iW1 have an AUX-input for my TV or other audio device?

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    Yes, the iW1 can be used as a speaker system with many products that have headphone or RCA-out (cable not included).

  • What are the audio specifications of the iW1?

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    Power Output:

    • 2 x 13W RMS

    Speaker Drivers:

    • 2 x 3" long excursion woofers w/ graphite mica reinforced polypropylene cones
    • 2 x 1" silk soft-dome membrane tweeters

    Frequency Response:

    • 72Hz - 20KHz

  • What network security types does the unit support?

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    The iHome unit supports the following security types: Open, WPA Personal (-PSK), WPA2 Personal (-PSK).

    iHome does not recommend using the unit on security networks configured with WEP security due to inconsistencies in compatibility with that aging security standard. The speaker does not support WPA/WPA2 Enterprise security types.

    For instructions on changing security types of your home network, refer to your Wi-Fi access-point's documentation. For best results, ensure your Wi-Fi access point is WiFi-certified and is configured to support 802.11g communications.

  • What Wi-Fi technologies does the speaker support?

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    The speaker is Wi-Fi certified to work with networks that use the 802.11b/g wireless standards. All 802.11n routers also support the b/g standard, just verify your router's settings to ensure support for b/g devices hasn't been disabled for any reason.

  • What is the difference between AirPlay and Bluetooth?

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    AirPlay and Bluetooth are two different technologies that enable a wireless audio experience with mobile devices, laptops and computers.

    • AirPlay is Apple's Wireless Platform that works over Wi-Fi to stream digital audio to AirPlay-enabled devices & speakers from Apple TV, iTunes, Mac, iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. With its ability to support multi-room audio, you can stream music from iTunes to multiple speakers around your home. Airplay operates with low levels of audio compression so it can provide higher fidelity audio than Bluetooth. It can also stream audio over longer distances i.e. up to several hundred feet.

    • Bluetooth is a Universal Wireless Platform that enables compressed wireless audio streaming and speakerphone functionality to a single Bluetooth-enabled speaker system from smartphones, tablets, MP3 players and laptops (regardless of operating system). Bluetooth audio systems typically have a range of about 30ft.

  • I cannot select the “multiple speakers” function from my iPod, iPad, or iPhone.

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    The “multiple speakers” function is ONLY available through your Mac/PC when using iTunes. Click on the Airplay icon in the bottom right corner of the iTunes window to select the multiple speakers function.

  • What Apple devices are compatible with the USB connector?

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    USB Sync, Charge & Play iPhone & iPod with the included USB Sync Cable. The USB connector works with iPod touch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th generation), iPod nano (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th generation), iPhone 5, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G. iPad 4, iPad mini, iPad 2 and iPad.

• Function / Operation

  • Why doesn't the iW1 Speaker turn on?

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    The internal lithium ion battery charges when connected to power via the AC adaptor. For first time use, charge the battery completely (for about 10 hours). The battery indicator on the display shows the battery/charging status.

  • How to connect the iW1 Speaker to the Wi-Fi Network using an iOS Device (iPod, iPhone, iPad).

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    NOTE: We recommend that your device have iOS 4.0 or greater for easier network set-up.

    1. Make sure the iW1 is fully charged.
    2. Unplug the AC jack and remove the iW1 from the charging base.
    3. Slide the rear Power Switch to the OFF position and then the ON position.
    4. Reconnect the AC jack and place the iW1 on its charging base. (In approx. 15 seconds the RED light will turn on (solid red) and after approx. 30/45 seconds starts to flash).
    5. Make sure your iPad, iPod, or iPhone Wi-Fi Setting is set to ON and connected to the iW1 speaker via provided USB cable.
    6. From your iOS device, open the “iHome Connect App” and select your Wi-Fi network (enter the password if necessary).
    7. Click “Join” (In approx. 2 minutes the green Network Status light should turn “solid green”). Note: Open your music iTunes app; click on the Airplay icon at the bottom right and select the iW1.

  • Should I disconnect the unit if I am going on vacation?

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    If the unit is to be left unused for an extended period of time, such as a month or longer, the power cable should be unplugged from the unit to prevent damage from power outage.

Still Have Questions?

Contact customer service about iW1