Hi - I set up a Netgear nighthawk mesh router (WiFi 6) over the weekend. I don't mind minor issues even if I make them sometimes but I can't figure this out.

I went with a new network name and after Apple gave me a few pointers I got most everything back up and running...except for this: I can't use my phone to control the HomePods. I usually prefer to control it from there.

I have one set of the originals in stereo mode and one mini in another room. Last night I rebooted them all, then rebooted my phone and thought that was it...but this morning I got a msg saying it couldn't connect. However, it does connect from my Mac, and pretty quickly. So I think it's safe to think it's something w/ my phone. I don't know what else to check. I am on the same network, I reset network settings, and it did work after rebooting all devices. Obviously I don't want to do that on the regular. Any suggestions on some things I could check? I'd be very appreciative.

PS - Forgot to mention that I had endless shit trying to reset the HomePods w/ multiple error codes. Eventually I turned off iCloud and then back on and I could get the annoying one back on and paired but it took a seriously long time to get it back. Now it works with Siri or from the desktop but again, not from the phone.