Frequently asked questions
We install and fix Sonos on a daily basis. All our technician have obtained a full score on their Sonos test and we share all the resolutions. We have an escalation procedure within our organization to make sure that we can solve any sonos problem you have. Many of the onsite calls are due to network conflict in your home/organizations network. However they are all different. Here is the list of most common questions people have about a Sonos setup.
Do I need a Boost?
Why do Sonos products have Ethernet ports?
Can I use Sonos with wireless access points?
What is the wireless range of the Sonos system?
Can I use Sonos without an Internet connection or router?
How is Sonos different from Bluetooth speakers?
Will Sonos work with my existing equipment?
Can I connect Sonos to my TV?
How do I play my personal library of music and playlists through Sonos?
Can I play music from an external source through Sonos?
If I close my Sonos app will the music stop playing?
If I turn off the device that hosts my Sonos app will the music stop?
Do you make an outdoor speaker?
How do I mount a Play:1 or Play:3?
Can I use two PLAY speakers as a stereo pair?
Can I connect more than 2 speakers to the Connect:Amp?
What music services work with Sonos?
How do I get the Sonos app?
Do I need a Boost?
If your Sonos system is working well you won’t notice a performance increase using Boost. Get Boost if –
Your WiFi doesn’t cover all the areas where you want to use Sonos.
You’re using wireless access points to expand the coverage of your WiFi router.
Your WiFi network is generally unreliable.
Why do Sonos products have Ethernet ports?
The Ethernet ports let you connect Sonos directly to your Internet router. If your WiFi network isn’t reliable, or doesn’t reach all the areas where you want to use Sonos, connecting a Sonos product to your router with an Ethernet cable automatically creates a dedicated Sonos wireless network.
Can I use Sonos with wireless access points?
Yes, but only in a Boost Setup. To extend the range of your Sonos system you can use Boost, or you can connect another Sonos product directly to your router. Either of these options will create a dedicated Sonos wireless network for your Sonos home sound system.
What is the wireless range of the Sonos system?
It depends on whether your system is using your WiFi network or a dedicated Sonos network. When Sonos is operating on WiFi, the range extends to the range of your WiFi network. As long as your WiFi reaches all the rooms where you want to put a Sonos product, you won’t have any issues with range. If your WiFi network isn’t reliable, or doesn’t reach all the areas where you want to use Sonos, connecting a Sonos product to your router with an Ethernet cable automatically creates a dedicated Sonos wireless network. Each Sonos product you use in your home serves as a wireless repeater to expand the range of our dedicated network.
Can I use Sonos without an Internet connection or router?
No. Sonos is not designed to work without a broadband Internet connection and a router.
How is Sonos different from Bluetooth speakers?
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless solution that works by pairing a Bluetooth speaker to a smart device to access music. Because your smart device and speaker need to be physically close to each other, the wireless range, expandability and control of a Bluetooth connection can be limited. Sonos speakers connect to one another using the WiFi network in your home. WiFi has greater range and works with multiple devices, which means you can use Sonos to send different music to different speakers at the same time, or the same song (in sync) to all your speakers at once. WiFi also allows you to control any Sonos speaker using the Sonos app on any computer, smartphone or tablet on your network. To compare Sonos and Bluetooth, visit Sonos vs. Bluetooth.
Will Sonos work with my existing equipment?
For an existing component stereo or home theatre system:
Sonos Connect links to your system’s amplifier/receiver using standard RCA audio cables, allowing you to use the Sonos app to stream digital music, control volume and other settings, and send whatever’s playing on your existing gear to other Sonos speakers throughout your home.
For passive (wired) speakers without an amp or receiver:
Wire your speakers directly to Sonos Connect:Amp using high-quality speaker wire, then use the Sonos app to wirelessly stream digital music and control volume and other settings.
Can I connect Sonos to my TV?
Yes, with Playbase or Playbar. Just connect it to your TV using the optical cord that comes with it. Then control it with your regular TV remote, or with your mobile phone or tablet using the free Sonos app. Playbase and Playbar also work as music streaming speakers when your TV is off.
How do I play my personal library of music and playlists through Sonos?
From your mobile device:
On the Sonos app you will see an option in the Main Menu for “This Device”. This is where you will find the music files and playlists stored on the mobile device.
From your desktop:
Use the Sonos app for laptop and desktop computers to locate the music files and playlists on your computer or external hard drive. These will then be added to your Music Library on the Sonos app. Learn more here.
Can I play music from an external source through Sonos?
Some Sonos products have an auxiliary input, also called ‘line-in’, which lets you play an external source like an amplified turntable or CD player. The Play:5, Connect and Connect:Amp all have this auxiliary input. Once you connect an external source to any of them , it can be played throughout your entire system.
If you have a Playbase or Playbar hooked up to your TV, it can send TV audio wirelessly to any Sonos unit in your system.
If I close my Sonos app will the music stop playing?
Nope. Whatever albums, playlists, or radio stations you have playing will continue without the app needing to be open.
If I turn off the device that hosts my Sonos app will the music stop?
Only if the music that’s playing is stored on the device that is being turned off.
Smartphones, tablets, and computers can all control Sonos using our app. These devices can also store music for Sonos to play. If you turn off a device which is storing the music that Sonos is playing, the music will stop. On the other hand, if you’re controlling Sonos from your phone and playing music from the Internet or your computer, turning off your phone won’t stop the music. It’s just like putting away your TV remote while the TV is on.
Do you make an outdoor speaker?
The speaker units that we sell, the Play:1, Play:3 and Play:5, are not weather-rated, but they are durable. They can certainly be moved outside, but they’re not designed to live there long term. As long as you’ve got a power outlet and WiFi, you’ve got Sonos. If you’re looking for a permanent outdoor zone of music, you can use our Connect:Amp unit with traditional weather-rated speakers.
How do I mount a Play:1 or Play:3?
The Play:1 and Play:3 each have a 1/4 in. / 20-threaded mounting socket on the back. You can use any speaker mount with a 1/4 in. / 20-threaded insert. Just make sure the mount is designed to support the weight of your speaker. Play:1 weighs in at 4.08 lbs.; Play:3’s a slightly heftier 5.71 lbs.
Can I use two PLAY speakers as a stereo pair?
You can sync two matching Play:1, Play:3 or Play:5 speakers to create a stereo pair. Use the Sonos app to set them up for separate left and right channel output.
Can I connect more than 2 speakers to the Connect:Amp?
The Connect:Amp is designed for a single stereo pair of wired speakers. However, if your speakers are rated at 8 ohms, you can wire up to 2 pairs, or 4 speakers, to one Connect:Amp; you just won’t have independent control between those two pairs of wired speakers, in terms of volume and music selection.
What music services work with Sonos?
Go to our Music Services page to see which music services are available on Sonos in your area.
How do I get the Sonos app?
The Sonos app works on Android and iOS mobile devices, plus Windows and Mac PCs. You can find the latest version here.
Referenced from Sonos.com
