How to Fix a Failed Sonos Update

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Keeping your Sonos system up to date ensures you have access to all the new features, music services, and player updates that Sonos releases. When a new software update is available for your Sonos system, you will automatically be prompted to update with an Update Now button on all of your Sonos controllers. Simply click or tap the Update Now button to begin the update process.

Sometimes it doesn't work that easily though. The update could stall, fail with an error, or just not download at all. However, it can be pretty easy to fix those issues. This guide will go over common update issues you may encounter with your Sonos system.

Tools You'll Need:

  • A paperclip
  • iPhone charging cable
  • Access to a computer with iTunes installed
  • Any other non-consumable tools needed
  • Comment out tools section if no tools are necessary

-->

Supplies You'll Need:

  • Zip ties
  • Any other consumable supplies
  • Comment out supplies section if no supplies are necessary

-->

Before You Begin:

The Sonos Controller app must already be installed.

Sonos updating

2. Restart the Speaker

The first step to fixing a failed update and trying it again is to restart the speaker or speaker system you're trying to update. These pictures may differ from what your Sonos device looks like but you can still do all the steps without an issue.

  1. Unplug the power cable from your Sonos device and wait 30 seconds.
Unplugging power cord from speaker
  1. Plug the power cable back into your Sonos device. Allow up to two minutes for it to boot up and connect to the network.
Plugging power cord back into speaker
  1. Once connected to the network, the light on the top of your Sonos device should light up a solid white color.
Indicator light on top of speaker

3. Verify Network and Sonos Connection

Make sure that the device that you're using the Sonos Controller app on is connected to the same WiFi network you connected the Sonos system to.

Apple iOS

iOS and iPadOS Devices

Make sure your controller is connected to the correct WiFi network.

First, we'll check what network your iOS device is connected to.

  1. Open Settings.
Settings icon
  1. Tap on Wi-Fi.
iOS Wifi settings
  1. The network you are connected to will have a check next to it. Make sure this is not a "Guest" network.
The network selection screen

  1. Make sure you are not on a Guest Network. Most guest networks will not let you communicate with your other devices.

Next, we need to verify the network the Sonos products are connected to.

  1. Connect one of your Sonos products to your router using an Ethernet cable, and then connect it to power. Use whichever product is most convenient to temporarily connect to your router.
Diagram of connecting your speaker to a router
  1. After a few minutes you will start to see your Sonos Players appearing on your Sonos controller. Confirm that all of your Sonos players are showing up on your controller.
  2. In the controller app, tap More to open the options menu.
Selecting the more tab
  1. Then, select Settings.
The settings selection
  1. Tap on Advanced Settings.
Advanced settings
  1. Tap on Wireless Setup.
screenshot of advanced settings with wireless setup highlighted
  1. Type in the password (security key) to join your WiFi network and press continue.
The wireless setup screen
  1. Once your Sonos devices are on the same wireless network as your mobile device, you can disconnect the Ethernet cable.
Google Android

Android Devices

Make sure your controller is connected to the correct WiFi network.

First, we'll check what network your Android device is connected to.

  1. Slide your finger from the top down and tap on the Settings gear.
Android settings gear
  1. Click on WiFi (Or Wireless Networks)
WiFi menu settings
  1. Verify you're on your primary Wi-Fi Network
Network verified

  1. Make sure you are not on a Guest Network. Most guest networks will not let you communicate with your other devices.

Next, we need to verify the network the Sonos products are connected to.

  1. Connect one of your Sonos products to your router using an Ethernet cable, and then connect it to power. Use whichever product is most convenient to temporarily connect to your router.
Diagram of connecting your speaker to a router
  1. After a few minutes you will start to see your Sonos Players appearing on your Sonos controller. Confirm that all of your Sonos players are showing up on your controller.
  2. In the controller app, tap More to open the options menu.
Selecting the more tab
  1. Then, select Settings.
The settings selection
  1. Tap on Advanced Settings.
Advanced settings
  1. Tap on Wireless Setup.
screenshot of advanced settings with wireless setup highlighted
  1. Type in the password (security key) to join your WiFi network and press continue.
The wireless setup screen
  1. Once your Sonos devices are on the same wireless network as your mobile device, you can disconnect the Ethernet cable.
  2.  

4. Reinstall the Sonos Controller App

If you're still having issues even though you're sure you're on the right network you should reinstall the app in case the app has errored.

Uninstall the Sonos Controller App

Apple iOS

Uninstall the iOS App

  1. Tap and hold on the Sonos app until icons are shaking and tap the "X".
Screenshot of the Sonos icon with the delete icon in the corner
  1. Tap Delete to Uninstall the app.
Screenshot of prompt to delete Sonos with delete highlighted

Google Android

Uninstall the Android App

  1. Tap and hold on Sonos Controller app and slide/drag to Uninstall.
An android app uninstall
  1. Click OK.
Confirming the uninstall of Sonos app

Install the Sonos Controller App Again

Apple iOS

Reinstall the iOS App

  1. Open the App Store.
Apple App Store Icon
  1. Type in "Sonos Controller" in the search bar.
  2. Find Sonos Controller in the search results and tap on GET.
screenshot of the sonos app in the app store with get highlighted
  1. Tap on Install to start download.
install button

Google Android

Reinstall the Android App

  1. Open Play Store.
Google Play store icon
  1. Search for "Sonos Controller for Android" and tap on the app.
Sonos being searched for
  1. Tap Install to start downloading the app.
Selecting the install
  1. Once installed, tap Open.
Opening the app

Once you've got the app working, you should try to update once again, but you may need to re-add your speakers.

5. You May Need to Re-Add Your Speakers

After reinstalling the app, you may need to add your speakers back to your system. Adding speakers to the Sonos system is similar across all devices. This guide will show you how to do it on smartphones:

  1. Open the Sonos Controller app on your mobile device.
Mobile app icon
  1. Open the Menu from the top left corner.
Placement of menu symbol pointed out on mobile app screen
  1. Then go into Settings.
Menu showing in mobile app
  1. And select Add a Player or SUB.
Settings screen in mobile app
  1. You will be asked to power up your speaker with the provided cord. Once you've done that tap on Next.
Speaker setup showing speaker being connected to power
  1. Then look at the light color and pattern. If it matches what it says on the screen tap on Next otherwise tap on I'm unsure about the light.
Speaker setup showing status indicator color and behavior meanings
  1. Select your speaker type from the drop down menu and tap on Set up this player.
Speaker selection screen in speaker setup
  1. Based on your selection, you will be shown what button or combination of buttons to press on the speaker. Once you've done that tap on Next.
Speaker setup showing which buttons need to be pressed to continue
  1. When the speaker is recognized it will be added to the system. Tap on Next to continue.
Speaker added confirmation screen
  1. Choose the location of the speaker then tap on Next.
Speaker location selection screen
  1. And you will get a final confirmation that it was added to the room you selected.
Finishing up speaker setup or adding another
  1. If you want to add another speaker tap on Add another player otherwise tap on Not now to finish.

6. Try to Perform the Update Again

On iOS or Android:

  1. Launch the Sonos Controller app from your Home screen.
Sonos app icon.
  1. Tap More to open the options menu.
Selecting the more tab
  1. Then, select Settings.
The settings selection
  1. Then, select Online Updates.
The online updates selection
  1. Your Sonos Controller app will then begin searching for available updates.
Checking for updates
  1. The result will be shown on-screen. If updates are available, you will be given the option to install. Select Let's Do This to begin installation. If no updates are available, your Sonos system is already up-to-date.
Results of the update screen showing no update needed

Sonos Controller for Mac or PC:

  1. From the Sonos menu (Mac), or Manage menu (PC), click Check for Updates.
  2. On a Mac, the Sonos menu can be found in the toolbar in the top left corner of the screen.
  3. On a PC, the Manage menu is found at the top left of the Sonos application.

If the Update Still Does Not Work