How to Fix Basic Issues with a Sonos PLAY:3 Speaker

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Sonos is a home sound system of Wi-Fi connected speakers, that lets you listen to anything you want, wherever you want.

This guide will assist you troubleshoot and repair basic issues with the Sonos wireless speakers.

2. How to Repair Basic Wireless Speaker Sound Issues

Repair Common Sonos PLAY:3 Speaker Sound Issues

• How to Fix Sound Issues on a Sonos PLAY:3 Speaker

3. Can't Connect

If you're getting a message that says We can't connect to Sonos on your Sonos Controller app, this guide will assist you with common steps you can take to resolve the issue.

4. Check Network Connection

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

1. On the device that you're using the Sonos Controller app on go into the Settings.
   

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2. Then go to Wi-Fi.
   

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2. And make sure you are connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.
   

5. Reboot Router

To reboot a router simply unplug the power cord, make sure that all the lights went off, keep it powered off for 30 seconds then plug the power cord back in.

6. Check Power

Check power to the Sonos device:

1. Make sure the power cord is plugged in firmly and connected to a working power outlet. Some power outlets are turned on and off by a light switch. Ensure the switch is on, or better yet, use an outlet that is not controlled by a switch.
   

1. If you’ve adjusted the power to the device, allow up to two minutes for it to boot up and connect to the network.
2. You can also tell if a device is receiving power by looking to see if the light is on. Try repeatedly pressing the volume down button on the player. The light should eventually turn green when the player is muted.
   

7. Change Wi-Fi

If you've replaced your router or changed the Wi-Fi settings on your existing router, this guide will show you how to change the Wi-Fi settings on your Sonos system. If you have multiple Sonos devices, you only have to do this on one of them.

1. Wire the Sonos device directly to the router using the provided Ethernet cable.
   

1. On your smartphone, go into Settings.
   

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2. Then go to Wi-Fi.
   

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2. Make sure your smartphone is connected to the Wi-Fi network that is set up on the router. This is the same Wi-Fi network that your Sonos device will connect to.
   

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2. After that, launch the Sonos app on your smartphone.
   

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2. And tap on the Menu symbol on the top left corner.
   

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2. Then select Settings from the menu.
   

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2. Go into Advanced Settings.
   

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2. Then tap on Wireless Setup.
   

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2. Read the instructions on the screen and tap on Next.
   

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2. The Wi-Fi network and password should be populated automatically. Tap on Show to see the password. Confirm they are both correct then tap on Continue. If they aren't tap on Use another network and put in the correct information.
   

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2. Your Sonos device should now be connected to the preferred Wi-Fi network. You can unplug the Ethernet cable from the device and router.
   

8. Check Power

Check power to the Sonos device:

1. Make sure the power cord is plugged in firmly and connected to a working power outlet. Some power outlets are turned on and off by a light switch. Ensure the switch is on, or better yet, use an outlet that is not controlled by a switch.
   

1. If you’ve adjusted the power to the device, allow up to two minutes for it to boot up and connect to the network.
2. You can also tell if a device is receiving power by looking to see if the light is on. Try repeatedly pressing the volume down button on the player. The light should eventually turn green when the player is muted.
   

9. Reboot Router

To reboot a router simply unplug the power cord, make sure that all the lights went off, keep it powered off for 30 seconds then plug the power cord back in.

10. Range Check

The device needs to be within a reasonable range of the router in order to connect and have the best connection speeds.

• In general, in most homes, you can be up to 30 feet from your router for a decent connection.
• From 30' to 50' away, the speeds will be slower, and may drop occasionally, but it should be usable.
• Greater than 50' away, and the signal will most likely be too weak to overcome interference. The speeds will be slow, and the connection may be sporadic.

The above numbers are approximates only. Optimal range may vary based on router make and model.

11. Reduce Wireless Interference

Wireless signal interference can cause performance issues such as slow or intermittent connections and even complete disconnects. This interference involves the presence of:

• Electromagnetic fields created by other electronic devices such as: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capable devices, cordless phones, baby monitors, remote controlled toys, microwave ovens, seasonal lighting, garage door openers.
• Structural materials in walls, floors, furnishings or other large objects.

To reduce wireless signal interference, look for any of the above devices, turn them off temporarily and check if the issue persists. If it does, then:

• Consider moving the affected device or any of the other devices further from the affected device.
• Alternately, if possible, you can select different wireless channels in the devices' configuration. Consult the devices' manufacturers documentation for details on how to make those changes.

The potential of structural materials to absorb wireless signal and cause signal loss or undesired behavior is as follows:

Interference PotentialType of MaterialLowSynthetic material, wood, glassMediumBrick, marble, waterHighConcrete, plasterVery HighMetal

12. Add Speaker

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.
   

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2. Open the Menu from the top left corner.
   

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2. Then go into Settings.
   

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2. And select Add a Player or SUB.
   

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2. You will be asked to power up your speaker with the provided cord. Once you've done that tap on Next.
   

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2. 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.
   

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2. Select your speaker type from the drop down menu and tap on Set up this player.
   

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2. 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.
   

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2. When the speaker is recognized it will be added to the system. Tap on Next to continue.
   

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2. Choose the location of the speaker then tap on Next.
   

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2. And you will get a final confirmation that it was added to the room you selected.
   

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2. If you want to add another speaker tap on Add another player otherwise tap on Not now to finish.

13. System Not Found

If you're getting a message that says Your Sonos system was not found on your Sonos Controller app, this guide will assist you with common steps you can take to resolve the issue.

14. Check Power

Check power to the Sonos device:

1. Make sure the power cord is plugged in firmly and connected to a working power outlet. Some power outlets are turned on and off by a light switch. Ensure the switch is on, or better yet, use an outlet that is not controlled by a switch.
   

1. If you’ve adjusted the power to the device, allow up to two minutes for it to boot up and connect to the network.
2. You can also tell if a device is receiving power by looking to see if the light is on. Try repeatedly pressing the volume down button on the player. The light should eventually turn green when the player is muted.
   

15. Check Network Connection

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

1. On the device that you're using the Sonos Controller app on go into the Settings.
   

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2. Then go to Wi-Fi.
   

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2. And make sure you are connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.
   

16. 3 Wireless Speaker

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