How to Fix Update Issues on a Sonos PLAY:3 Speaker

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Keeping your 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.

This guide will go over common update issues you may encounter with your Sonos system.

Sonos Play 3 speaker.

2. Reboot Speaker

  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. Check Network

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.
iPhone home screen highlighting the settings icon.


  1. Then go to Wi-Fi.
iPhone settings screen highlighting the Wi-Fi option.


  1. And make sure you are connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.
iPhone Wi-Fi screen displaying the currently connected network.

4. Introduction

The next steps will take you through reinstalling the Sonos Controller app/software. First, we'll uninstall the app and then follow up by reinstalling it.

When instructed to remove an app, you should be removing the Sonos Controller app/software.

5. Uninstall 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

6. Install 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


7. Add Speaker

  1. Launch the Sonos Controller app from your Home screen.
Sonos app icon.
  1.  
  2. You will see a screen asking if you want to set up a controller now. Tap I have Sonos in my home and want to set up my Controller now.
Sonos app screen highlighting the I have Sonos in my home and want to set up my Controller now button.


  1. Tap on Next if you have set up your Sonos system already.
Sonos app setup screen highlighting the Next button.


  1. Follow the on-screen instructions. Once the correct button(s) are pressed, you should see alternating white and green lights start blinking on either the ZoneBridge or ZonePlayer.
Sonos app setup screen displaying connection instructions.


  1. Once the device connects, you will see a screen that shows you what component of the system you used to successfully connect the Sonos Controller. Tap Next to continue.
Sonos app setup screen highlighting the Next button.


  1. You will then be taken to the dashboard of the Sonos Controller software.
Sonos app dashboard screen.

8. Perform Update

On iOS or Android:

  1. Launch the Sonos Controller app from your Home screen.
Sonos app icon.
  1.  
  2. In the lower right-hand corner of the app, select More.
Sonos app highlighting the more button.
  1.  
  2. Then, select Settings.
Sonos app more menu highlighting the settings option.
  1.  
  2. Then, select Online Updates.
Sonos app settings menu highlighting the online updates option.
  1.  
  2. Your Sonos Controller app will then begin searching for available updates.
Sonos app checking for updates screen.
  1.  
  2. 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.
Sonos app results of update check screen.
  1.  

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.

9. What's next?

10. Uninstall Android App

  1. Tap and hold on Sonos Controller app and slide/drag to Uninstall.
Dragging the sonos icon to the uninstall option. Illustration.
  1. Click OK.
Delete confirmation prompt for Sonos with OK highlighted.

11. Install Android App

  1. Open Play Store.
Google Play store icon
  1. Search for "Sonos Controller for Android" and tap on the app.
Searching for the Sonos app. Illustration.
  1. Tap Install to start downloading the app.
Sonos app page with the install button highlighted.
  1. Once installed, tap Open.
Sonos app page with the Open button highlighted.

12. Add Speaker

  1. Launch the Sonos Controller app from your Home screen.
Sonos app icon
  1. Tap the Menu button and select Add a Sonos Component.
Menu highlighted and Add a Sonos Componet highlighted
  1. Within two minutes, hit the volume up and mute button on your Sonos device simultaneously.
Add a Sonos componet with illistration showing volume up and mute buttons
  1. You should get a confirmation that your Connect:Amp has been added. Select Next to continue.
Next button highlighted
  1. Now your Sonos device is setup and ready to play music.
List of Sonos speaker grouops

13. Uninstall an App

You may need to remove an app because you need the space or simply don't need it anymore. The following steps show you how to easily remove an app.

  1. Open the Start menu and select Settings.
Windows 10 Start Menu

Windows 10 Settings
  1. Select Apps.
Apps Settings
  1. Select Apps & features on the left.
Apps Settings with Apps and features highlighted.
  1. Select an app you want to uninstall, then select Uninstall.
Apps and features with app and Uninstall highlighted.

  1. Carefully read any prompts in case there are special instructions. Proceed until the application is removed.
  2. Some applications may require that you reboot.

14. Install Controller App

The setup process is similar for all Sonos speakers on any device that you install the Sonos Controller on. It can be installed on Android/iOS smartphones or tablets, or on Windows/Mac computers.

  1. On your mobile device or computer, open your browser and navigate to support.sonos.com then scroll down until you see the Download the Controller button.
  2. The website will detect what type of device you are using and will offer for download the compatible file.
  3. Tap or click on the Download button. If the download doesn't start, check below the button to see if you have additional download options or instructions and continue with them.
Sonos Controller download page on computer


  1. Open the downloaded file and follow the instructions to Install it on the computer.
Sonos Controller installation wizard on computer


  1. Alternately, on mobile devices, you can search for the Sonos Controller app in the appropriate app store or marketplace and install it from there.
Sonos Controller Android installation screen

Sonos Controller iOS installation screen

15. Add Speaker

  1. Launch the Sonos Controller app to begin setup.
Sonos app icon.


  1. From the top menu bar, select Manage, then Add a Player or SUB...
Sonos app manage menu extended highlighting the add a player or sub option.


  1. Select Connect to Existing System.
Sonos app setup screen highlighting the connect to existing system radio button.


  1. Follow the on-screen instructions to ensure your device is connected properly. Select Next to continue.
Sonos app setup screen with instructions on connecting your sonos device and the next button highlighted.


  1. Follow the on-screen instructions for buttons to press on your Sonos device. Select Next to continue.
Sonos app setup screen with instructions on connecting your sonos device and the next button highlighted.


  1. Your Sonos software will begin attempting to connect to your Sonos device.
Sonos app setup screen attempting to establish a connection with your device.


  1. Once connected, you will receive a confirmation screen. Select Next to complete setup.
Sonos app setup screen displaying a successful connection confirmation, highlighting the next button.

16. Uninstall a Program

If there's a program installed that you don't use anymore, it's best to uninstall it to save space.

  1. Select Finder, then select Go > Applications.
Finder

Finder Go menu with Applications highlighted
  1. Look through your list of programs for any you do not use anymore.
Applications in Finder.

Uninstall a Program

  1. Make sure the program you want to uninstall is closed.
  2. Running Program
  3. There is a Dot • below the program's icon on your Dock.
Program running on Dock
  1. Closed Program
  2. There's no Dot • below the program's icon on your Dock.
Program not running on Dock
  1. Close a Program
  2. There are two ways to close a program on your Mac.
  3. Close a Program Using the Menu
  4. Select the program on your Dock, then select the program's name at the top, and select Quit.
Program selected on Dock, with Program's main menu open with Quit highlighted.
  1. Close A Program Using the Right-Click Menu
  2. Using your Right mouse button, right-click on the program's icon on your dock, and select Quit from the menu.
Right-click menu with Quit highlighted.
  1. Select Finder, then select Go > Applications.
Finder

Finder Go menu with Applications highlighted
  1. Drag the app you want to uninstall to the Trash.
Finder showing dragging an app to the Trash
  1. Some apps have a little clean up to perform; carefully read and follow the directions on screen to complete removing the app.macOS will not allow you to remove apps deemed necessary by Apple from your computer.

17. Install Controller App

The setup process is similar for all Sonos speakers on any device that you install the Sonos Controller on. It can be installed on Android/iOS smartphones or tablets, or on Windows/Mac computers.

  1. On your mobile device or computer, open your browser and navigate to support.sonos.com then scroll down until you see the Download the Controller button.
  2. The website will detect what type of device you are using and will offer for download the compatible file.
  3. Tap or click on the Download button. If the download doesn't start, check below the button to see if you have additional download options or instructions and continue with them.
Sonos Controller download page on computer


  1. Open the downloaded file and follow the instructions to Install it on the computer.
Sonos Controller installation wizard on computer


  1. Alternately, on mobile devices, you can search for the Sonos Controller app in the appropriate app store or marketplace and install it from there.
Sonos Controller Android installation screen

Sonos Controller iOS installation screen

18. Add Speaker

  1. Launch the Sonos Controller app to begin setup.
Sonos app icon.


  1. Across the top bar, click Manage and then Add a Player or SUB...
Sonos app manage menu extended highlighting the add a player or sub option.


  1. Follow the on-screen instructions to get your Sonos device connected to the software.
Sonos app setup screen displaying instructions for connecting your sonos device.


  1. Once the Sonos software has detected your device, it will attempt to connect to it.
Sonos app setup screen attempting to connect to your device.


  1. After your Sonos device successfully connects, you will receive a confirmation screen. Select Next to continue.
Sonos app successful connection confirmation screen, with the next button highlighted.


  1. You will then be taken to the dashboard of the Sonos Controller software.
Sonos app dashboard screen.