How to Set Up a Sonos Playbase Soundbar

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

The Sonos Playbase soundbar practically disappears under your television with its sleek design allowing you to stream music from your Apple or Android devices. With the Sonos Playbase you can wireless connect your other Sonos devices to create the ultimate sound experience. 

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

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Supplies You'll Need:

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

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Before You Begin:

• You must have access to a computer with iTunes installed.
• You must have that thing for the other thing so you can do the thing.

You must have this thing before you whatever.

• Title of GP User Should Do First
• Title of GP User Should Do First
• Each individual prereq should have its own box like this. Not all will contain multiple links.
• Comment out prerequisites section if no prereqs are necessary

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2. Physical Placement of the Soundbar

1. Set your soundbar in an open area, centered with your television. The connector panel should be facing toward your television or the wall.
2. You can use your soundbar as a television stand as long as the television is not over 75 lbs.
   

1. If your TV has a split foot stand, you can place the soundbar beneath it.
   

1. Or you can place your soundbar on a shelf.
   

Do not place the Playbase vertically on its side.
Both ends of the Playbase should be at least 1 foot from a wall or other obstruction.

3. Connecting the Cabling

Now that you've placed the soundbar, you can connect it.

1. Connect the optical audio cable from your TV’s digital audio OUT to the Playbase’s digital audio IN. Don’t twist or bend the cable.
2. Attach the power cord and plug in the Playbase. Push the power cord firmly into the Playbase until it is flush with the surface.

4. Connect to the Sonos App

Install the Sonos Controller App

iOS Devices

1. Open the App Store.
   

1. Type in "Sonos Controller" in the search bar.
2. Find Sonos Controller in the search results and tap on GET.
   

1. Tap on Install to start download.
   

Android Devices

1. Open Play Store.
   

1. Search for "Sonos Controller for Android" and tap on the app.
   

1. Tap Install to start downloading the app.
   

1. Once installed, tap Open.
   

Connect to the Sonos App

1. Open the Sonos app.
   

1. Select Set up a new Sonos system.
   

1. Sign into your existing Sonos account, or select Create account to create a new one.
   

1. Select Continue to proceed with the setup process.
   

1. Select Standard setup for your Playbase to continue.
   

1. Select Next to proceed with Standard setup.
   

1. Your Playbase should already be powered on. Ensure that it is, and select Next to proceed.
   

1. You should eventually see a green flashing light on your Playbase. Once you do, select Continue to proceed.
   

1. The Sonos Controller app will begin searching for your Playbase.
   

1. The Sonos Controller app should have determined you are attempting to setup a Playbase.
2. The Sonos Controller app will then begin configuring your Playbase.
   

1. The Playbase is now ready to begin its network setup process. Select Next for instructions on how to proceed.
   

1. You will be asked to connect your mobile device to a temporary network called SONOS in order to proceed with the setup process.
   

1. Open your Wi-Fi settings, and select the Sonos network.
   
2. Select Settings.
   

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2. Select WiFi.
   

1. Select Sonos from the list.
   

1. Return to the Sonos app.
   

1. The Playbase is now connected to your home network.

5. Disable the Default Television Speaker

Disable the Internal Speaker on a TV (Samsung Example) The following is an example of how to disable your speakers using a Samsung television. Unless you're using a Samsung TV, these steps may be different but the general process is the same.

1. Navigate to your Smart Television's Settings.
   

1. Select the Sound setting.
   

1. Select Sound Output. By default, the TV Speaker will be selected.
   

1. Select the speaker you want to use. This may be listed as the output selection on the back of your tv, the connection type, or the actual speaker.
   

1. When done, select Close.
   

If You Can't Find the Setting to Turn off the Speaker

Most older televisions don't let you completely turn off the television speakers. If you can't find the setting or ability to turn off the internal speakers you can adjust the volume so they don't interfere with the external ones.

1. Using the correct remote or input, turn the volume on your television all the way down.
   

6. Make Sure the Playbase Works

Now that your Playbase is all hooked up and your television has it selected instead of its usual speakers, let's test it. Go ahead and turn on your television, select an input such as the cable box, and make sure you have sound.

You can also use the Sonos Controller App to test some music. The following is a demonstration of how to play and control your music using the Sonos Controller app no matter which Sonos speakers you have in your home.

1. Begin by selecting the speaker you wish to play music on. You'll need to select the Playbase if you have more than one speaker. Tap on the room (speaker) name at the top of the screen then select the speaker you wish to play music from using the drop down menu.
   

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2. Using the Sonos Controller app on a computer, just click on the speaker you wish to control from the ROOMS column.
   

1. To find what you want to play, you can select an available source to browse through them, or use the search feature.
   

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2. Using the Sonos Controller app on a computer, simply select a source from the source browser on the right side of the screen, or use the search feature.
   

1. Once you've found what you want to listen to, tap on its name and select Play Now from the drop down menu. If you like what you're listening to, you can also select Add to Sonos Favorites from the drop down menu for future listening.
   

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2. Using the Sonos Controller app on a computer, multiple songs can be selected by placing a check in the box next to their name. Click the downward-facing arrow to open the menu for all the songs you've selected.