Sonos Group Not Working (Won’t or Keeps Grouping/Ungrouping)

Sonos audio systems are well-known for their multiroom music processing abilities and compatibility with all major streaming platforms. However, the grouping functionality occasionally fails to perform correctly. We’ll explain what to do if that happens!

If your Sonos group is not working, it’s often due to network connectivity issues. Ensure all Sonos speakers are on the same Wi-Fi network. Sometimes, resetting your router can help by refreshing the network connection. This action often resolves communication problems between the speakers and allows for successful grouping.

One common issue causing Sonos grouping problems is outdated software. Just like a car needs regular servicing to run smoothly, your Sonos system needs the latest software to function optimally. To fix this, check for updates in the Sonos app and install any available. This can enhance compatibility between speakers and improve overall performance.

Another reason your Sonos group might not be working could be due to interference from other wireless devices. Think of it like trying to have a conversation at a loud party; the signals get mixed up. To solve this, try moving your Sonos speakers away from other wireless devices or changing your Wi-Fi channel. This can reduce interference and help your speakers communicate more clearly, restoring their group functionality.

This article will discuss the most common explanations for having trouble grouping your Sonos systems and rooms. We’ll also discuss troubleshooting techniques for restoring functionality.

Sonos Speaker Group Won’t Work

If you find that your Sonos speaker group isn’t functioning properly, send a device diagnostic within ten minutes of being aware of the problem.

While this approach doesn’t automatically resolve the issue with your speakers, it does provide Sonos with an overview of your speaker system. If you contact an official, they’ll use this snapshot to determine the source of your problem.

If you’re using a smartphone, you can submit various diagnostic tests directly to Sonos by following the steps below.

To begin, launch the Sonos application.
To access the configuration menu, click on the gear icon.
Select “Help.”
Select “Send Diagnostics.”

If you’ve downloaded the Sonos software to a Mac or PC, you can file a diagnostics report through the “Help” tab. Bear in mind that submitting this form doesn’t initiate contact with the Sonos support team.

Once the diagnosis is complete, call Sonos and supply them with the report’s confirmation number. If you can’t contact them by phone, you can post the results of your diagnostics test in a Sonos forum. Usually, you’ll get a response from a technician.

Sonos Won’t Group

When your Sonos devices don’t group, the network linked to the device is likely experiencing Wi-Fi interference.

Wireless interference happens when several wireless devices compete for the same network. You can quickly resolve this by moving your Sonos devices closer to your router. However, if this isn’t an option, there are other fixes.

Cause and How To Fix It

As previously mentioned, the Sonos systems won’t group if there’s Wi-Fi interference present. To help, consider moving the Sonos units further away from other wireless devices.

If you have any one of the following gadgets nearby and are having trouble with your Sonos system, briefly disable the device and verify whether the issue has gone away:

LCD screens
Baby monitor
Microwave oven
Cordless phones
Security cameras
Wireless cable box
Wireless audio systems
Smart home device hubs

Consider transferring the unit farther away from the Sonos devices if you notice an improvement. Sonos suggests a minimum distance of 18 in. (45.72 cm.) between their devices and any other electronic unit.

Additionally, a Sonos product on a metal surface may encounter more wireless issues than a Sonos product on a wooden surface. As a result, if your device is on a metal plate, consider relocating it.

Sonos Won’t Ungroup

For some, despite shutting down and resetting, the Sonos devices would remain grouped. This malfunction is often the result of a weak Wi-Fi signal interfering with communication between the machines.

But this can also be triggered by a device in the Sonos group malfunctioning. Before proceeding with other troubleshooting, verify that the firmware on the grouped systems is valid.

Cause and How To Fix It

When attempting to ungroup Sonos systems with a weak network signal, it’s a good idea to restart the router as a first resort.

If you have a modem and a router, it’s best to reboot both and check for changes. You can reset your router using the steps below.

Disconnect the router and modem. Unplug all other managed network appliances, such as network switches.
Wait a minimum of 30 seconds. This period signals to your other gadgets that the router and modem are unavailable.
Connect the modem.
Wait a minute.
Connect the router to a power outlet on the wall.

Following that, wait two minutes before attempting to ungroup the Sonos systems once more.

Sonos Rooms Keeps Grouping

If you use Sonos rooms in conjunction with Alexa, your rooms will continue to group. This error usually happens when you have inappropriate configurations in the Alexa groups.

If you aren’t using Alexa with any of your devices, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Sonos program on your smartphone. This method will reset the app and may resolve the grouping issue.

Cause and How To Fix It

Sonos rooms would be continuously grouped if you use Alexa Groups. If you’re using an Alexa community, a verbal order will group all Sonos rooms with the preferred speaker for that Alexa group.

For example, requesting Alexa to play music will produce music from all Sonos rooms under the Alexa grouping. To resolve this, communicate with your Sonos rooms directly rather than via Alexa. Or, rather than attempting to control a group, you can send Alexa directives for a single Sonos space.

You could also completely delete the Sonos rooms from the Alexa groups you’ve created inside the Alexa software.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on May 8, 2021.

Sonos Rooms Keeps Ungrouping/Sonos Speakers Won’t Stay Grouped

Wall mounted TV with sound bar speakers and subwolfer

Groups are a temporary connection that dissolves when the machines are off. As a result, the speakers won’t remain paired during a power failure or times of inactivity.

Similarly, if there’s a sudden network breakdown or power outage, Sonos rooms can disband. One way to ensure the longevity of your Sonos groups is to maintain a good home network signal.

Cause and How To Fix It

By modifying the wireless channel on which your router operates, you’ll reduce wireless interference and improve your Wi-Fi signal. Sonos advises that you switch channels on your router and Sonos device to channels 1, 6, or 11.

If Sonos links directly to the Wi-Fi network, configure the router’s 2.4GHz wireless channel. You can change your wireless channel using the following steps:

Enter the router’s IP address in a web browser to access the setup tab. You can only accomplish this if the device you’re using is connected to the router’s network.
Locate the wireless configuration tab.
Navigate to the 2.4GHz network’s wireless channel.
Disable the auto-selection of channels.
Select a new channel distinct from the one you were formerly using.
Save the configuration.

If you’re modifying the wireless channel on both the router and the Sonos system, ensure the Sonos isn’t using the same channel as the router. This will exacerbate wireless interference.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on May 8, 2021.

Sonos Group Not Playing

Confused male looking for answers on a laptop

If you find that your Sonos group isn’t playing, ensure that you’re issuing the correct commands to the Sonos machines and that the group is activated correctly.

The steps below outline how to properly create a Sonos group:

Launch the Sonos application.
Activate one of your Sonos systems and begin playing music.
Tap the speaker’s name that is currently playing music.
Choose “group.” This option will appear next to the speaker’s name.
Select the additional devices you want to use in your group.
Select “Done.” This step is a critical move that many users overlook.

After verifying that your groups are configured correctly, you can begin troubleshooting your network connection. The groups are likely not playing because the devices are having communication issues.

Cause and How To Fix It

If your internet signal is weak, your Sonos group won’t play. In that case, you can change the wireless channel on the Sonos device. First, link one of your Sonos devices to your Wi-Fi network using an Ethernet cable if possible.

Then, using a smartphone and the following steps, adjust the channel: