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spalmisano
Contributor II
May 15, 2026
Answered

Alexa 'Scratch' Sound

  • May 15, 2026
  • 52 replies
  • 4144 views

I have a new (~3 weeks) Sonos Era 100 that has developed a digital ‘scratch’ sound when waking up the voice assistant. Whenever I say “Alexa…” I’ll get the chime and what sounds like a short scratch/static sound. The rest of audio playback is fine, music is unaffected, and I’ve not heard this same sound aside from using the wake word.

Restarting the speaker didn’t do anything and I’m not sure if this is something I should initiate a return for, or if its a known issue with a fix.

Ideas are welcome.

 

    Best answer by loki980

    I went to the Sonos Arc in the Alexa app.  Under “Sound”, I disabled the “Start of Request” sound.  The “scratch sound” is gone, but the Wake Chime is still there.

    So, it’s still not working quite right, but I like the Wake Chime, so this is good enough for me!

    52 replies

    Airgetlam
    Airgetlam
    May 15, 2026

    No useful thought, other than you probably should call Sonos Support to discuss it. Depends on whether the scratch sound is coming from the Sonos connection (perhaps some sort of wifi interference  or requiring a simple disconnect / reconnect of the voice control in the controller) or if the signal is coming from the Alexa servers. Sonos should be able to tell, I’d think. 

    Bruce
      AjTrek1
      AjTrek1
      May 15, 2026

      Try removing Alexa from the speaker and re-adding it.

      If that doesn’t resolve the problem run a diagnostic within 10 minutes of the occurrence. Make note of the reference ID (don’t publish it in the community) and call Sonos Tech support to review the data. Be sure to speak to a live person.

      Edit

      ​@Airgetlam types faster than me regarding calling Sonos Tech Support. 😊

      Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
        Jawkdna
        Lyricist I
        May 16, 2026

        I have this exact issue.  I think it started after the last firmware update. 

          Airgetlam
          Airgetlam
          May 16, 2026

          What did Sonos Support say, when you called in? 

          Bruce
          Dakers
          Lyricist I
          May 16, 2026

          Ditto, same issue only developed after the most recent firmware update. 

            AjTrek1
            AjTrek1
            May 16, 2026

            Not getting such on my Era 100 in stereo pair. Alexa is only enabled on one speaker.

            Did anyone try the suggestions mentioned? Beyond those suggestions there’s no more that can be done in the community.

            Although you can unplug all Sonos and reboot your router and then plug in your Sonos again to see if the issue is network related.

            Do not factory reset your speakers.

            Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
              loki980
              Lyricist I
              May 17, 2026

              Same issue here. Just started today. 

                Cbeez23
                Lyricist I
                May 17, 2026

                Same issue here, just started on 16th May, yesterday. Surely it must be an update issue?

                  twenty_twenty_99
                  Lyricist I
                  May 17, 2026

                  Same on two out my three Alexa enabled speakers. Tried unplugging them both and removing Alexa from them both but the sound continues. Massively annoying!

                    Preston_1
                    Lyricist I
                    May 17, 2026

                    Same on my living room Arc. Massively annoying. 

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