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nietzschex
Contributor I
July 19, 2018
Answered

How to activate Alexa mics on Sonos One surrounds?

  • July 19, 2018
  • 57 replies
  • 15977 views
I have a Beam with two Sonos One surrounds, and it's my understanding that the mics on the Sonos Ones are by default OFF, and that the Beam is the only one with mic input for Alexa. Is there a way to turn on the mics on the Ones? I ask because I'm usually closer to the Ones than the Beam when using Alexa, and Alexa on the Beam usually has trouble hearing me (I usually have to yell). Thanks!
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    Best answer by Ryan S
    As soon as you Enable the Sonos skill within Alexa then all Sonos Alexa devices have the capability to take voice commands. Can you please open the Sonos App>Settings>Room Settings>{Your Sonos One} and ensure that Voice Services are Enabled? If not please click Enabled and follow the prompts.
    This would work for everything but with the Beam and Sonos Ones.

    When bonded with a Beam, Sonos Ones will have Alexa disabled on them. We found during testing that the best experience was when the Sonos Ones microphones were turned off. CEC based Alexa commands don't work through the Sonos One, so if those were hearing your commands instead of the Beam, it wouldn't pass them to the TV. I'll pass the word along to the team that you'd like to be able to turn the microphones back on, and more importantly, that the Beam is having trouble hearing you. That shouldn't be the case.

    You might want to give us a call on our support line and see if they can help get the setup cleaned up a bit and improve the Beam's listening.

    57 replies

    Show previous replies
    Wblake76
    Lyricist I
    July 29, 2020

    This is so freaking stupid.  I’m tired of yelling over the tv which is not even turned up loud in order for Alexa to hear me…

     

    Sonos please allow me to use whichever mics I prefer…...

    iRosen
    Contributor I
    August 25, 2020

    Hi all,

    It’s totally a work around solution and I think sonos really need to be able to enable those speakers on the one’s even when connected to Beam

    But I have a good setup in my home that works just wall with little added cost: Iv’e setup an alexa echo dot in my living room right next to the sitting area and configured it main speaker as the living room surround (beam+2 ones) and its working as expected as a microphone only and all the voice output.

    not official but working way better than screaming around the house for “next song”.

    Dbwilau
    Lyricist I
    November 15, 2020

    I Have the same problem, whats the point having something that doesnt work properly

    Holloway
    Lyricist I
    November 26, 2020

    After weeks of reading about sonos,s all singing, all dancing useability not one reviewer or sonos mentioned not being able to use alexa on sonos's one,s used as surround. It,s not what they tell you that counts, it,s what they Don,t.

    Aaron225
    Lyricist I
    April 11, 2021

    Why is this still an issue? Also my beam does not pick up my voice at all for Alexa when the Sonos ones are connected a sourround. - even when the tv is muted!! The beam will not activate Alexa 

    John B
    April 11, 2021

    Have you accidentally disabled the mic on the Beam?

      Matt88
      Lyricist I
      May 29, 2021

      I have exactly the same issue with my setup of sonos ones & beam- very frustrating!! Can anyone confirm if this is still an issue for them? and what are sonos doing to try and solve this issue?

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