Skip to main content
Obsdidian28
Contributor I
May 27, 2023
Answered

Problem with Alexa Integration - won't skip to next song

  • May 27, 2023
  • 31 replies
  • 3385 views

Hi All,

 

I’m resurrecting this question which was asked three years ago as it’s suddenly started happening after years of stability.

 

Problem Description:

  • Streaming via Alexa to Sonos.
  • Command “Alexa Skip” is registered by Amazon but the command is not executed on Sonos. At this point the system is pretty much in auto mode. It can be stopped and the volume can be changed but that’s about it.
  • Any streaming content has to be stopped before I can switch to a different channel / playlist from Amazon.
  • Album art is not shown on Sonos app.
  • “Next track” is greyed out on Sonos app.
  • Typically, this happens from the second track onward.

 

Configuration:

  • Stereo pair of Sonos 1 speakers linked with a Sonos Roam.
  • Running the most recent version of firmware.
  • Connectivity is via WiFi on a very stable network with strong signal strength.
  • WAN is bidirectional gigabit.

 

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

    This topic has been closed for further comments. You can use the search bar to find a similar topic, or create a new one by clicking Create Topic at the top of the page.
    Best answer by D0bby

    No - it was a server side issue with the Sonos Alexa Plugin

    31 replies

    Ken_Griffiths
    Ken_Griffiths
    May 27, 2023

    I would perhaps first try removing and then reauthorising the Sonos Skill in the Alexa App. Check that the default music service (Amazon Music HD presumably) is logged in with the same Amazon account credentials in both the Alexa App and the Sonos App.

    Note there are some limitations with the various available Amazon music services. See this summary link:

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html%3FnodeId%3DGW3PHAUCZM8L7W9L

    I’ve just tried the "Alexa, next/previous track” features and those are working okay here on Sonos speakers.. I’m using the Amazon Music Unlimited service. I’m also seeing the Album Art etc.

      Obsdidian28Author
      Contributor I
      May 27, 2023

      Thanks for the quick reply! I’ve re-authenticated my accounts and it appears to be workings.

      Let’s see how things work over the next day or so.

      Much appreciated.

        Obsdidian28Author
        Contributor I
        May 28, 2023

        Ugh… the issue appears to be back. This is what I see on the SONOS app from the second track onward.

        I’m going to give Tidal a try and see if it’s any different.

         

         

        Obsdidian28Author
        Contributor I
        May 29, 2023

        As an update… I’ve been testing this with Tidal and it does exactly the same thing. First track is great and then it just implodes. No image. Controls are greyed out. Voice commands are processed but cannot be executed.

        I guess it’s time to open a case.

          shaneh85
          Lyricist III
          May 29, 2023

          I’m having the same issue. Weirdly, it was fine until I spoke with SONOS about a true play issue?!  
           

          it was all OK, but not Trueplay option (turns out I can’t have it with my setup) following conversations with Sonos, I reset all units, then this issue happened.  No album cover, skip, with volume control etc.

           

          it’s as if the media server is lost or something. Disabling the skill and re-enabling works every time, however, for how long is a mystery as it always stops again.

            Obsdidian28Author
            Contributor I
            May 29, 2023

            How interesting. How do you disable Trueplay?

            While it’s not confidence inspiring at least it’s consistent across all of my SONOS devices (stereo pairs, individual players etc.) as well as different music services (Amazon and Tidal). Once the first song has played to completion, I lose any functionality (album art, voice control to skip or change stream, controls via the app - other than stopping).

              Kezza2673
              Trending Lyricist I
              May 29, 2023

              Having the same issue on my Sonos Rome and five stereopair. Everything is up-to-date and I also have the added issue of not being able to go back to the previous track on any of my speakers, not just the two mentioned above. I am using Apple Music as my preferred music system. I have followed the troubleshooting article about adding/removing Alexa, linking/and linking the account, authorising authorising your devices et cetera. Nothing seems to make a difference. I am also running this latest firmware on all devices and Sonos products.

                shaneh85
                Lyricist III
                May 30, 2023

                How’s that call coming along?!  I might have to go onto their chat function soon.  It’s driving me mad.

                 

                  shaneh85
                  Lyricist III
                  May 30, 2023

                  FYI. If you say “Alexa, pause” then say “Alexa next song” it works… WTF…. It’s not ideal, but it’s a work around and possibly an insight into the cause.

                    Kezza2673
                    Trending Lyricist I
                    June 1, 2023

                    I've also made a discovery today. If I use Amazon music as my service, the next and previous work fine, but no such joy with Apple Music I fear. I'm not signing up to prime music purely so I can skip tracks. I still can't skip to a previous track though on either Amazon music or Apple Music services. Haven't tried Spotify, but that might be my next call.

                      Show more replies
                      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement