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Apple TV No Longer Connecting to Era 100 Pair via Airplay

  • April 12, 2026
  • 9 replies
  • 44 views
U

As my introduction into the Sonos ecosystem, I’ve had my Era 100 stereo pair for 4 months now. Starting about 1 month ago I’ve been experiencing constant issues surrounding connecting to my Apple TV via Airplay. 

I use an Apple TV 4K which is connected via Ethernet directly to my router, and I use the Sonos Era 100 pair as my primary audio output. 

For reasons I have not been able to figure out, they no longer connect and I get the “Could not connect to Airplay” error on my Apple TV. 

I have both my Sonos Era 100 pair and Apple TV 4K fully up to date and non of my network settings have been changed ever. 

 

IMPORTANT - I am still able to use my Sonos Era 100 via Airplay with my iPhone, say with Spotify or other services, this problem is limited to my Apple TV. 

Best answer by utepri

Good news:

Powered off all devices → Powered off router → wait 30 seconds → Powered on router → Wait 2 minutes → Powered on speakers → wait 15 seconds → Powered on Apple TV

That solved the problem (for now). I’m afraid if I have to do this more than once a month I’ll cave and buy a soundbar. I’ll keep this updated.

9 replies

Airgetlam
  • Airgetlam
  • April 12, 2026

Sounds like the Apple TV is having trouble with AirPlay 2. Have you rebooted it? 

Honestly, for completeness, I’d be tempted to unplug the Apple TV and the Sonos devices, then reboot the router. Wait two minutes, then plug back in the Apple TV, and finally the Sonos.

But, given that the Sonos are working fine with your iPhone, that leads me to think the issue is with the Apple TV, not the Sonos. Have you contacted Apple about the issue?

Bruce
U
  • utepri
  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • April 12, 2026

I have rebooted multiple times and unplugged power from everything. I could try rebooting router as well calling Apple.

Airgetlam
  • Airgetlam
  • April 12, 2026

I’d try it, just to be complete…one never knows with the mystery that is networking. Just make sure both the Sonos and the Apple TV are unplugged from power while rebooting that router. 

Bruce
    U
    • utepri
    • Author
    • Contributor I
    • April 12, 2026

    Could I potentially eliminate this problem if I add a soundbar to my setup? Then instead of using Airplay as my audio output, I use HDMI ARC?

    Airgetlam
    • Airgetlam
    • April 12, 2026

    Certainly more than potentially. But it is an expenditure, rather than a simple reboot test. But I have two Sonos Arcs connected to my two TVs, both driven by Apple TVs. You’d also gain the opportunity to use those two speakers as surrounds. 

    Bruce
      U
      • utepri
      • Author
      • Contributor I
      • Answer
      • April 12, 2026

      Good news:

      Powered off all devices → Powered off router → wait 30 seconds → Powered on router → Wait 2 minutes → Powered on speakers → wait 15 seconds → Powered on Apple TV

      That solved the problem (for now). I’m afraid if I have to do this more than once a month I’ll cave and buy a soundbar. I’ll keep this updated.

        Stanley_4
        • Stanley_4
        • Grand Maestro
        • April 12, 2026

        As an interim solution look at assigning reserved IP addresses to all Sonos next time this happens.

        Once that is done (router's DHCP settings) do the network refresh again and see if it holds with that tweaking. 

          Schlumpf
          Forum|alt.badge.img+18
          • Schlumpf
          • Virtuoso
          • April 12, 2026

          ​@utepri 

          Maybe a reserved IP also would be useful for Apple TV device. Further I recommend to check your routers IP table for double entries. 

          Ralf
            AjTrek1
            • AjTrek1
            • April 12, 2026

            Another point to be aware of besides making sure the ATV and Sonos speakers are up-to-date...

            • AirPlay piggy-backs on home Wi-Fi

            Having different SSID’s for 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz and be problematic.

            • It’s better to let Sonos decide which band it prefers,
            • Make sure Airtime Fairness is turned off.
            • Disable any type os “smart connect” also known as “band steering” forced by a router.
            • Make sure if using your own router connected to an ISP router/modem box that the router side of the ISP box is in Bridge mode.
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