Sonos App is Complete Garbage - for mobile or desktop

  • 2 September 2023
  • 37 replies
  • 1624 views
B
Userlevel 2

Sonos speakers are great, but everything about the apps is garbage, and gets worse with each update.

Almost everyday, Sonos “forgets” where my library is. I have to go into settings and add the folder again, even though it is already there. Sometimes, I can just start playing something I played recently through the app, even though it says there’s no music library!

On the mobile app, when I search an artist, it can’t find the song files I have stored locally on my phone! I’ve checked permissions, I’ve updated… everything. For a while, I could fix this by toggling between new and classic search and now that doesn’t even work. 

This system is way too expensive for such * software.

If I find a better app that can work with these speakers I will absolutely never use Sonos apps again.

 

*Moderator Note: Modified in accordance with the Community Code of Conduct.*

37 replies

106rallye
Userlevel 7
Badge +17

@RMMPP Then it is still not the app that sucks, because it is just a remote to the system.

Why does your system only need updates when you play music. I have set updates to install in the middle of the night. I’m not ever confronted wit( these updates.

melvimbe

How does my £100 UE Boom manage all this flawlessly? To the point I can barely be bothered with my Sonos system.

 

Your Boom is a bluetooth speaker, capable of connecting to your phone and that’s about it.  It’s not subject to whatever issues you’ve got on your WiFi network.  It doesn’t need updates, because it doesn’t do anything complex or get any new features.

Danny
R

I mean, he’s right. It sucks.

Every time I open it there’s some issue. Something’s disconnected that was connected yesterday.  Something needs uodating. Whatever the issue is it always feels like something that I shouldn’t be being bothered with. 


How does my £100 UE Boom manage all this flawlessly? To the point I can barely be bothered with my Sonos system.

jgatie

Daily issues now. Sometimes just restarting the app will work, even when it can’t find the system initially. It is very flaky, consistently frustrating.

 

Connection problems which appear suddenly are often caused by network problems, not Sonos problems. The typical cause is duplicate IP addresses. These often show up after an update or power outage because a reboot requires the device to request a new IP, and the router, having lost track of current IP assignments, issues a new IP that is in use by another device. Rebooting the router may offer a temporary respite, but in reality it exacerbates the situation because the reboot simply loses track of the IP assignments all over again. You need to do a complete refresh:

Reboot/power cycle your devices in the following order:

Modem
Router
Switches or hubs
Wired Sonos units
Wireless Sonos units
Computers/printers
Wireless devices - phones/tablets etc.

Allow each device to come back up before proceeding to the next. Note that you can permanently prevent duplicate IP addresses by assigning an IP to each device's MAC address in the router setup. See your router manual for details.

P

Daily issues now. Sometimes just restarting the app will work, even when it can’t find the system initially. It is very flaky, consistently frustrating.

106rallye
Userlevel 7
Badge +17

Which is strange, since, as explained above, the app does not do anything but contact the speakers……

P

Concur. The app is complete garbage, an embarrassment. Am working to unload my Sonos products via Craiglist and will replace with Bose. What a disappointment that this company can’t develop an app to match the speakers (which are great).

106rallye
Userlevel 7
Badge +17

OK, so you just just complain instead of asking for help, which might bring a solution?

O

Sonos speakers are great, but everything about the apps is garbage, and gets worse with each update.

Almost everyday, Sonos “forgets” where my library is. I have to go into settings and add the folder again, even though it is already there. Sometimes, I can just start playing something I played recently through the app, even though it says there’s no music library!

On the mobile app, when I search an artist, it can’t find the song files I have stored locally on my phone! I’ve checked permissions, I’ve updated… everything. For a while, I could fix this by toggling between new and classic search and now that doesn’t even work. 

This system is way too expensive for such * software.

If I find a better app that can work with these speakers I will absolutely never use Sonos apps again.

 

*Moderator Note: Modified in accordance with the Community Code of Conduct.*

The app is terrible and confirm it is absolutely NOT a network issue. Constantly does not recognize the other Sonos speakers. In the 6 months I have ARC and Sub Mini I have had to reset almost 20 times!!! I recently added the Move 2 and opened 12 suport tickets. Complete garbage app that is unstable and needs to be rewritten. 

Hard reboots (i.e. disconnecting the mains supply for 10s and reconnecting (as per Sonos’ own instructions) are a fact of life with this garbage. Only 20 times in 6 months? Your system is working relatively well. You should consider yourself fortunate. You could always ditch it and go back to real gear that works for decades =).

Ken_Griffiths

Sonos confirmed it’s 100% not a network issue.

nothin wrong on the diagnostics test as well they said.

So what is the issue, hardware failure, low average SNR levels, SSDP multicast/broadcast communication, STP issues, or something else? At least give readers a hint as to where your own issues may lie.

My family, friends and I, have used Sonos at our various Homes, business premises and elsewhere for a good many years and none of us have had any huge issue that was not down to ‘poor-network-configuration’ related, but fortunately the advice in the community here and Sonos support pages have helped to eradicate those, even the multicast/broadcast issues that may arise between controller devices and wired/wireless network segments can be quickly resolved in most cases.. but if you’ll enlighten everyone, then it might be useful for ‘any other users’ who land here in the community and perhaps read this thread.

ratty

You joined today, and we have no idea what your problem is. 

S

Any network device, including Sonos, is only as good as the network it is attached to. The vast majority of issues reported on these forums can be attributed to network issues. 

While I appreciate this may be the case I think it would be fair to say very few of us purchase Sonos thinking we need to resolve network issues just to hear premium sound. There must be a better way to avoid these issues. 

A month back I suggested your network was the root cause of your woes. I see you opened a new thread, but to date it appears we still don’t have a clear description of your network structure. 

FWIW Sonos’ requirements are set out here. 

I’m having the same issue, Sonos customer service has confirmed that it 100% is not a network issue. They ran a diagnostics test on my speakers, no issue on their side they said. I wonder what the issue could be then. The ego on the people here is ridiculous.. 

also, the only reason they keep having so many issues with their garbage app, is because they don’t put focus into it. It has nothing to do with the network, it has to do with archaic technology that’s poorly implemented.

The simple fact is, Sonos are speaker manufacturers, not app developers. Their app is trash, and it’s not a network issue.

S

Since the ‘app’ is really running on the speakers, and not technically on your mobile or desktop, it’s not surprising that you’re seeing the same behaviours in both places. 

It seems as though you have some sort of network issue, I’d recommend that you submit a system diagnostic within 10 minutes of experiencing this problem, and call Sonos Support to discuss it.

There may be information included in the diagnostic that will help Sonos pinpoint the issue and help you find a solution.

When you speak directly to the phone folks, they have tools at their disposal that will allow them to give you advice specific to your Sonos system and network.

 

Sonos confirmed it’s 100% not a network issue.

nothin wrong on the diagnostics test as well they said.

it’s weird how passive aggressive people are here.

too much brand loyalty, too much ignorance.

 

Airgetlam

And yet, I don’t have any issues with my 20+ Sonos speakers. I wonder what is different about our two setups. You certainly seem to be having issues that I am not. And yes, I still happen to use a BOOST for SonosNet, although my Roam sits on my WiFi network. 

Bruce
Stanley_4
Userlevel 7
Badge +22

Actually Sonos is discouraging use of their SonosNet mesh and recommending folks switch to WiFi, They even recently discontinued the Boost unit and released speakers that won’t connect to SonosNet.

S

I have an 11 zone Sonos system. Have been a Sonos user for over 15 years. Have “sold” Sonos to dozens of friends that have been at my house over the years… I was a fanboy. But the reality is that Sonos has software issues now and my user experience has been poor for a few years now. I don’t have network issues or anything else… so please don’t try to explain away my experience.
Sonos mesh network technology just hasn’t kept up with the proliferation of devices on a LAN. It is sad and I write this with disappointment. Former fan turned disappointed user. Bottom line is that your UX has fallen woefully behind. 

Stanley_4
Userlevel 7
Badge +22

While I appreciate this may be the case I think it would be fair to say very few of us purchase Sonos thinking we need to resolve network issues just to hear premium sound. There must be a better way to avoid these issues. 

It is pretty simple to avoid the WiFi issues, just wire everything and be done with the unreliable and shared with the neighbors and other devices WiFi mess.

ratty

Any network device, including Sonos, is only as good as the network it is attached to. The vast majority of issues reported on these forums can be attributed to network issues. 

While I appreciate this may be the case I think it would be fair to say very few of us purchase Sonos thinking we need to resolve network issues just to hear premium sound. There must be a better way to avoid these issues. 

A month back I suggested your network was the root cause of your woes. I see you opened a new thread, but to date it appears we still don’t have a clear description of your network structure. 

FWIW Sonos’ requirements are set out here. 

S
Userlevel 1
Badge

Any network device, including Sonos, is only as good as the network it is attached to. The vast majority of issues reported on these forums can be attributed to network issues. 

While I appreciate this may be the case I think it would be fair to say very few of us purchase Sonos thinking we need to resolve network issues just to hear premium sound. There must be a better way to avoid these issues. 

Airgetlam

Any network device, including Sonos, is only as good as the network it is attached to. The vast majority of issues reported on these forums can be attributed to network issues. 

Bruce
G
Userlevel 1

The foundation is a good network. Wireless networks are a pain. At work we have big problems with implementing one that needs to cover every spot and that’s with professional equipment and people…

At my former residence , I wouldn’t dare to use network speakers ( because of building materials at point of entry and network interference from 5 neighbours) Often I had better or only reception of neighbours wifi 😔. Also crappy solutions like wifi boosters/repeaters etc. wouldn’t work.
 

Even at my current location: as I am typing this, with the AP in the next room, network quality is already down one bar. on my terrace, like 10m from the AP, reception is very poor, it won’t work at all. 
 

where I can, I use cabled network on my Sonos equipment.

S
Userlevel 1
Badge

Have to say, Sonos keeps needing to be reset. And it wont recognise Sonos One products unless they are connected via a cable, which is the polar opposite reason for buying a Sonos wireless product.

My ERA 300 is fine. The Sonos One speakers are not picked up by my network.

I have no VPN, no network issues and my phones are fine.

Any solution ideas gratefully recieved.

People rant because nothing should be this complicated!!

Honestly don't even bother with Sonos support -- nice people but it wont help. I have opened 6 tickets and only had them partially resolved where it worked for a few days but then back to full reset. I have had great people here like Ken Griffiths try to help (and he has been amazing) but still no luck. I have the Arc and Sub Mini that I luckily connected to the TV when i last set up but weekly they are never recognized by the app. I am sick of seeing the message 'Unable to find your Sonos system. Let's fix it.' which never works. Now I just keep the Arc and Sub Mini settings as they are and use my TV remote for volume. As for my two Move 2's, i have given up ever getting those working together again. Useless as a pair because, as mentioned below, I only use as Bluetooth now because the Sonos app which can be setup as a stereo pair is lost connection weekly. For such expensive and amazing speakers the app is absolutely terrible. I begged them to rewrite with a new developer team but they never respond to me which tells me this is not a priority for them. I wish I could help but maybe the way I have them set up might be best for you too unfortunately 😞

BTW. insult to injury is the Black Friday deals they keep sending me. 🙄 

G
Userlevel 1

I used Sonos products for more than 3 years now. Had to reset them only once and that was after I took them to a family gathering (so they were on another wifi network). You definitely should contact support as this is not normal. Network issues can be very complicated. Obviously, Sonos would be out of business if everyone had your experience.
 

Btw My kids don’t like the app either, they play directly to my system from Spotify. And when I listen to Apple Classical I need to use Airplay2. So much options with Sonos.

Airgetlam

Not really enough information to give a single answer, but my guess is network issues of some kind. Most likely either wifi interference of some type, or possibly duplicate IP address issues, although normally the latter should be eventually cleared by settings on your router. Unfortunately, Sonos, being networked speakers, are dependent on the network they’re connected to. And there is little that Sonos can do to rectify the network itself.

You could certainly test the latter possibility by unplugging all your Sonos devices from power, then performing a reboot of your router. Once the router comes back up, plug back in your Sonos devices. If that makes a material change in the situation, I’d encourage you to make that more permanent, by assigning reserved IP addresses in your router for the Sonos.

However, you might get better suggestions on how to ‘fix’ this issue if you were to submit a system diagnostic within 10 minutes of experiencing this problem, and call Sonos Support to discuss it.

There may be information included in the diagnostic that will help Sonos pinpoint the issue and help you find a solution.

When you speak directly to the phone folks, they have tools at their disposal that will allow them to give you advice specific to your network and Sonos system.

Bruce
D

Have to say, Sonos keeps needing to be reset. And it wont recognise Sonos One products unless they are connected via a cable, which is the polar opposite reason for buying a Sonos wireless product.

My ERA 300 is fine. The Sonos One speakers are not picked up by my network.

I have no VPN, no network issues and my phones are fine.

Any solution ideas gratefully recieved.

People rant because nothing should be this complicated!!

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