Forcing Updates

You're not forced to update*. Disable the update check in the system (which BTW doesn't automatically update, it just notifies that an update is available), and ensure that Sonos apps on iOS/Android don't automatically update from their respective app stores.

If you don't prevent the controller apps updating they'll go out of step with the player firmware, which will then usually require a system update before you can play anything. This is because controllers and players must be at compatible versions.

(*Except when you add a new unit to the system.)

Im being forced to update right now and it totally breaks my sonos system. Updated makes it so sonos controller can no longer connect and I am being forced, there is no option. Sonos is now completely broken for my entire office...

Im being forced to update right now and it totally breaks my sonos system. Updated makes it so sonos controller can no longer connect and I am being forced, there is no option. Sonos is now completely broken for my entire office...
No one will be able to assist, if you don't describe the circumstances and your network configuration.

We all conect via wifi with iphones, androids and computers. The newest update breaks sonos for ALL the computers in the office. Why is sonos forcing an update and not allowing me to roll back to a previous working version? The version from April 2018 was the last build that works until today when I was FORCED to update. Every update breaks things. Its not worth it anymore. I might just switch over to something else. Im tired of wasting time trying to get sonos to work. My previous work around was just not updating, which is not no longer possible. Does sonos even test their controller program with old receivers?

What does "The newest update breaks sonos for ALL the computers in the office" mean? You are no longer able to control playback or what?

Yes, I can still control from my phone, but the computer will no longer connect. WHY IS THE UPDATE FORCED??? The precious version was working fine yesterday, today I get a forced update. We dont have time to troubleshoot your bad decisions. I want an answer, why can't I install the previous version of sonos that was working?

Yes, I can still control from my phone, but the computer will no longer connect. WHY IS THE UPDATE FORCED??? The precious version was working fine yesterday, today I get a forced update. We dont have time to troubleshoot your bad decisions. I want an answer, why can't I install the previous version of sonos that was working?
I would blame Apple to be honest. They seem to be the ones who first created the paradigm that installed apps are automatically updated without the user being asked. Everyone else from Google right down to Sonos seems to have just followed along.

As a result, once a user has their Sonos controller app automatically updated on their phone (without the user being aware) all the other components on a Sonos network will also need to be updated just to keep up.

Try turning off automatic app updates on your phone. But really, the prevalence of this behaviour stems originally from Apple not from Sonos.

rhott,

The Sonos updates are not forced, at least one of your controllers will have automatic updates switch on.. simply turn off that feature. The issue to bear in mind though, is that sometimes the Sonos updates come with improved security too. So my advice would be to update, particularly if there are important assets on the local network.

I have received the Sonos updates on my 14+ Speaker network and not had a single issue with any update. So my guess is the problem lies entirely with your setup and/or your network. Here are some simple suggestions to perhaps improve things.

I would strongly suggest/recommend you run the system in Boost Mode on a wireless channel that is at least set 5 channels apart from the main WiFi in and around the building.. removing the WiFi credentials from the Advanced Settings of the Sonos App when the system is up & running entirely on SonosNet.

To add more stability reserve the Sonos IP addresses in your main routers DHCP Reservation Table.

If you are using managed switches on the network, then ensure they are configured correctly. There is plenty of information in the community and the main Sonos support pages on how to do that.

If you have other wireless access points, or extenders, into the local network, configure them to the same wireless channel as your main router so that they don’t interfere with the SonosNet signal.

Keep all wireless devices at least two to three feet away from other each other.

All these things are reasonably simple to do, but if you don’t understand them, or how to go about these things, then find someone who does. The issue is without a doubt going to be the way you have setup your Sonos system in this instance.

Hope you are able to do these things and that the above helps you to eradicate your problems once and for all. ?

This thread is fascinating. Sonos techs say the updates are not forced yet, multiple customers are telling you that forced updates are absolutely happening.... and I hate to tell ya, but they are being forced. Initially the updates are suggested but after awhile you are absolutely forced to update else no response from the controller.

This has happened to me multiple times. I have 2 controllers (one on the laptop and one on Andriod phone). Auto update is off and after a disaster update last week, I now have another update that I "should" implement. Of course I would never volunteer for the pain of losing the system/music with the update on my own, but rest assured, in some near-term date, the controller will stop working unless I update. Sonos...this is real and the stale response that updates are "not forced" is absolutely not true. Maybe you should say "Not forced Initially...".

You could greately simplify customer pain and possibly retain the Sonos panache if you simply let sleeping dogs lie for legacy systems and update those newer systems where, for some unknown reason, users want to talk to their speakers rather than listen to them.

Google has been brilliant with this. 2 years updates for their flagship phones then the madness stops. My old Pixel phone (backup) works great, no update hassles and all the apps are still working in their legacy stage. So so so simple.

Sonos you would do well to avoid repeating the Microsoft fiasco whereby the forced updates and implemented useless features that caused all sorts of customer grief .... eventually sending customers into Apple's open arms.

I just bought a vacation home in South Florida. SONOS will most definitely not cross my front door threshold.

PrivatePlace,

Just to clarify some things, can you kindly mention if you have undertaken any of the following five “briefly listed” items, or if any of them apply in your particular case. I’m just really surprised that you have not yet mentioned any of these...

1. Added the Sonos IP addresses to your local network's DHCP Reservation Table.
2. Tried running the system on SonosNet with the channel set at least 5 channels away from the main routers 2.4ghz channel?
3. Fixed the main router channel and set the same fixed channel on any wifi Hubs, repeaters, extenders and/or powerline adapters (if relevant)?
4. When trying things on SonosNet, that you removed the stored WiFi credentials from the Sonos App.
5. Spoken with Sonos Customer Care about your issues within the last month, or so?

I'm just quite curious which, if any, out of the five listed items, you have undertaken to remedy your updating issues, before posting your comments above. It really makes no sense at all, if you have perhaps not yet fixed your local networking issues?

I generally prefer genuine replies. You are surprised that I didn't mention any of those things? I'll tell you why, because I've owned Sonos since 2013 and I have NEVER had any of these issues until the last 15-months or so... specifically when Sonos made the decision to start adding voice capabilities to the speakers.

I have a degree in computer science and I can eventually fix most issues... so your items 1.-5 are all in play and all things that I have leveraged to get the system back up and running once it goes down. But I have to tell you... I didn't buy these expensive speakers to spend a hour trouble shooting, rebooting and/or contacting customer service (by the way...just try...try...try to speak with an actual SONOS customer service rep). If anyone chooses to go that route, put on a pot of coffee... its going to take awhile.

I'm really really surprised that your approach to dealing with these matters is to point customers to technical solutions.... solutions that WERE NOT required just a year or so ago. If SONOS had started out this way, it would have failed day-one.

What I've noticed from this forum are more defensive "'redirects" instead of addressing the issue full on.. My post was specifically addressing the "forced upgrades" matter which Ken's response above totally ignored and quite frankly, I'm not sure you can because its tough to reconcile the corporate party-line with the consume reality. Beyond the scripted responses, I can tell you that you have a problem that's becoming more and more prominent.

A Bed Time Story: Once upon a time a company called Microsoft had an operating system called "Windows XP". I just worked. Then they decided they need to come up with solutions to problems that didn't exist. They pissed off so many loyal customers that they turned in mass to a tiny company called Apple which delivered a computer and operating system that did what it was supposed to do, Customers raved and a star was re-born.