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Speaker password feature needed ASAP!

Forum|Forum|8 years ago
August 12, 2018
85 replies
3004 views

Sonos please task one of your engineers with adding a password option to the Sonos system just like Apple has done with their Homepods!

Airplay2 is a game changer when it comes to an open system like Sonos because any device with Airplay2 capability can take control of a sonos system without intentionally installing the Sonos app. While this is convenient on some networks it is a royal pain in the arse for others.

Take my home network as an example. I have two wireless networks - one for the family and one for guests. The guest network has no access to Sonos which is great. But everyone on the family network can control any speaker in the Sonos system because there is no way to secure them. Unfortunately I can't put them on a separate subnet due to the shared media and backup servers. Sure, I ask them not to connect to certain speaker and groups, but they don't see the harm in having the house filled with their cool tunes while I'm at work. Can't really blame them but it causes problems with the neighbors and even me (sucks to ask Alexa to play CNN on a speaker and have it blaring close to full volume because someone forgot to turn it down).

BTW, this wasn't much of a problem before the Airplay2 update because none of the kids had the Sonos app installed on their devices but now they connect without a 2nd thought.

Please give us the option to protect speakers and groups of speakers.

Feature Request

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Ken_Griffiths

I agree with the sentiments expressed in the original post i.e. having some kind of control to restrict open access to the whole Sonos network when using AirPlay2. I have a separate post on related matter ; I have two apartments located one above the other, which both use the same router / wifi. Set up with separate Bridges hardwired to same router, and creating two Sonosnets, each unique to an apartment. Using Apps to control the speakers in this way maintains the integrity of the separate network, with no-one in one apartment being able to play music in the other. I'm considering making these separate homes "smart homes" for lighting etc using Alexa. Sonos One units would replace Play Ones. Using App controllers would be no different to existing set up. However, I think Airplay 2 functionality would make ALL speakers across BOTH homes be transparent as potential speakers, which could lead to annoying unwanted playback in the wrong apartment.
I have another home elsewhere which I've smartened with Echo Dots linked to Sonos. I think this gives me the choice of searching for Sonos products and then deselecting those not required. Using Echo Dots would I think achieve the "closed" Sonos environments required.
Some switch/ selector/ password to restrict open access to ALL sonos speakers would be greatly appreciated.
I can understand in the majority of cases, Airplay2 will fulfil most users' requirements. However, other like me and the premier poster require something a little bit more bespoke.You could try using the AirPlay Password security feature in Apple HomeKit, creating two (or more) separate Homes for each group of speakers and giving each Home entirely different passwords... and registering the appropriate speakers accessories in each home.

Any user will then need know the password to use each group of speakers. Also you (the Home administrator) can also set access security, so that the user has to be a member of the Home too. You can also disable the 'editing' features for the Home, so that any Home that is shared, remains secure.

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IJN

Renowned Enthusiast I

Thanks - that sounds most helpful. Hadn't thought of control being via Apple but concentrated on Sonos solutions. It's success all depends on whether HomeKit will recognise two created homes to replicate the two segregated "homes" under Sonos, despite being on same WiFi/ Password etc. If the HomeKit works like this, within a physical house by perhaps enabling Upstairs/ Downstairs groups then indeed it should work since in my set up, the only difference between separate zoned access in a single house and my situation is the existence of front doors since one apartment is immediately above the other. Thanks again.

Ken_Griffiths

IJN,

Yes you can create multiple 'secure' homes in the HomeKit App... see attached screenshot.

Hope that helps?

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IJN

Renowned Enthusiast I

That's very helpful.

cariacou

Enthusiast I

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll send along a feature request to add password protection to the Sonos system.

This would be a must appreciated feature!
I know the thread is old, but still within the top 5 most commented threads on the community.
Any update on Sonos' thoughts on this?

Feature request: Guest Mode. Ex: Add an admin login to the Sonos app to restrict desired settings/zones to non-guest users

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