Re-indexing a friend's system.

This plan should work. It’s not the controller which does the indexing, it’s one of the players (the Associated Product listed in the controller’s About screen). The controller is a transient entity which merely instructs the system, and in this case triggers the index scan. The index is then stored on the players, so the old iPad -- with its limited functionality -- will then be able to access it as normal. 

By the way, you could if you wish leave your friend with the system set to perform an automatic library scan. This would take place in the background on a daily basis, without needing a controller present. 

Hi ratty,

Thanks for your very helpful reply.

The bit that worries me is that before my iPad can instruct his sytem to re-index it will no doubt update his players and when that’s done, will they refuse to play music for my mate’s out of date iPad. If I do it and then he can’t play any music I’m not going to be very popular. How sure are you that will not happen?

As regards re-index in the background, I didn’t know about that thanks.

Is that too recent for my mates system to know about it or can I tell him to try it now?

Also, what happens if the devices are not switched on at the time set for the re-index? Does it just skip that particular session or does it queue the processes?

Thanks again, you’ve been very helpful.

Bob.

As I understand it his system is also a lot of updates behind. Would updating the system with a newer iPad not bring with it a risk the old iPad could not control anything Sonos anymore, since it’s too old compared to the now new software on the system?

@mightyoakbob You’d best enquire of your friend which Sonos software version he’s running. It’ll be listed in the About section of the controller. I’d simplistically assumed that he and you were both up to date on S1. You’re quite right that if your controller is up to date, and your friend’s system is not, there are going to be problems.

Also, find out which iPad he has and which version of iOS/iPadOS he’s using.

On your last question: devices that are switched off when an index scan is performed simply catch up with the rest of the system when they boot. Only one player needs to run the scan; the index is then mirrored to the other units. 

Right, I’ll email him now. May take a day ot two to get a reply.

Thanks again.

Bob.

Use SonoPad instead, it will work on very old iOS versions and will allow a re-indexing. If will not (and in fact cannot) update the players.

@mightyoakbob,

Does your friend have a PC or Mac desktop controller installed that is at the same update level as his system? If so, he can re-index using this controller. Even if they are not exactly the same old version, there is a little slack in some versions that might allow limited control and support re-indexing. Don’t attempt to freshly install a PC/Mac controller now because there will be an update demand.

If at any time there is an update demand, tread carefully.  Update demands can be aggressive and the best plan might be to force close the controller. If you cannot trust your friend to be able to do this, don’t even suggest this approach.

Overall, I’m not sure that you should risk attempting to guide your friend remotely because, if there is a question and a screen is left open, an errant touch or click could start an update while waiting for your response.

Didn’t know about this but I’ve just purchased it to give it a try. I’m not doing very well though to be honest.

It finds my sonos players just fine, it took 15 minutes to do it but it got there in the end.

Finding my music is another matter, it doesn’t appear to see that at all.

I know I shouldn’t but I always use ‘folder view’ in all music playing apps and I’m happy there but this app shows the correct path to the music but doesn’t show any.

I’m also baffled trying to find a way to re-index the library, I can’t see a way to do this. There is something called “Refresh Music Library” ????

I made a temporary change to the Library and then tried it. It went away for nearly 30 minutes at the end of which the app still had no music in folders and the Library change didn’t show up in the S1 app either.

I’m a bit baffled to be honest, can’t get it to work.

Thanks.

Bob.

I would think it very unlikely he’d have that on his PC laptop.

I wouldn’t advise him to do anything remotely, I would visit him and do it myself, thanks for the advice.

Thanks.

Bob.

Maybe @controlav could help you with this.