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jamie72
Enthusiast I
September 5, 2026

Sonos app feedback: Issue with hidden settings shortcut when selecting speakers

  • September 5, 2026
  • 16 replies
  • 108 views

I wanted to share some feedback regarding the speaker selector and grouping panel in the app. I am using the latest version of the Sonos app on iOS (88.1.9).

If you look at the screenshots attached below, I’ve highlighted the device pictures on the left side of the room list. Tapping on any of these speaker icons acts as a shortcut that immediately opens the settings menu for that specific device.

This has a couple of friction points:

  • Lack of visual indicators: There is no UI cue (like a gear icon) to suggest these images are interactive touch targets that lead to a completely different menu.

  • Accidental navigation: Because these icons sit directly next to the main room selection area, it's very easy to misclick and be taken into the Settings panel. And then backing out of this Settings panel puts me back on the Home Screen, rather than returning to where I was on the speaker selection panel. So when I'm trying start playback on a speaker, or group rooms, a slight mis-tap instantly pulls me out of the playback flow and into the device settings.

  • Context mismatch: The existence of this shortcut doesn't make sense to me. As I’m in the middle of selecting speakers for playback or adjusting the grouping, it’s unlikely that I’d want to jump into device settings at that exact moment.

It would be a great QOL improvement if the team could rethink this - perhaps either add a clear visual indicator that these icons lead to settings, or remove this shortcut entirely to prevent accidental taps during room selection.

 

16 replies

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User117655
User117655
Prodigy II
September 5, 2026

Context maybe but personally I disagree with the other points, specifically:

  • Lack of visual indicators: There is no UI cue (like a gear icon) to suggest these images are interactive touch targets that lead to a completely different menu.

As I mentioned earlier background shading is consistent with many other button cues across the app (play/pause for ex.). Introducing another visual cue for that button/action type would be counter intuitive and seemingly against the existing app design kit.

Maybe it is the fact that the speaker icons on the buttons are pictorial rather than graphical that is causing the issue?

Personally though not a problem for me... except back should go back and not home 🤓

    AjTrek1
    AjTrek1
    September 5, 2026

    When Grouping why would one tap the speaker/room icon? I’ve never had the issue the OP is suggesting needs to be fixed. 🤔 I guess my fingers don’t wander (yet) 😂

    What you are suggesting, is that this feature shouldn’t exist. It’s not something you would use. So, you shouldn’t be able to tap the speaker icon and go to settings. I think that would satisfy the OPs concern too.

    Let’s dial this back a bit. I’m not suggesting anything. Nor am I criticizing the OP’s ability to lay-out their concern (very well done).  I just don’t see the issue. However, that’s me.

    You obviously have a different take on the subject and I respect that. This is a community of many different view points (at times). 😊

    Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
      kdowling
      kdowling
      September 5, 2026

      Is it a useful feature? Does anyone use it? Has anyone used it? Not easily discovered, but once you know it’s there, it’s obvious. BUT, not going back with “<” is the deal breaker for me.

        kdowling
        kdowling
        September 5, 2026

        You obviously have a different take on the subject and I respect that. This is a community of many different view points (at times). 😊

        I agree with your assessment 😀  But, my take on the subject is the same as yours. I actually don’t think the speaker icons should be active at all.

          jamie72Author
          Enthusiast I
          September 5, 2026

          Logically (by design) you:

          • Tap the Radio Button on the right for those speakers/rooms you want to Group

          You can also tap the name of a speaker, or anywhere in the blank space between the speaker name and the radio button, and that will also select the speaker.

          Which makes it all the stranger to me that tapping the speaker image doesn’t also select the speaker, and instead takes you off to settings.

            AjTrek1
            AjTrek1
            September 5, 2026

            Logically (by design) you:

            • Tap the Radio Button on the right for those speakers/rooms you want to Group

            You can also tap the name of a speaker, or anywhere in the blank space between the speaker name and the radio button, and that will also select the speaker.

            Which makes it all the stranger to me that tapping the speaker image doesn’t also select the speaker, and instead takes you off to settings.

            However, tapping the name of the speaker a second time doesn’t release it from the group. I’ll just stick with the Radio Button 😊

            Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
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