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Contributor I
November 24, 2024

why does the sonos app suck so badly

  • November 24, 2024
  • 50 replies
  • 4475 views

It takes forever to respond to inputs and tonight I have no control over the volume. Every time I play music there is an issue with the app. It is one of the worst apps I’ve ever experienced. 

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50 replies

Ken_Griffiths
January 30, 2025

Here are the Sonos devices that support a 5Ghz WiFi connection…

Note: I would only use this less reaching/penetrating, but faster, WiFi band if the Sonos device can achieve a decent SNR level (I usually aim for 45dB or higher), as shown in the Sonos App, but anything above 30dB should be fine too…

  • Play:1
  • Play:3
  • Play:5 (Gen 2)
  • Sub (Gen 1)
  • Sub (Gen 2)
  • Era 100
  • Era 300
  • Move 2
  • Roam
  • Roam 2
  • Roam SL
  • Five
  • Move
  • One (Gen 1)
  • One (Gen 2)
  • One SL
  • Port
  • Arc Ultra
  • Sub (Gen 3 & 4)
  • Sub Mini
  • SYMFONISK Bookshelf (Gen 2)
  • SYMFONISK Floor lamp
  • SYMFONISK Picture frame
  • SYMFONISK Table lamp (Gen 2)
  • SYMFONISK Bookshelf (Gen 1)
106rallye
January 31, 2025

Why would you not want to be on 2,4Ghz? The Sonos software just chooses the best band to work with.

Why?  That’s a dumb question.  Because 5G is 400% faster than 2.4G on my network.

Thank you.

Sonos is streaming sound, not video, so does the lower speed really inhibit the system to work right? You say the Sonos software that chooses the best possible connection is faulty?

Lyricist III
January 31, 2025

Why would you not want to be on 2,4Ghz? The Sonos software just chooses the best band to work with.

Why?  That’s a dumb question.  Because 5G is 400% faster than 2.4G on my network.

Thank you.

Sonos is streaming sound, not video, so does the lower speed really inhibit the system to work right? You say the Sonos software that chooses the best possible connection is faulty?

I would have to change my WiFi on my laptop or iPhone to 2.4 in order to connect to the Sonos speakers.  Does that help you better to understand?  Has nothing to do with Sonos sound its how I have to connect to them.

Stanley_4
Grand Maestro
January 31, 2025

Why would you have to change your phone’s connection?

Most any decent quality router makes the Wi-Fi band the device is connected to transparent to the devices trying to connect.

Lyricist III
January 31, 2025

Why would you have to change your phone’s connection?

Most any decent quality router makes the Wi-Fi band the device is connected to transparent to the devices trying to connect.

Because connecting to 2.4 my internet speed is 40mbps, connecting to 5G is 560mbps

Ken_Griffiths
January 31, 2025

Why would you have to change your phone’s connection?

Most any decent quality router makes the Wi-Fi band the device is connected to transparent to the devices trying to connect.

Because connecting to 2.4 my internet speed is 40mbps, connecting to 5G is 560mbps

Remove any WiFi band isolation in your router configuration pages (if isolation is enabled) and it then will not matter at all which WiFi network segments are in use by Sonos products and/or your iPhone and Laptop. As ​@Stanley_4 mentions, the connection between all should be transparent. It’s rather unusual to have the two WiFi bands isolated by default anyway.

Lyricist I
February 1, 2025

Sonos app has been horrible for many many years. I have lost all hope it will improve. I don’t understand what the CEO stepping down is going to do. The company has zero vision. Sure the hardware is amazing but what’s the point when you can’t use it. I sold off most my equipment except for what’s connected to my tv because that’s too much of a hassle. But you can bet I will never buy another product or service from them ever again. 

I’m over this company as well and currently looking at other options. Never again will I buy a Sonos product. Every room in my house has Sonos speakers which are completely unusable because of an app that is not functional. Their problems have nothing to do with networking. The real problem is they cannot design an app that is usable. I’m out!

Ken_Griffiths
February 1, 2025

I’m over this company as well and currently looking at other options. Never again will I buy a Sonos product. Every room in my house has Sonos speakers which are completely unusable because of an app that is not functional. Their problems have nothing to do with networking. The real problem is they cannot design an app that is usable. I’m out!

If it’s not a networking issue, then it certainly does not explain why the new Sonos App is working for my Home setup and the App also works for friends and family too.  

I would have offered to assist with some suggestions, but I guess if you’re out, then you’re out.

If not done so already, I would have at the very least spoken to Sonos Support before walking away, as they might have resolved the issues you were/are seeing.

Avid Contributor I
February 10, 2025

Absolutely horrible app...they really screwed the pooch.  Extremely slow accessing songs off YouTube music.  Volume control slow to respond, etc.  I miss the old controller tablet I had.

Airgetlam
February 11, 2025

Most often, delays are caused by network issues, between your controller and router, or the router and the speakers. I’d certainly check the wifi interference FAQ, as well as performing a Sonos network refresh, by unplugging your Sonos devices from power (or powering them off, if battery connected), and rebooting your router. Once the router has recovered, power back on your Sonos devices. This will give them both a fresh IP address, as well as a refresh of the Sonos OS. Finally, check your system for updates, in case there are any that need to be applied. 

However, if you’re continuing to have this delay, I would recommend that you submit a system diagnostic within 10 minutes of experiencing this problem, and call Sonos Support to discuss it. But don’t post the resulting diagnostic number here, they get sensitive about GDPR.

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 Support staff, they have tools at their disposal that will allow them to give you advice specific to your network and Sonos system.

Bruce