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Contributor I
June 20, 2025
Answered

Bought a used playbar but it won’t show up

I bought a used playbar and Gen 1 sub, got both to flash green, but they won’t show up when I try to find them in with the app. I even plugged an Ethernet cable into the playbar and connected it to the router. Tried rebooting. Just no luck.

If I can’t them to work I’m just going to return them. 

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AjTrek1
AjTrek1Answer
June 20, 2025

Just heard from the estate sale, and they said they’d give me a refund. I think I’d be better off exploring Sonos investing in something newer. Probably way less of a headache.

That’s a good course of acton. Estate and garage sales are iffy when it comes to electronics. Also, you never know if problems existed with gear before hand or even if the seller was the original owner.

A comparable product to the Playbar using an Optical connection is the Sonos Ray; although not as powerful. A better choice would be the Beam2 that will connect to your TV via HDMI or Optical (requires adapter). The Sonos Sub Mini would work well with either.

Click the links to view the products.

Sonos Beam2     Sonos Ray    Sonos Sub Mini     Optical Adapter

EDIT:

The above recommendations assume you are only wanting a Sonos soundbar and possibly a Sub. If you’re looking to move into Home Theater (HT) they will work as well. All you need do is add a pair of Era 100’s for a full blown HT system.

If you want something beyond Dolby Digital 5.1 there is the Arc Ultra that provides Dolby Atmos * or its predecessor the Arc. For those options you might want to consider a Sub 3 or Sub  4.  

For the ultimate experience you have the Arc Ultra (or Arc) bonded with a Sub 3/Sub 4 and a pair of Era 300’s.  

FYI, Subs and Surrounds can be added at anytime to a Sonos Soundbar.

 

 * The Beam2 will send Dolby Atmos as well although it’s a smaller product with no upward firing drivers.

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

25 replies

Contributor I
June 20, 2025

I got the playbar to work, using an optical cord, but it still won’t show up in the app, even when I reset it.  

AjTrek1
June 20, 2025

Show-up doesn’t tell us what you did after getting them to flash green. You have to first add them as products in the app by selecting “Add a speaker or component”.

Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
Contributor I
June 20, 2025

But how do you add them as products? Not seeing an option for that.

AjTrek1
June 20, 2025
Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
Contributor I
June 20, 2025

Yes, I’ve followed those steps but it just keeps searching and searching and doesn’t find anything to add.

AjTrek1
June 20, 2025

Try moving closer to your router.

Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
AjTrek1
June 20, 2025

If that doesn’t work….

Run a diagnostic within 10 minutes of the failure. Record the reference number; but do not post it in here. Call Sonos Tech support to discuss the findings.

Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
AjTrek1
June 20, 2025

One more point….

I assume your device and the Sonos app are up-to-date….right?

Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
Contributor I
June 20, 2025

Well, it’s an older device. The app, I just installed today.

Airgetlam
June 20, 2025

It’s also possible, since it is a PLAYBAR, that it is still set up in S1, and you’re trying to add it with S2.

Bruce