Skip to main content
Ageorge2
Contributor I
May 23, 2026
Answered

connecting sub 4 to arc ultra

I’m unable to get my new Sonos sub 4 to connect to my new arc ultra. Have followed instructions, done heaps of factory resets. I can see it in the app, but just get a slow green flashing light or an orange light. Spent hours this afternoon trying to get it to work. Tried the help chat bot but it keeps going around in circles. Can’t find anything on line, most keep saying how easy it is. Do I take it back to my place of purchase and ask for a new one? 

This topic has been closed for further comments. You can use the search bar to find a similar topic, or create a new one by clicking Create Topic at the top of the page.
Airgetlam
AirgetlamAnswer
May 23, 2026

I’d also make sure the content being sent to the Arc Ultra is at least 5.1 (not stereo). You’d be unlikely to hear or feel the Sub if it was not a 5.1 signal. 

That means YouTube tests aren’t valid. The vast majority of those are reset by YouTube to stereo, so as not to use too much bandwidth. I usually recommend a movie channel or a DVD/Bluray player for testing purposes, and checking in the controller to be certain the Arc is receiving the appropriate non-stereo signal, which can most easily be found by checking ‘about my Sonos system’ in the controller, while the Arc is receiving a signal. There are some (few, but they seem to exist) TVs that modify the signal to stereo.

Conversely, you could call Sonos Support to discuss it.

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
View in thread

19 replies

Stanley_4
Stanley_4
Grand Maestro
May 23, 2026

It may be a failed unit but often it is an incompatible setting in your local setup. Talking to a live support person is usually the best option. 

    Rhonny
    Prodigy III
    May 23, 2026

    Is your Arc Ultra fully set up and working first?
     

    Is the Arc perhaps connected to the router by Ethernet with WiFi turned off in the Arc settings..?

      Ageorge2Author
      Contributor I
      May 23, 2026

      Thanks for responding…the arc is working and is on wifi. I’m unable to get Ethernet to the Sonos equipment. They are both on the same network. The Sonos app sees the bass 4 and they are connected onto my living room group it’s just not playing. I was wondering if there was something in the settings of the router that maybe stopping it. It’s about 4 years old. 

      Rhonny
      Prodigy III
      May 23, 2026

      Sorry, just to check - when you say you followed the instructions, you did go to the Arc Ultra’s settings and select Add Sub? Rather than trying to group them.

        Ageorge2Author
        Contributor I
        May 23, 2026

        I set up the arc then did the added the bass. In the set up it the. Asked me to group them. So the set up works but then it does not play and I get the slow flashing green light 

        Rhonny
        Prodigy III
        May 23, 2026

        When you go into the Arc Ultra settings and select “Add Sub”, it should go though a process that bonds the Sub to the Arc Ultra. There should be no grouping involved as the Arc and Sub will become automatically linked, and shouldn’t appear as separate speakers.

          Ageorge2Author
          Contributor I
          May 23, 2026

          Sorry, I use the wrong word instead of grouping I should’ve used the word bond. I go through the whole process and everything looks right except I get no sound out of my bass 4. And just a solid Orange light on the bass. But I don’t get any errors while going through the process. And it looks fine in the app, but it’s just not working

           

            Rhonny
            Prodigy III
            May 23, 2026

            Hmm. Looks right.

            Sonos’ support pages say: “A Sub with a solid orange light can indicate the Sub has been added to the system, but not currently bonded to another speaker.”

            …but it looks like it is bonded.

            Are your speakers up to date? It should run a firmware update when you set up the speakers but go to Settings - General Settings - System Updates, and check if there any updates due. Not sure what else to suggest…

            Rhonny
            Prodigy III
            May 23, 2026

            Also - you could try turning your speakers and router off at the wall. Give it a couple of minutes then turn the router back on and let it fully reboot. Then turn the Arc Ultra back on. Let it go fully to white light. Then turn on the Sub. This will give the speakers a new IP address which could help…

              Ageorge2Author
              Contributor I
              May 23, 2026

              Thanks for trying…I checked and all systems are up to date. It’s very frustrating 

              Show more replies
              Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement