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Roam 2 needs a factory reset to connect to a new network?

  • August 20, 2024
  • 6 replies
  • 476 views
S

Hi! 

I have two Roam 2’s that I bring when traveling, which means they need to be set up on different wifi networks. The only way I found to get them set up on a new wifi network is to do a factory reset, then follow the set up process. 

Is that the only way to change networks? It seems more than a bit odd that the Roam 2 can’t, well, roam. 

I tried connecting via Bluetooth hoping to sync them with the Sonos apps new wifi network, but the speakers aren’t visible in the app when connected to my iPhone via Bluetooth. I didn’t find anything in the Sonos docs about this. 

Thanks! 

Best answer by sjw

My understanding is Roam and Roam 2 can remember the details for multiple (16?) different networks - if used as a simple, single speaker. If you want to use it as part of another system, even temporarily, then it needs to be factory reset.

However, with the latest software, who knows what is going on anymore..  Adding products and WiFi details was removed but maybe has been added back since. I don't know if your experience is expected, albeit undesired, behaviour.

My experience when adding new details has been very hit and miss. Usually it reaches the point where it shows all my speakers in my main system (even though I'm away from home) but I can scroll and select the Roam, it tries for a little while and then invariably says it can't find it.

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6 replies

Pools-3015
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  • Pools-3015
  • Prodigy I
  • August 20, 2024

Yes. When switching networks you need to reset the speaker every time. 
while I’m not sure if it would be different if the networks had the same SSID and password.

S
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  • nik9669a
  • Senior Virtuoso
  • August 20, 2024

Hi! 

I have two Roam 2’s that I bring when traveling, which means they need to be set up on different wifi networks. The only way I found to get them set up on a new wifi network is to do a factory reset, then follow the set up process. 

Is that the only way to change networks? It seems more than a bit odd that the Roam 2 can’t, well, roam. 

It’s interpretation or semantics, it seems to me. “Tethering” it to a network rather restricts its roaming capabilities. That’s more like “relocating” than roaming. 
 

From Sonos’s web site:

Play both ways

Roam 2 is a remarkably versatile all-in-one. Use it as a Bluetooth speaker everywhere and as a smart speaker at home.

S
S
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  • sjw
  • Local Superstar
  • Answer
  • August 20, 2024

My understanding is Roam and Roam 2 can remember the details for multiple (16?) different networks - if used as a simple, single speaker. If you want to use it as part of another system, even temporarily, then it needs to be factory reset.

However, with the latest software, who knows what is going on anymore..  Adding products and WiFi details was removed but maybe has been added back since. I don't know if your experience is expected, albeit undesired, behaviour.

My experience when adding new details has been very hit and miss. Usually it reaches the point where it shows all my speakers in my main system (even though I'm away from home) but I can scroll and select the Roam, it tries for a little while and then invariably says it can't find it.

J
  • jmmfairfax
  • Lyricist III
  • September 14, 2024

I’ve been experimenting with different setups for getting stereo sound out of a pair of roam 2’s for travelling, and not wrestling with hotel networks.  

I paired one of the R2s to my phone via bluetooth.  Works great, love the new BT button. 

I setup the R2’s as a stereo pair on my main network. 

Powered off the R2s and packed them up. 

I have a portable wireless router whose network name and password are the same as my home system.  It’s a GL.inet router like this: $35.   https://www.amazon.com/GL-iNet-GL-SFT1200-Secure-Travel-Router/

When travelling, power on the router, and don’t bother to connect it to the internet or hotel.  just let it supply the network connection to the two R2s. Turn the R2s on, they boot up, connect to each other as a stereo pair, and connect to my phone via bluetooth. Play tunes through a local music app or spotify.  It works and sounds awesome!  

The great thing about this is that it does not require the Sonos App, either (except for setup).   So, just get a cheap travel router, and plug it in.  My phone can still use hotel’s internet, too.  Sometimes the hotel has a working ethernet jack, so you can usually plug the router into that and connect to the internet.  Reconfiguring the router to be an access point to a wireless hotel network is too much configuration trouble, so I don’t bother anymore.  

Then, connect your tablet to the speaker pair, and play netflix, prime video, or YouTube TV with stereo sound. 

 

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  • nik9669a
  • Senior Virtuoso
  • September 14, 2024

Interesting post, @jmmfairfax. 
 

You can also get battery-powered routers so you could go outdoors too…

J
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J
  • jmmfairfax
  • Lyricist III
  • September 16, 2024

The power in the router is USB 3, 5V…  It works with a battery charger.  I just tested it.   

 

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