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Roam wont charge!

  • 22 April 2021
  • 63 replies
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Just got my hands on the new Roam today and  can’t get it to charge.  
 

its plugged in with cable provided, solid orange  light on the front of it and can see it’s charging on the app but it’s stuck at 20% all day now. Won’t charge up.

 

any ideas what to do here, very frustrated with this problem. 
 

thanks in advance for any advice.

 

Edit, light is slowly flashing orange it was only solid orange when speak on but problem remains the same.

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Best answer by Ken_Griffiths 22 April 2021, 18:36

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63 replies

@petridish38,

Just to add then, this 3rd-party dual Qi certified charger (see link below), which I got from Amazon, is currently working okay with the Roam for me. Whilst it is a ‘fast’ Qi charger that supports upto 2 x 10w power output, the Roam will only charge (wirelessly) at a ‘standard’ 5w anyway.

I personally prefer to use a 5v/3A (15w) PD USB-C charger, as those will quickly charge the Roam fully in approx. 2hrs-30mins from ‘empty’.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07QYSHM8P

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@petridish38,

Can you kindly clarify a few things please…

Are you using the Sonos Qi wireless charger, or a 3rd-party certified Qi charger? If 3rd-party, which charger is it, as that may possibly help others here, if they have that same Qi pad?

Presumably this has no bearing when using the USB-C port for charging the Roam with or without, the Sonos supplied charger?

All the chargers I have tried have been 3rd party Qi-certified chargers. Sonos admits they all meet the requirements to charge the Roam -- yet they don’t charge it. I think it would be better to have a list of chargers that work than a list of ones that don’t. I haven’t found one that actually works despite Sonos claiming that “any” Qi-certified charger will work. They just stated that they suspect a software bug and a fix is in the pipeline. I’d rather wait for this update than try to do any more troubleshooting like identifying chargers and making a list. I think -- at this point -- the most helpful thing for people here is to know that Sonos has acknowledged the possibility of a software bug and they are working on a fix.

Thanks for your input.

@petridish38,

Can you kindly clarify a few things please…

Are you using the Sonos Qi wireless charger, or a 3rd-party certified Qi charger? If 3rd-party, which charger is it, as that may possibly help others here, if they have that same Qi pad?

Presumably this has no bearing when using the USB-C port for charging the Roam with or without, the Sonos supplied charger?

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UPDATE:

I knew I was not crazy. Sonos has finally acknowledged (to me) that there might be a software bug preventing the roam from charging wirelessly regardless of power supply. I spent a month back and forth with tech support. Sonos lower-level support was not helpful, but after my case was escalated, they had me try many different charger/power supply combinations, after which they finally started to believe me. Here is what Sonos support said to me in their latest email (for context, I have a black and a white Roam:

“I've looked over the diagnostic with the Black Roam and see the same thing that the other Roam showed, a low incoming amperage. The battery temperatures are all in a healthy range though, so no worries of any problems there. While I was out, some of the other engineers identified a possible bug on our handling of charging that I think your roams are falling under.  Essentially the unit keeps thinking it's battery is full while wirelessly charging even when it's clearly not.  That has a fix coming in a future release and I think our best bet is to hold off on using the wireless chargers until that release hits.  I'll keep this ticket in my box as I have been and reach out to you once I have word on the fix's release.”

Same problem. Received new Roam yesterday, worked and sounded great but unable to charge today. Tried a new 3A output charger with no result. Spoke with Sonos and sending back to Sonos tomorrow. Such a nuisance especially as we are trying to stay home and socially distance. Results will be posted later. Stay safe everyone

Hey y’all!   So, I was/am having the same issue.    I did figure out though that if you let your Roam fully die then suddenly it’ll charge properly.   It may be a power issue, but I’m guessing more of an update issue where it isn’t registering to charge until it’s dead or something.   I’ve tried a few times now and it works beautifully with the charger it came with…just still annoying to not continue powering it properly while using it.   

@bobmatt,

Ah I see, I just didn’t realise that you had spoken to the Sonos Staff to resolve your issue, that just wasn’t clear to me. Good to see you have taken that option.👍

I didn’t understand your last paragraph, as my Roam did not come with a charger?? ... I see that Sonos do sell a charger for the Roam, as an accessory/optional extra, but I just opted to use my own chargers, each of which have certified safety markings applicable to the U.K./European markets. I’ve had those chargers for some time as they were/are used to charge several other devices in the home that also didn’t come with a charger. 

The chargers and the two Roams I have all work just fine and will charge the speaker-battery to a full state inside of 2-½ hours, giving me 11+ hours of playback time (on average) from each device and as mentioned by many online, the speaker produces incredible quality audio-output for its size.

I personally tend to ‘group’, rather than ‘pair’ the Roams using Soro and iOS shortcuts, as the grouping/ungrouping, volume level and playback etc; can all be done automatically with a single click, or by using a voice instruction.

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Haha ha —- why would you assume that I or any Sonos customer would not have, find you question illogical and waste of everyone time . I am wiring this on the forum like anyone else highlighting problem FYI for sonos community. I have brought two Sonos roams to use it as a stereo pair when need and had also purchased  two Sonos wireless chargers with it two and both have identical problems. Logically there is a problem like we all have mentioned ( not just me ) take time to read the Sonos Forms and on other forums out there where users have high red the same issues.

FYI - it is a well known fact that it is Manufactures recommend not to use 3rd party Electronic and electric parts and accessories as there as issues with safety and compatibility, it is recommended not to . 
 

As mentioned in my threads above (Please read the above thread history )  I am using all Sono Roam accessories products  purchased form Sonos direct and not a 3rd party charger products or from Amazon. 

(i.e. Sonos Roam Wireless Charging Set with its own dedicated AC wall Plug with lead supplied  purchase separately at cost for £44 GBP. also tried using the other method using the USB C lead supplied with the  Sonos Roam, and with the issues mentioned. As I have mentioned in my earlier thread above (please read) and the same problem highlighted by the person in the above thread “ MVM 1969 mentioned” and by many in the Forum here and else where of the same issue. 

So have you not contacted Sonos Support to discuss the issue with them? - maybe the unit or charger is faulty.

I can only speak from my own experience and both my Roams are working/charging fine here. If you’re not happy with the device then simply speak to Staff via the usual link here:

https://support.sonos.com/s/contact

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My brand-new Sonos ROAM sat on a 15W adapter all night and didn’t recharge at all.  It was plugged into a laptop USB port prior to that for almost a week and got to only 37%.   Now it’s again plugged into the 15W adapter but the app can’t find it.  I’ve pressed the awful power button but can’t tell if it’s on or off, due to the complete lack of feedback on that process.

So I have a speaker that won’t recharge & a laughably-bad Power On/Off button, I’ve decided to return this product and will just buy another Bose product.  

What a letdown.

As mentioned in my threads above (Please read the above thread history )  I am using all Sono Roam accessories products  purchased form Sonos direct and not a 3rd party charger products or from Amazon. 

(i.e. Sonos Roam Wireless Charging Set with its own dedicated AC wall Plug with lead supplied  purchase separately at cost for £44 GBP. also tried using the other method using the USB C lead supplied with the  Sonos Roam, and with the issues mentioned. As I have mentioned in my earlier thread above (please read) and the same problem highlighted by the person in the above thread “ MVM 1969 mentioned” and by many in the Forum here and else where of the same issue. 

 

Here it is if you're  not sure: https://www.sonos.com/en-gb/shop/roam-wireless-charger.html

The Sonos Roam Wireless Charging Set with its own dedicated AC wall Plug with lead supplied  purchase separately at cost for £44 GBP.

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My brand-new Sonos ROAM sat on a 15W adapter all night and didn’t recharge at all.  It was plugged into a laptop USB port prior to that for almost a week and got to only 37%.   Now it’s again plugged into the 15W adapter but the app can’t find it.  I’ve pressed the awful power button but can’t tell if it’s on or off, due to the complete lack of feedback on that process.

So I have a speaker that won’t recharge & a laughably-bad Power On/Off button, I’ve decided to return this product and will just buy another Bose product.  

What a letdown.

As mentioned in my threads above (Please read the above thread history )  I am using all Sono Roam accessories products  purchased form Sonos direct and not a 3rd party charger products or from Amazon. 

(i.e. Sonos Roam Wireless Charging Set with its own dedicated AC wall Plug with lead supplied  purchase separately at cost for £44 GBP. also tried using the other method using the USB C lead supplied with the  Sonos Roam, and with the issues mentioned. As I have mentioned in my earlier thread above (please read) and the same problem highlighted by the person in the above thread “ MVM 1969 mentioned” and by many in the Forum here and else where of the same issue. 

Really strange about the Roam charging issue mentioned above🤔.. is the 15w mentioned the power input perhaps? My USB PD (power delivery) 18W charger as shown in the below link charges both my Roams to 100% in under 2hrs. 30mins. at a power-output rate of 5v/3A (15 watts).

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08QYJMBT8

 

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My brand-new Sonos ROAM sat on a 15W adapter all night and didn’t recharge at all.  It was plugged into a laptop USB port prior to that for almost a week and got to only 37%.   Now it’s again plugged into the 15W adapter but the app can’t find it.  I’ve pressed the awful power button but can’t tell if it’s on or off, due to the complete lack of feedback on that process.

So I have a speaker that won’t recharge & a laughably-bad Power On/Off button, I’ve decided to return this product and will just buy another Bose product.  

What a letdown.

I have the same identical issue, Sono’s have really thought though this product well, yes I also agree the about the awful power button , it is not reactive it doest not give a feel it you have pressed it or not and it its function is confusing, I own 3 other excellent very portable and compact BlueTooth speakers, excellent sound quality with excellent base and mid and treble. “Marshall, JBL, and Bose is excellent too.  Planing to return mine too, with all the same issues as you also highlighted. 

 

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My brand-new Sonos ROAM sat on a 15W adapter all night and didn’t recharge at all.  It was plugged into a laptop USB port prior to that for almost a week and got to only 37%.   Now it’s again plugged into the 15W adapter but the app can’t find it.  I’ve pressed the awful power button but can’t tell if it’s on or off, due to the complete lack of feedback on that process.

So I have a speaker that won’t recharge & a laughably-bad Power On/Off button, I’ve decided to return this product and will just buy another Bose product.  

What a letdown.

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Testing How long will the Sonos Roam take to Charge?  

Test 1: Using Sonos Roam Wireless Charger unit with its provided cable and Power Plug 

(Dock Magnetic Charge from AC Power outlet)

Date: 02 June 2021

@4:00 pm: 5% Charge 

@4:30 pm : 13 % Charge

@5:00 pm: 15%  Charge

In progress (& will update) 

See my findings - as mentioned today in this subject forum

 

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Does anyone have any problems charging using an apple 12w power adapter? It says output: 5.2v-2.4a, which is compatible right?

My Roam keeps dying even when its plugged in, and then it’ll start charging on its own after about 15-20 minutes. I’ve had it for about a month and this has happened a few times. Is my Roam defective? Please let me know if anyone else has a similar issue!

Yes I have the same issue too, my Roam is less than one month new. It also dont hold it charge when fully to 100%, and when the unit is fully powered off (no Led’s showing) After 2 or 3 days when trying to switch it ON it indicates 0%  charge left. so have to charge again for it to work. 1) When I am charging it  using  it’s supplied with the Roam its USB lead using the SONOS three pin wall AC plug (i.e. The AC wall  Plug supplied with the Sonos Roam Wireless Charging Set which I had purchased separately at cost for £44 GBP. This method of charging has taken about 4- 5 hrs to fully charge 100% and 2) when using the 2nd method of charging using Sonos Roam Wireless Charging Set with the Sonos AC wall plug ot take more than 10 hrs to fully Charge to 100%. Talking with Sonos Tech support said the Roam will be constantly checking and refreshing the network IP address even when the Roam unit is fully powered off/ switched off (with no LED’s displayed) and said for this reason the battery power will drain down without it being used.  I find this as an issue and problem I dont need and is unacceptable. As had mentioned in my posts in the this community , I had comparing with three other world renowned portable Bluetooth speakers I have in my house (makes: MARSHALlL, JBL, IKEA-ENEBY) All of them keep full charge (on average approx. at 98% charge) even when it is powering off and not used for one month and Marshall scoring the best (99%) and is able to run for more than 5 hrs of play for a few days after a month not being used and the others near this the same too. 

 

Does anyone have any problems charging using an apple 12w power adapter? It says output: 5.2v-2.4a, which is compatible right?

My Roam keeps dying even when its plugged in, and then it’ll start charging on its own after about 15-20 minutes. I’ve had it for about a month and this has happened a few times. Is my Roam defective? Please let me know if anyone else has a similar issue!

Totally agree. A S%%tsh%£$et Sonos

Best product ideas but not seeing it through. Apple smash you on customer support and thinking it through. Just got a Roam for Father’s Day and had to lie to my kids about how good it was after going through 30 charger blocks that we have in our house of which NONE worked.

If you are making it that we need a non standard charger block either warn clients or do something about it. Very POOR

PS it DOES charge on a standard off the shelf wireless charger!! But took LOADS of searching on the web to establish this!!!

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Sonos is trying to keep the price of the Roam competitive.

Do you prefer a Roam with a charger plug for $189 or a Roam without a charger plug for $169?

I just prefer clarity on the need for a beefy charger. I had mine boxed up and ready to send back before reading this. 

Logical and Well answered 

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Testing How long will the Sonos Roam take to Charge?  

Test 1: Using Sonos Roam Wireless Charger unit with its provided cable and Power Plug 

(Dock Magnetic Charge from AC Power outlet)

Date: 02 June 2021

@4:00 pm: 5% Charge 

@4:30 pm : 13 % Charge

@5:00 pm: 15%  Charge

In progress (& will update) 

Why is it that someone who has a different opinion than yours must have a vested interest?

His viewpoint makes good business sense to me as a Product person.

And I’ve not seen any of these ill logical (sic) replies he makes on any Sonus (sic) forums, his replies here in this forum are to the point, and seem accurate, from my perspective as a long time user of Sonos. 

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Sonos is trying to keep the price of the Roam competitive.

Do you prefer a Roam with a charger plug for $189 or a Roam without a charger plug for $169?

Such a silly reply statement here, so biased every time when there are

any discussions on Sono products and don't want to accept the genuine concern of issues any Sonos product. Guitarsuperstar might be a Share holder at Sonos, or he works there or has families working there. As we have seen many of his ill logical replies on other Sonus forum with the same defensive comments. 

What is the power output of the charger you are using? The Minimum requirements are 5v/1.5A (7.5w), but I would personally recommend using a 2A or 3A charger (10w-15w).

Would an even higher amp than 2 or 3 work?  I saw a couple 4A’s on Amazon. 

I’m not sure, it might ‘possibly’ harm the battery in the longer term.

5v/2.1A is the output Sonos use for their own charger, but I see on the base it mentions 5V/3A and that power output works just fine for me. If you do go with the 4A then please let me know how it goes.

What is the power output of the charger you are using? The Minimum requirements are 5v/1.5A (7.5w), but I would personally recommend using a 2A or 3A charger (10w-15w).

Would an even higher amp than 2 or 3 work?  I saw a couple 4A’s on Amazon. 

I tend to agree Martin,  quite annoyed I now need to go out and buy a charger.  Poor show Sonos 

I bought the 10w x 2 on Amazon.  Charges 2 roams

27 dollars.   Don’t get the one for 50 but they should have put on the box like they did the move.

typical Sonos they made it cheaper than other speakers but leave the charger as an outsider accessory.   Roam sux so far since you have to constantly keep it charged until they fix it.

I’m telling you right now if their way of fixing this is to release a roam Gen2 and charge $269 for it I’m sending the $8000 worth of stuff I bought from them back tomorrow