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GMR
Avid Contributor I
January 16, 2026

Drastic action - Reset and go back to S1 App - Hints/tips appreciated

Ever since the 2024 update I have had issues with my Sonos system, but not a big enough problem to warrant taking drastic action. But the inability of the system to play a nice selection of Christmas music over the holidays has even had my wife saying the Sonos is a waste of time and money.

Hence, it’s time to do something about it.

I have had a good read at the comments about “downgrading from S2 to S1. These articles do appear to be, in some cases nearly 12 months old.

May I ask if it would be possible for someone to verify my understanding of what is required to “drop” back to the original S1 app functionality. All my devices are S1 compatible as they are typically 5+ years old.

All I want is my system to respond as it used to do, play the music I want and not drop speakers for days on end, only to then magically find the speaker again and play some random music.

My understanding is: -

  1. Download the original S1 app to another device to avoid confusion. Not sure if there is a particular version of theS1 App to use.
  2. Ensure the S2 app is up to date OR should I fully delete the S2 app from my mobile & tablet.
  3. Delete any windows PC-based apps/tools for Sonos.
  4. Unplug all Sonos devices from the mains power.
  5. Select one Sonos device and power it up, ensuring the Play & Pause buttons are pressed. Allow it to reset itself and wait until the green light appears.
  6. Now using the S1 app downgrade the device to S1.
  7. Unplug the downgraded device and repeat with next device, Key question, do I do this with all my devices so they are at S1? before moving to the next item (h).
  8. Add units one by one until they are being managed by the S1 app.
  9. Hope and pray its all working again!!

 

Many thanks

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    87 replies

    Show previous replies
    GMRAuthor
    Avid Contributor I
    January 19, 2026

    ​@Stanley_4 

    I am using the “black coloured App” I understand that is S2

    My system is

    3 x Play 1

    1 x Beam

    1 x One

    I clicked on settings,  picked the “button” for Kitchen which is a Play 1

    It gives me a description, the product in question.

    Asks if i want to connect a sub or Set up a stereo Pair

    then options about sound

    and then Hardware

    Network

    asks if I want to manage the network, then update network.

    and confirms SonosNet is channel 6

     

     

     

    Stanley_4
    Stanley_4
    Grand Maestro
    January 19, 2026

    You have to follow the steps I posted above.

    To put it differently, I'm telling you to go to the bathroom and look at the toilet, you are going to the kitchen and only finding a sink.

    From above: "The Network information: Settings, Room, Product (pick a speaker) and scroll down a bit."

    You may not be clicking the speaker under the Product heading?

     

    All the Sonos you listed will do Sonosnet, that isn't usually what you want unless there are Wi-Fi issues support can't solve.

    GMRAuthor
    Avid Contributor I
    January 19, 2026

    ​@Stanley_4 

    I fully appreciate your time and patience.

    I am doing my best to follow your instructions, You are clearly fully versed on this subject, whereas I am not. Perhaps treat me like a child and do a line by line instruction:

    I will start by clicking the sun emblem next to the “my account button”...

     

     

     

    Stanley_4
    Stanley_4
    Grand Maestro
    January 20, 2026

    Maybe someone could make a video of where to click, a bit beyond my skills. 

      GMRAuthor
      Avid Contributor I
      January 20, 2026

       

      Your profile only shows a Play 1, makes giving a definitive answer impossible.

       

      ​@Stanley_4 

      I note from your earlier post you mention my profile only showing a Play 1. Why is that the case as I have numerous speakers?

      How can you see my profile?

      Airgetlam
      Airgetlam
      January 20, 2026

      Click on your ‘name’ in the Sonos forums. 

      It shows the data that you set on your profile under ‘about’, not anything else. 

      Bruce
        Yuliza
        Yuliza
        Contributor I
        January 20, 2026

        First fix the network. S1 will behave the same if and only if the playback state is wrong and room disappear. And the app experience will get improved automatically if the systems gets stable on Wi-Fi or clean SonosNet.

        it's ME
        GMRAuthor
        Avid Contributor I
        January 20, 2026

        ​@Airgetlam 

         

        Many thanks, I have learnt something new today.

          Stanley_4
          Stanley_4
          Grand Maestro
          January 20, 2026

          So many times the only possible response to a problem post is "what Sonos, what country" as the answer depends on both. If that is not in the original post sometimes the profile helps.

          GMRAuthor
          Avid Contributor I
          January 20, 2026

          ​@Stanley_4 

           

          Cheers Stanley. I have never had to dig into the Sonos environment as it has typically always worked, be that to some lesser degree these last few months.

           

          I just can’t get my head around what is going on. Being from an electrical engineering background I know NOT to just plug and unplug things for a laugh, it must be methodical approach, but I am still at a loss.

          I would have assumed having everything hard wired to my LAN would be a good place to start, but apparently not. I will keep on reading and thinking.

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