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PotemkinMcNasty
Enthusiast II
May 9, 2024

found a workaround for the problem caused by new Sonos controller app when adding a new speaker

Trying to add a new speaker to an existing Sonos system doesn’t work with the new Sonos controller on iOS.

There is a way to workaround this.

Firstly, in the controller try to add the new speaker as usual.  You will get so far and the app will keep crashing.   You’re probably getting an error like this:
 

Secondly, you need to go into the controller app and choose to transfer ownership of the system (settings/manage/transfer system ownership), putting in your account as both old and new owners. All speakers including the one that you tried to add unsuccessfully will now transfer to your account and work perfectly. 

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    33 replies

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    ERMesq
    Lyricist I
    August 23, 2024

    This worked for me as well! Thank you!

    P.S. it’s ridiculous Sonos launched an app that broke everyone’s systems and still hasn’t fixed it 3 months later!!!

    Sue Padilla
    Contributor II
    August 23, 2024

    I tried this and it still does not see the second speaker I have successfully added (allegedly). Should I factory reset the first speaker and start all over again? 

    TonRunLau
    Contributor I
    August 31, 2024

    I have spent the better part of today trying to set up a pair of Play 1’s for a rental flat. As this entailed factory reset and setting up a new system I quickly ran into the problem described. I of course took all the blame initially thinking it was my phone, my WiFi, my router or a problem with my speakers. It most likely has been Sonos app all along.

     

    I must say, this is very disappointing for a company that used to be the gold standard. I used to work in software development and enterprise software management and I know it really takes a proper good effort to screw things up so thoroughly. Sonos seem to be failing at all levels, be it management, architecture, development, testing and release management. This takes a special kind of STUPID.

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