F.A.Q.

Before You Blame the Speaker: Check Your Charger First

Forum|Forum|10 days ago
March 25, 2026
36 replies
584 views

Liz P.
Sonos Staff

Hey all! With Sonos Play being added as the newcomer to the lineup next week I thought it would be a good time to cover some charging and power requirements, as we have quite a few devices that have these now.

Your speaker needs a power adapter and cable that is powerful enough to charge it effectively. If your device is charging slowly, it's typically because the cable or adapter is too low-power.

For smooth charging, make sure your adapter and cable meeting the following:

Product	Minimum Power/Current	Recommended Power/Current
Roam/Roam 2	5V/1.5A (7.5W)	5V/2A (10W)
Ace	5V/0.5A (2.5W)	5V/3A (15W)
Move	12V/3A OR 15V/2.4A (36W)	20V/2.25A OR 15V/3A (45W)
Move 2	20V/2.25A OR 15V/3A (45W)	20V/2.25A OR 15V/3A (45W)
Play	9V/2A (18W)	20V/2.25A OR 15V/3A (45W)

Quick Tips:

Check your adapter: You can usually find the voltage/amperage (V/A) or wattage (W) printed on the back of the power adapter itself or on the website where you purchased it.
Cables Matter: If you’re using the Sonos USB-C Power Delivery (PD) cable that came with your device, you're good to go. For third-party cables, make sure they are PD-capable and meet the charging requirements. For devices that are not Roam and Roam two we recommend a USB-C cable.
Ditch your old phone power adapters. Tablet power adapters are probably good enough (depending on how old your tablet is) but phone power adapters usually won’t be enough. As always, check the info on it if you can!

How do I know my device is charging?

When your device starts charging the light will turn solid orange. If the speaker is blinking orange it means the battery has a low charge. For information on what other light colors mean, check here.

What if I’m using a multiport charging adapter?

If you’re using a multiport changing adapter the wattage provided per device will depend on how the manufacturer distributes the wattage. For example, if you have a 45W adapter and plug in your phone, tablet, and Play it will default to provide 15W to each device. For how the wattage is distributed we recommend checking with the manufacturer.

What if I want to fast charge my device?

To fast charge most of these devices you need a PD capable power adapter as well as a USB-C cable that is capable of fast charging.

Note: Sonos Roam and Roam 2 do not support fast charging.

What chargers do you use that work well? Share your recommendations below.

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melvimbe
Forum|Forum|5 days ago
March 30, 2026

Just spit balling but I would imagine the "correct" chicom charger would add what, a buck to the cost of a premium piece of hardware? Wonder how much it costs to pick up the phone in the support department?

Being in the technical world I can say the percentage of people that understand charger wattage is smaller that the ones that call the cable "the charger".

Apple started eliminating chargers from its iPhones 2-3 years ago especially since all iPhones can charge wirelessly. In Apple’s case wireless charging creates another revenue stream for such a device either direct or via 3rd party.

In the case of Sonos it can also be another revenue stream. Sonos also can state it as a “Green” initiative to cut down on packaging material that can increase overall manufacturing cost per 1000 units as an example.

I’m sure they have a reason although it may not be one that we agree with.

I think the Green initiative point to make is less about packing material and more about not throwing in an electric device that people may not need/use (eWaste). While a part of me does want the power block included, there is a pretty decent chance that I already have one that is optimal for the device I buy, or I plan on plugging it into a multiple USB charging device.

As far as additional revenue, Sonos cost of $30 USD seems a bit much at first glance. And it is, compared to what you can get from Amazon from no-name Chinese stuff or even name brand Chinese stuff. The only pros I can really see is that you get a bit more peace of mind from the Sonos name in terms of warranty, and possibly free shipping (if you don’t get that from where ever else you buy).

Of course, at this time, the Sonos charging block is out of stock.

Danny

+18

craigski
Local Superstar
Forum|Forum|5 days ago
March 30, 2026

I’m sure they have a reason although it may not be one that we agree with.

To comply with “Common Charger Directive” legislation:

The EU's Common Charger Directive was approved by the Council of the EU in October 2022. Manufacturers were given a transition period to adjust their designs and ensure compliance. From 28 December 2024, the rules apply to mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, videogame consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems and earbuds sold in the EU. From 28 April 2026, they will also apply to laptops.

https://commission.europa.eu/news-and-media/news/eu-common-charger-rules-power-all-your-devices-single-charger-2024-12-28_en

melvimbe
Forum|Forum|5 days ago
March 30, 2026

I’m sure they have a reason although it may not be one that we agree with.

To comply with “Common Charger Directive” legislation:

The EU's Common Charger Directive was approved by the Council of the EU in October 2022. Manufacturers were given a transition period to adjust their designs and ensure compliance. From 28 December 2024, the rules apply to mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, videogame consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems and earbuds sold in the EU. From 28 April 2026, they will also apply to laptops.

https://commission.europa.eu/news-and-media/news/eu-common-charger-rules-power-all-your-devices-single-charger-2024-12-28_en

Correct me if I’m wrong, but the Common Charger Directive does not say that a seller cannot include a charger with the purchase of their product. I think it perhaps explains why the Play wireless charging doc has uwb plug and not directly connected to power (the way the original Move did), but even then, the inclusion of a USB port on the device itself meets the directive’s requirements.

Danny

+18

craigski
Local Superstar
Forum|Forum|5 days ago
March 30, 2026

Correct me if I’m wrong, but the Common Charger Directive does not say that a seller cannot include a charger with the purchase of their product.

Correct, but it if does ship with a charger it would have to comply with EU Electrical Safety Law, additional testing and approval. Shipping without a charger will avoid this, and also wont have to ship with a compatible physical charger for each countries type of mains plug, ie multiple SKUs.

Stanley_4
Grand Maestro
Forum|Forum|4 days ago
March 31, 2026

I didn't get a charging cable with my Play, there is a cable permanently attached to the charging base. Does this need a clarification?

Cables Matter: If you’re using the Sonos USB-C Power Delivery (PD) cable that came with your device, you're good to go.

Stanley_4
Grand Maestro
Forum|Forum|4 days ago
March 31, 2026

@Liz P. , as this is FAQ, I would like to see an official answer to the following, as I can’t see it documented anywhere:

Can I leave my portable Sonos device permanently connected to a charger, either wireless or USB-C?

It would be useful to know if the devices charging circuitry will not affect the battery life if the device spends the vast majority of its life sitting on a charger, either being used, or silent, and occasionally removed from charger. I’m assuming the answer may be different for different devices, eg original Roam vs the new Play?

https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/charging-sonos-play

Battery life and cycle count
Play’s 35 WH battery provides up to 24 hours of uninterrupted playback. Pausing, volume level, Bluetooth, heat exposure, and other factors will cause battery life to fluctuate.
The battery lifespan is about five years or 750 charges, after which you can purchase a replacement battery. Leaving Play on the charging base long-term will not reduce the battery’s lifespan.

AjTrek1
Forum|Forum|4 days ago
March 31, 2026

@Liz P. , as this is FAQ, I would like to see an official answer to the following, as I can’t see it documented anywhere:

Can I leave my portable Sonos device permanently connected to a charger, either wireless or USB-C?

https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/charging-sonos-play

Battery life and cycle count

Play’s 35 WH battery provides up to 24 hours of uninterrupted playback. Pausing, volume level, Bluetooth, heat exposure, and other factors will cause battery life to fluctuate.

The battery lifespan is about five years or 750 charges, after which you can purchase a replacement battery. Leaving Play on the charging base long-term will not reduce the battery’s lifespan.

I guess no one is reading my posts…I provided the answer 4 days ago 😂😂😂

Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.

Stanley_4
Grand Maestro
Forum|Forum|4 days ago
March 31, 2026

The answers were a bit confusing, I wanted to highlight just the new Play situation.

AjTrek1
Forum|Forum|4 days ago
March 31, 2026

The answers were a bit confusing, I wanted to highlight just the new Play situation.

Hmmm…clear as mud to me 😂😂😂

Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.

Stanley_4
Grand Maestro
Forum|Forum|4 days ago
April 1, 2026

Now that I have my Play I'm power supply shopping and these two look good.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-One-Port-Charger-Laptops-Delivery/dp/B087MFLLCR/ref=sr_1_1_ffob_sspa

The Anker (mentioned here earlier) has some nice features.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charging-Foldable-Recognition-Non-Battery/dp/B0G1MRLXMV/ref=sr_1_19

I may order both, the Amazon Basics to get stuck out of site and powering the charging base and the Anker for when traveling.?

The Sonos charger is also an option.

https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-usb-c-power-adapter-45w-black

+18

craigski
Local Superstar
Forum|Forum|4 days ago
April 1, 2026

Now that I have my Play I'm power supply shopping and these two look good.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-One-Port-Charger-Laptops-Delivery/dp/B087MFLLCR/ref=sr_1_1_ffob_sspa

The Anker (mentioned here earlier) has some nice features.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charging-Foldable-Recognition-Non-Battery/dp/B0G1MRLXMV/ref=sr_1_19

I may order both, the Amazon Basics to get stuck out of site and powering the charging base and the Anker for when traveling.?

The Sonos charger is also an option.

https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-usb-c-power-adapter-45w-black

I have the UK version of this for travelling:

https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Charger-Charging-Compatible-MacBook/dp/B0CYZ52VPX/

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