Sonos Staff

F.A.Q.

Before You Blame the Speaker: Check Your Charger First

Forum|Forum|6 months ago
March 25, 2026
36 replies
1183 views

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.

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

Sonos portable devices are designed to and can be left on the charger as long as they are up to date.

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

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M

Mangoe

Lyricist III

Consider purchasing a power supply certified to your local electrical safety standards, such as UL/cUL listing for USA and Canada. A lot of Amazon power bricks are uncertified (I haven’t verified each one obviously) however there are online retailers that have UL listed usb power supplies for 10-$20 so cheap options do exist.

Another tip: if your speaker is always warm (ie the battery) when plugged in 24/7, don’t leave it plugged in 24/7 as however unlikely this could happen

https://www.reddit.com/r/sonos/comments/1mdz171/my_sonos_roam_set_itself_on_fire/

melvimbe

I just wanted add that this thread has cause me to move up ‘clean up/out the electronics supply closet’ on my Spring cleaning chores list. Going to be throwing out a lot of old cables and charging blocks.

Danny

AlwaysJammin

Enthusiast I

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".

AjTrek1

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.

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

Stanley_4

Grand Maestro

I have so many chargers, at every spot I'd want to charge something I rarely even unpack a new charger. Also I have good quality, efficient chargers where many included with new gear are inefficient and of iffy quality. I really need to go through my Rubbermaid tub out in the garage and donate a bag of the worst.

melvimbe

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

C

craigski

Local Superstar

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

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

C

craigski

Local Superstar

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

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.

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