How to Fix AirPlay Not Working on Sonos Issue

If you’re facing issues with AirPlay not working on your Sonos system, you’re not alone. Many users encounter this problem due to various reasons like network connectivity, device compatibility, or software glitches. In this guide, we’ll walk you through detailed troubleshooting steps to resolve the “Unable to AirPlay to Sonos” issue, ensuring a seamless streaming experience.

Understanding AirPlay and Sonos Compatibility

Before jumping into fixes, it’s essential to understand which Sonos speakers support AirPlay. Not all Sonos devices are compatible with AirPlay 2. Here’s a quick list of compatible models:

• Sonos One
• Sonos Beam
• Sonos Arc
• Sonos Move
• Sonos Five
• Playbase
• Play:5 (Gen 2)
• Sonos One SL
• Sonos Ray
• Sonus faber OMNIA

If you own a non-compatible Sonos speaker, you can still stream via AirPlay to any compatible speaker and group it with others in your home for multi-room audio.

Common Reasons for AirPlay Not Working on Sonos

There are various reasons why you may encounter the “Unable to AirPlay” issue on Sonos. These include:

• Outdated firmware on either the Sonos system or your Apple device.
• Network issues such as Wi-Fi interference or incorrect network configurations.
• Compatibility problems between your devices and the Sonos speaker.
• AirPlay settings are not being properly configured on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

How to Fix Unable to AirPlay to Sonos Issue

1. Ensure Your Sonos Speaker is AirPlay-compatible

First, confirm that the Sonos speaker you are trying to use supports AirPlay 2 (see compatibility list above). If it does, proceed with the steps below.

2. Verify Software and Firmware Updates

Outdated software can cause connectivity problems between your devices. Follow these steps to check for updates:

• For Sonos Speakers: Open the Sonos App > Go to Settings > Select System Updates > Check for updates and install them.
• For Apple Devices: Go to Settings > General > Software Update and ensure your device is running the latest version of iOS or macOS.

3. Check Wi-Fi Network Settings

Both your Sonos speakers and Apple devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If they are on different networks (e.g., one on 2.4 GHz and another on 5 GHz), AirPlay may not function properly. Here’s what you should do:

• Ensure both devices are on the same frequency band (either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
• Minimize interference by moving devices closer to the router.
• Disable any active VPN on your Apple device, as this can block AirPlay.

4. Restart Your Devices and Router

A simple restart can resolve many connectivity issues. Follow these steps:

1. Restart Your Sonos Speaker: Unplug the speaker from the power source, wait for 10 seconds, and plug it back in.
2. Restart Your Apple Device: Turn off your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, wait for a few seconds, and power it back on.
3. Restart Your Router: Unplug your router, wait for 30 seconds, and plug it back in.

After restarting all devices, try using AirPlay again.

5. Use the Sonos App for Diagnostic Tools

The Sonos app offers diagnostic tools that can help identify and resolve connectivity issues. Here’s how to access them:

• Open the Sonos App and go to Settings.
• Select System > Network > Run a diagnostic test.
• Follow any prompts to fix network-related problems detected by the app.

6. Disable and Re-enable AirPlay

Sometimes, simply turning AirPlay off and back on again can solve the issue. Here’s how to do it on an iPhone or iPad:

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner to access the Control Center.
2. Tap the AirPlay icon (a triangle with circles) and select Stop AirPlay.
3. After a few seconds, tap the AirPlay icon again and select your Sonos speaker.

7. Reset Network Settings

If the issue persists, you may need to reset the network settings on your Apple device:

• Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
• Reconnect to your Wi-Fi network after the reset, and try using AirPlay with Sonos again.

Encountering the “AirPlay not working on Sonos” issue can be frustrating, but with the steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the problem in no time. Ensuring your Sonos speaker and Apple device are updated, connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and free from interference are crucial steps to fixing the issue. If the problem continues, contacting Sonos support might be the next step.

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