When Sonos won’t work without Ethernet cable, the problem is probably on your WiFi’s end.
Stay by the end of the guide to learn all of the possible solutions to fix your Sonos WiFi!
If Sonos doesn’t work without an Ethernet cable, the first thing to check is the WiFi network!
Issues with the WiFi may occur if the signal is lacking or there’s a blunder in the configuration of your network settings.
Let’s learn more!
Why Is Sonos Not Working Without Ethernet?
When Sonos refuses to connect to WiFi, Ethernet is the other way to go.
However, when it is not possible to install Ethernet between your Sonos device and router, you’ll have to go with WiFi!
Here are the fundamental reasons why Sonos won’t work without Ethernet:
- There’s a lack of Wi-Fi connectivity
- Is the Wi-Fi signal weak/gone
- There’s ongoing interference
- Outdated Sonos device firmware
- Issues with the network configuration
- Problem with your WiFI’ security
Tip: Try Using a Mobile Hotspot
A clever way to determine if the problem is on your Sonos’ or WiFi network’s end is by connecting the speaker to your phone’s hotspot.
Go into Settings > Cellular > Hotspot on your mobile to activate the feature and connect Sonos by following the instructions below!
How to Connect Sonos to WiFi Correctly?
In case you haven’t been setting up your Sonos speaker’s WIFI correctly, we will now review the complete steps to wirelessly pair your device!
- Through the Sonos S2 app, go to Settings.
- Access the “System” configuration page.
- Navigate to the “Network” page next.
- Press on the “Manage Networks” button.
- Select “Update Networks” next.
- Locate your WiFI from the list and press it.
- Insert the WiFi password > “Connect”.
Info: All Sonos devices have an Ethernet port, used for connecting the device to a network router/modem for a wired connection!
7 Solutions When Sonos Won’t Work Without Ethernet Cable?
Note: Pay attention to all of our tips, alerts, and mentions after each solution!
1. Check the WiFi Credentials!
When connecting your Sonos speaker to the WiFi, you must be confident that you’re typing the correct password for the correct network.
Attempting to connect your speaker to the improper network will not allow the device to establish a wireless connection!
- Verify that you’re pairing the speaker to the correct WiFi and check the password!
How to Check the Default WiFi Password?
If you haven’t adjusted the WiFi password since you installed the router, it’ll be printed on a sticker at the bottom panel.
On this sticker, you’ll be able to view the default information regarding your network, including the WiFi hostnames, passwords, and type of network.
Tip: If you cannot recall your WiFi password, contact your ISP for more help!
2. Reboot your Network Device
When facing temporal issues with your WiFi or network in general, rebooting the network device is a key solution.
This is the best way to address impermanent issues with the WiFi connectivity and determine why Sonos needs an Ethernet cable to connect.
Follow these simple instructions to reboot your network device:
- Press the power button on your router/modem.
- Wait for the device to power off and shut down.
- Unplug the power adapter cable from the back.
- Wait for about 4-5 minutes while the router is unplugged.
- Reconnect the power cable of the Sonos device.
In case this method didn’t work, proceed to the next step!
3. Update your Sonos Speaker!
In order to keep your Sonos device compatible with the latest WiFi technology, you must regularly update the firmware of the device.
Falling behind on too many software versions will cause issues with the device, including problems with connecting to your network’s WiFi!
Alert: In order to apply a firmware update to Sonos, the device must be connected to the internet.
If possible, connect the speaker to your router via Ethernet, temporarily!
- You need the Sonos Controller App in order to manage your speaker!
Follow these instructions to update the firmware of your Sonos:
- Launch the Sonos Controller app on your phone.
- Press on the “More” button from the options menu.
- Scroll down and access the “Settings” indicator.
- Press on the “System Updates” button next.
- From there, choose “Check for Updates”.
Notice: If there’s an available firmware upgrade for your speaker, you’ll be able to select “Update”.
4. Reposition your Sonos Device
Placing the Sonos speaker too far away from mm your network router may negatively impact your audio device’s connection capabilities.
For optimal connectivity speeds of Sonos when connected to your WiFi, the device must be as close to the router as possible!
- Place the Sonos speaker at least 10-15 meters from your network device!
Separate WiFi Threads?
Now is the time to mention that your devices must be placed correspondingly to the WiFi’s GHz. With dual-band routers, you could create up to two WiFi networks that have separate speeds!
- 2.4 GHz WiFi – Lighter and weaker signal but travels up to 70-80 meters.
- 5 GHz WiFi – Stronger and bulkier signal, but can travel up to 20-30 meters.
Info: Place your Sonos device based on the type of your WiFi network!
5. Safely Reduce the WiFi Security
Chances are that the security settings of your WiFi network do not allow Sonos to connect and your only option is to use Ethernet.
To revert back to using WiFi on your Sonos device, you should lower the security of your network to a level, where any third-party device can connect!
- Routers can have network security of either “Low”, “Medium” or “High”
Here’s how to adjust the security level of your router universally:
- Acquire the default gateway (printed on the router’s sticker).
- Paste the gateway into a browser and press the “Enter” key.
- Wait for the page to load and use “admin” to sign in.
- Once in the router’s GUI, go to the “Security” page.
- Press on the slider and set the security to “Medium”.
Note: Since it’s not recommended to lower your network’s security all the way, try connecting your Sonos whilst the setting is at “Medium” first.
If it didn’t work, set the security to “Low”.
6. Switch to a 5 GHz Network!
Due to their advanced compatibility, almost every Sonos speaker model can connect to a 5GHz network.
All apart from the early Connect, Connect: Amp and ZP models can pair to a 5GHz. Offering more reliability, 5GHz WiFI is the way to go for your Sonos speaker!
- You can only use 5GHz WiFi on a dual-band router that supports it!
How to Host a 5GHz WiFi Network?
- Access your router’s GUI (follow the steps in solution #5).
- Enter the “Networks” or “WiFi” tab within the GUI.
- Press on “Add New Network” (only available if the router is dual-band).
- Insert the appropriate information required for setting up the WiFi.
- Follow the rest of the instructions to complete the process.
Info: After setting up the 5GHz WiFi network, your router will reboot in order to host it.
After that, feel free to attempt to connect your Sonos speaker to the new 5GHz dual-band WiFi!
7. Factory Reset the Sonos Device!
Perhaps, a factory reset will help when Sonos refuses to work without Ethernet.
Based on the model of your speaker, there are alternative methods to apply an initial reset on the device!
- Keep in mind that a factory reset is going to unpair from the Sonos app!
Factory Reset Sonos Gen 1 and Gen 2, Five and Beam:
- Locate the “Connect” button.
- Press the button for 5 seconds.
- Wait for Sonos to blink in orange/white.
Factory Reset Sonos Play:1 and Play:3:
- Unplug the speaker from power.
- Press the Play/Pause buttons.
- Plug the speaker back in power.
Factory Reset Sonos Playbar and Playbase:
- Unplug the speaker from the outlet.
- Press and hold the “Join” button.
- Reconnect the speaker while holding “Join”.
Factory Reset Sonos Sub:
- Hold the “Join” and “Mute” buttons.
- Unplug the speaker from power.
- Hold for 15 seconds before reconnecting.
Info: Once your Sonos speaker reboots, the device should be factory reset!
Quick Recap:
We’ve learned that when Sonos won’t work without Ethernet cable, the best way to resolve the problem is to reboot your router and update the Sonos device.
If that didn’t work, reduce your WiFi network’s security and factory reset the Sonos device!
Read Next: Sonos Not Connecting To New WiFi? – Here’s How to Fix
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.