Assuming that your Sonos not connecting to new WiFi, stay with us to learn why!
Sonos may be refusing your new WiFi due to numerous reasons, but ahead of all, we must talk about the network first.
Let’s start unwrapping the most important factors first:
When Sonos isn’t connecting to the new WiFi, it’s best to assume that the network is offline due to some reason.
On the other hand, a problem with your Sonos speaker itself can cause a problem, such as an outdated version or a fault with the system settings.
Let’s next explore the possibilities of why Sonos is not connecting to a new WiFi network…
Why Sonos Won’t Connect to New WiFi? Top Reasons!
- Incorrect WiFi network settings
- Increase network security
- Outdated version of Sonos
- Software fault with speaker
- Incompatible WiFi network
- Inappropriate network credentials
Check The Essentials First!
Simple things such as typing the password of your Sonos network may decline your device’s connection to the first name.
Verify that you’ve selected the correct WiFi network as well as written the correct password before proceeding to our guide.
How to Fix When Sonos Won’t Connect To New WiFi?]
Let’s start with the troubleshooting guide and fix the issue with your Sonos system!
1. Check the WiFi Network (Internet)
Offline WiFi networks will refuse any new devices from being connected, such as your Sonos speaker.
We must verify that the network is online in the first place before we attempt any further troubleshooting that involves your Sonos speaker.
- To check the status of the WiFi, simply connect from a different device!
Info: On your mobile phone or tablet, simply go to settings and check if the WiFi connection will appear there.
If you’re able to select the network and connect with it through your phone or any other device, it means that the WiFi is online.
2. Power Cycle the Sonos Device
If your Sonos not connecting to new WiFi, a power cycle will definitely fix the problem.
The internal chip of your Sonos device may have overloaded, causing the speaker to unpair from all WiFi networks and refuse any connections.
Here’s how to power cycle your Sonos speaker/system in easy steps:
- Press and hold the power button of your Sonos.
- Wait for the device to shut down.
- Unplug the power cable of the Sonos device.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Reconnect the power adapter.
After your Sonos speaker power is cycled, restore the device’s power by reconnecting the power cord. Then attempt to connect your Sonos to WiFi and if you fail, jump to the next step!
Tip: While Sonos is unplugged, test the power outlet by attempting to charge your phone there.
3. Reboot your Network Router
A simple fault with the router may be refusing the connection of your speaker.
To address this problem, it’s enough to give your router a reboot, by unplugging it from power as we did with the Sonos device.
- To power cycle, your router, unplug its power cable for 3-5 minutes
The key to power cycling the network router appropriately is keeping it unplugged for as long as you have to.
Simply plugging the cable right away won’t cut it, as your speaker must remain disconnected for a prolonged period of time.
Note: It’ll take your router about 60 seconds after the power cycle to restart all services!
4. Reset your Sonos Speaker
On any Sonos system, there’s an easy way to resolve issues related to software/functionality.
As simple as it may sound, resetting your speaker may address the problem with your Speaker. A reset comes in need especially when Sonos refuses to connect with WiFi!
Here’s how to reset your Sonos speaker in easy steps:
- Unplug the speaker from power.
- Press the Play/Pause buttons.
- Continue holding until the lights flash (in white/amber).
- Turn on your speaker.
Keep in mind that if Sonos has been added to any services, such as the mobile platform or WiFi networks, it’ll disconnect after the reset.
The goal of the reset itself is to flush all services and settings of your Sonos speaker!
5. Lower Wi-Fi Security
Your Sonos system may be refusing to connect because the WiFi security is restricting it.
The “QoS” of your network (Quality of Service) factor, has security that can limit (untrusted) devices from pairing with the WiFi network.
- In order to lower the Wi-Fi security, you must access the GUI of the router!
Here’s how to lower the security of your network/WiFi:
- Launch a compatible browser device.
- Save the Default Gateway of your router (found under a sticker on your router).
- Paste the gateway in the search field of your browser.
- Use “admin” to log in to your router’ settings.
- Go to “Network” > “Security” in the router’s GUI.
- Press on “Network Security” and set it to “Medium” or “Low”.
Keep in mind that lowering the WiFi security can cause unwanted devices to pair with your network.
Some devices that were untrusted, may become eligible by now.
6. Update your Sonos System
Perhaps the new WiFi you’ve brought into your house has a particular compatibility factor that must be met by your Sonos audio appliance.
In order to connect your Sonos speaker to the new WiFi, you should update the Sonos speaker to the latest version first.
- Connect your Sonos to the WiFi it is working with in order to update!
Here’s how to update your Sonos System:
- Launch the Sonos app on your mobile device.
- Go to “Devices”.
- Press on your Sonos Speaker.
- Tap on “Check for Updates”.
- If there’s an available update, press “Start”.
Info: While your Sonos system is receiving an update, the speaker may slowly flash to indicate that there’s a process going on.
Do not shut down your Sonos speaker whilst the LED flashes.
7. Reinstall the Sonos App
Assuming there’s a fault with the Sonos app, your Sonos will most likely deny the WiFi connection you’re trying to set up.
Reinstalling the Sonos app is your best course of action right now, as it’ll flush the settings within the platform.
Here’s how to reinstall the Sonos app on your device easily:
- Head into Settings on your device.
- Go to “Applications”.
- Tap the search field and do “Sonos”.
- Select the application.
- Press “Uninstall” to start the process.
- Re-acquire Sonos from your device’s app store.
Tip: Clearing the Cache
Before attempting measures such as removing the app and then downloading it again, you should clear the cache first.
Go to Settings > “Storage” > “Cache & Data” and select “Clear Cache".
This will erase the application data for all platforms installed on your device.
8. (Workaround) Use Wired Connection
Though this is not a straightforward solution, if your Sonos still refuses to connect with WiFi, you should try going the wired way.
More reliable and bug-free, attaching your Sonos to the router directly, and using an Ethernet cable will solve all of your device’s connectivity issues!
Here’s how to connect your Sonos to the router:
- Acquire an Ethernet cable (usually, go around $5 – $10)
- Connect one of the cable’s ends to the Ethernet port of your Sonos.
- Plug the other end into the blue ports of your router.
- Wait for the connection status light of your Sonos to start blinking.
If the connection was performed successfully, the “Wired Connection” lamp on your Sonos, above the Ethernet port should go solid green.
An indication of faults with the wired connection is when the same LED lamp blinks in orange or red instead.
Need More Help – Contact Sonos!
As we’ve been straightforward to you by now, you’ll have to be that straightforward with Sonos!
If your speaker is still experiencing difficult WiFi faults and random outages, pass this problem on to Sonos and they’ll be able to deal with it.
If this is a product-related problem, you don’t have anything else to try, but contact the manufacturer directly!
Note: Contact Sonos at their Support Sonos Page and start an agent conversation!
Quick Recap:
We’ve identified that the Sonos not connecting to new WiFi problem can be fixed easily, by power cycling the device and restarting your WiFi router.
If that didn’t work, lower the security of the WiFi and factory reset the Sonos speaker to solve the issue at once.
Read Next: How to Play SoundCloud on Sonos? – Complete Guide
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.