If your Spotify won’t connect to Sonos and you’re looking for a complete, all-around tutorial that will teach you the complete steps to fix it, you’re just on the right page.
Our guide today will be focused on giving details on what’s causing this error, as well as the comprehensive steps to fix it!
Should you find that your Sonos won’t connect to Spotify, check if your internet connection is stable. Then, what you want to do next is to update the DNS server of your phone. Perform a power cycle of the modem/router.
After that, remove Spotify as a service on your Sonos app and add it. And then, verify if permissions are enabled on both Spotify and Sonos.
In order for us to find the appropriate solution to the problem, it’ll be helpful to understand how this problem occurs in the first place.
Why Can’t Spotify Connect to Sonos and Vice Versa?
A lot of people think that this problem is caused by distance. But, in truth, it’s deeper than that.
As per the demographic who reported this problem, the most usual reasons and causes of Sonos speakers not properly connecting to Spotify (and the other way around) include:
- DNS Server Error
- Spotify Isn’t Properly Paired With Sonos
- Outdated Spotify and/or Sonos App
- Spotify Control via Sonos Isn’t Enabled
- Internet Connection Problems
Yes, these causes seem to be a bit complex, and finding the exact cause could seem almost impossible.
But, worry not, because we will bring you the fix method that’s not only complete but also deemed to be the most accepted.
Spotify Won’t Connect to Sonos? – Complete Fix Steps
Spotify requires the internet, and therefore, it’s just right to include a couple of factors that allow a connection.
Don’t be startled with some steps because we’ll maximise the resolution to help you clear out the problem from start to finish.
Step #1: Do You Have a Stable Connection?
Going back to our point above, Spotify needs the internet for it to function.
Without a reliable and stable connection, Spotify wouldn’t work (unless you play downloaded/saved songs and podcasts).
So, what you want to do first is to make sure that your internet connection is stable and working. To do this, check other devices and see if they have a connection.
NOTE: There’s no need to contact your internet service provider; you can check it using other devices connected to the network.
Step #2: Update Your Phone’s DNS Server
Another common culprit for this nuisance is a faulty DNS server. It may seem daunting and overwhelming, but updating the DNS is actually easy.
Updating DNS Server on iPhones
- On your iPhone, access All Apps > Settings.
- Then, inside Settings, tap WiFi and select the network you’re connected to.
- After that, select Configure DNS > Manual.
Updating DNS Servers on Android Devices
- On your Android devices, access Settings > Connections.
- From there tap on WiFi and select the network your device is connected to.
- Tap the cog icon to access the network’s settings.
- After that, tap on Advanced.
- Select DHCP under IP Settings and change it to Static.
Now that you know where to go to change the DNS settings of your device, you just need to type in either Google DNS or OpenDNS:
- Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 (DNS 1); 8.8.4.4 (DNS 2)
- OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 (DNS 1); 208.67.220.220 (DNS 2)
NOTE: Your WiFi connection might refresh for a total of one (1) minute. So, don’t be alarmed when you get temporarily disconnected.
Step #3: Power Cycle Your Modem/Router
Then, what you want to do next is to perform a reboot or a power cycle of your modem or router. Many users only need up until this point to fix the dilemma.
To do this effectively, go to your modem/gateway or your router/hub, and unplug it from power for about 30 to 45 seconds. Then, plug it back in again and anticipate the internet connection to reinitialize.
NOTE: Refrain from just turning it off by pressing the standby mode. You have to make sure that there’s 0 power/electricity running through it for about half a minute.
Step #4: Readd “Spotify as a Service”
To follow the power cycling step, what you want to do next is to remove and re-add Spotify as a Service on your Sonos app.
The error could have happened between the bridging of the Spotify app to the Sonos app, disallowing it to be traced and detected by the speaker.
So, as a normal troubleshooting step, resetting this relationship is also helpful.
You can perform this by following these simple and easy steps:
- Access your Sonos app and make sure you’re logged in.
- From there, select Services & Voice, and select Spotify.
- Navigate the option and select Remove Account.
Once done, add Spotify as a Service again by going to Services & Voice and tapping Add Account. Enter your Spotify credentials and go through the guided instructions.
NOTE: You should see a confirmation prompt that Spotify has successfully been added as a service on your Sonos app.
When it does, don’t access it just yet…
Step #5: Do an Audio Test
Instead of accessing it immediately via the Sonos app, try playing anything via the Spotify app first to check if there’s sound playing via your phone’s speakers first.
When you’re sure that there’s music playing, try to check if Spotify is recognizing this relationship.
- On the Spotify app, tap the cog icon on the upper-right to access settings.
- Scroll down until you see Devices.
- Then, tap on Connect to a Device and see if your Sonos speaker is there.
Step #6: Ensure That Permissions Are Enabled
Lastly, you want to make sure that both Spotify and Sonos’ permissions are enabled.
You could have done the process correctly, but because the permissions restrict them from communicating with one another, it might be where the dilemma is.
So, on your device, navigate to Settings > Apps/Applications. Locate Spotify and check whether Sonos is allowed to access it.
You also want to check Sonos and check if Spotify is an allowed app, too.
If so, then you should have no problems in making them communicate and work with one another.
When you complete this 6-step process, you will be free from the constant worry or trouble of Spotify’s connectivity with Sonos and vice versa!
After this guide, it will be fast and easy for you to fix this problem should it appear again in the future.
Sonos Still Not Pairing/Connecting with Spotify
While the process has been deemed effective by most users, there are instances where the problem will still be there.
If you’re part of the small group that couldn’t fix and resolve it through these steps, give Sonos a call.
Describe to them the exact error or problem you’re experiencing. This is so they could troubleshoot it better and more accurately.
Read Next: Why Does My TV Sound Keep Cutting Out?
To allow Spotify to connect to Sonos, first ensure that you’re connected to a stable internet connection. When you are, try updating the DNS server before rebooting the gateway or the hub. Then, proceed to troubleshoot the app by removing and add Spotify as a service via Sonos again.
After that, check if Spotify is really playing before reconnecting it to a Sonos speaker.
Final Verdict
When you find that your Spotify won’t connect to Sonos, don’t panic – it’s usually something that’s resolvable and fixable on your end!
This problem is experienced by a lot of Sonos users and it’s rare for them to require the assistance of an expert – especially when they use our guide!
We made this guide easy and simple to understand, so that, even if you’re not a tech expert, you’ll be able to follow it accordingly.
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.