Sonos speakers are renowned for their exceptional sound quality, sleek designs, and seamless integration with various music streaming services. However, many users are unaware that their Sonos speaker can also function as a Bluetooth speaker, allowing them to stream music directly from their mobile devices or tablets. In this article, we will delve into the world of Sonos speakers and explore the process of using them as Bluetooth speakers.
Understanding the Limitations of Sonos Speakers as Bluetooth Speakers
Before we dive into the process of using your Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker, it’s essential to understand the limitations of this functionality. Unlike traditional Bluetooth speakers, Sonos speakers are designed to work primarily with the Sonos app and other Sonos devices. As a result, the Bluetooth functionality on Sonos speakers is not as robust as on dedicated Bluetooth speakers.
One significant limitation is that Sonos speakers can only connect to one Bluetooth device at a time. This means that if you’re streaming music from your phone and someone else tries to connect their device to the speaker, the connection will be lost. Additionally, Sonos speakers do not support Bluetooth calling or voice assistant functionality.
Which Sonos Speakers Support Bluetooth?
Not all Sonos speakers support Bluetooth connectivity. The following Sonos speakers have Bluetooth capabilities:
- Sonos Move
- Sonos Roam
These speakers are designed to be portable and can be easily taken on the go, making them perfect for outdoor use or travel.
Setting Up Your Sonos Speaker as a Bluetooth Speaker
Now that we’ve covered the limitations and compatible speakers, let’s move on to the setup process.
Step 1: Enable Bluetooth on Your Sonos Speaker
To enable Bluetooth on your Sonos speaker, follow these steps:
- Open the Sonos app on your mobile device.
- Tap on the “Settings” icon (represented by three horizontal lines).
- Scroll down to the “System” section.
- Tap on “Bluetooth” and toggle the switch to the “On” position.
Step 2: Put Your Sonos Speaker in Bluetooth Mode
To put your Sonos speaker in Bluetooth mode, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the “Play/Pause” button on your Sonos speaker until the LED light starts flashing blue.
- Release the button and wait for the speaker to enter Bluetooth mode.
Step 3: Connect Your Mobile Device to Your Sonos Speaker
To connect your mobile device to your Sonos speaker, follow these steps:
- Open the Bluetooth settings on your mobile device.
- Search for available Bluetooth devices and select your Sonos speaker from the list.
- Wait for the connection to be established.
Tips and Tricks for Using Your Sonos Speaker as a Bluetooth Speaker
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker:
- Use the Sonos app to control your music playback. While you can use your mobile device to control music playback, the Sonos app offers more features and functionality.
- Take advantage of the Sonos speaker’s Wi-Fi capabilities. If you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, you can use the Sonos app to stream music from various services, such as Spotify or Apple Music.
- Use the Sonos speaker’s battery life to your advantage. The Sonos Move and Roam speakers have long battery life, making them perfect for outdoor use or travel.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues while using your Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker, here are some common problems and solutions:
- Connection issues: Try restarting your Sonos speaker and mobile device, and then attempt to reconnect.
- Audio dropouts: Try moving your mobile device closer to your Sonos speaker, or switching to a different audio source.
Conclusion
Using your Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker is a great way to add more functionality to your device. While there are some limitations to this feature, the benefits of being able to stream music directly from your mobile device or tablet make it a worthwhile addition to your Sonos speaker’s capabilities. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can unlock the full potential of your Sonos speaker and enjoy a more seamless music listening experience.
Can I use my Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker?
You can use your Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker, but it requires some setup and configuration. Sonos speakers are primarily designed to work with Wi-Fi connectivity, but some models do support Bluetooth connectivity. To use your Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker, you’ll need to ensure that your speaker model supports Bluetooth and that you have the latest software updates installed.
To confirm whether your Sonos speaker supports Bluetooth, you can check the Sonos website or consult your speaker’s user manual. If your speaker model does support Bluetooth, you can proceed with the setup process, which typically involves putting your speaker in Bluetooth pairing mode and connecting it to your device. Keep in mind that using your Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker may limit some of its features and functionality compared to using it with Wi-Fi connectivity.
Which Sonos speaker models support Bluetooth connectivity?
Not all Sonos speaker models support Bluetooth connectivity. Currently, the Sonos Move, Sonos Roam, and Sonos Beam (Gen 2) support Bluetooth connectivity. If you have an older Sonos speaker model, it may not support Bluetooth. To confirm whether your Sonos speaker model supports Bluetooth, you can check the Sonos website or consult your speaker’s user manual.
If you’re in the market for a new Sonos speaker and want to use it as a Bluetooth speaker, consider purchasing one of the models that support Bluetooth connectivity. Keep in mind that even if your Sonos speaker model supports Bluetooth, it may not support all Bluetooth features or devices.
How do I put my Sonos speaker in Bluetooth pairing mode?
To put your Sonos speaker in Bluetooth pairing mode, you’ll need to follow the specific instructions for your speaker model. Generally, you can put your Sonos speaker in Bluetooth pairing mode by pressing and holding the Bluetooth button on the speaker until the LED light starts flashing. This indicates that the speaker is in pairing mode and ready to connect to your device.
Once your Sonos speaker is in pairing mode, you can proceed with connecting it to your device. Make sure that your device’s Bluetooth is enabled and that you’re in range of the speaker. Your device should detect the Sonos speaker and prompt you to connect to it. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.
Can I use my Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker with multiple devices?
Yes, you can use your Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker with multiple devices, but there are some limitations. Sonos speakers can only connect to one device at a time via Bluetooth. If you want to switch between devices, you’ll need to disconnect the speaker from the current device and reconnect it to the new device.
However, if you’re using your Sonos speaker with Wi-Fi connectivity, you can group multiple devices together and stream music to multiple speakers at the same time. This feature is not available when using your Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker. To use this feature, you’ll need to ensure that all your devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Will using my Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker affect its sound quality?
Using your Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker may affect its sound quality compared to using it with Wi-Fi connectivity. Bluetooth connectivity can introduce compression and latency, which can impact the sound quality. However, the impact on sound quality will depend on the specific Sonos speaker model and the device you’re connecting it to.
In general, Sonos speakers are designed to provide high-quality sound, and the difference in sound quality between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity may not be noticeable to most users. However, if you’re an audiophile or want the best possible sound quality, you may want to consider using your Sonos speaker with Wi-Fi connectivity instead.
Can I use voice assistants with my Sonos speaker when it’s in Bluetooth mode?
When your Sonos speaker is in Bluetooth mode, you may not be able to use voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. Voice assistants typically require a Wi-Fi connection to function, and Bluetooth connectivity may not support this feature.
However, some Sonos speaker models, like the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), do support voice assistants even when in Bluetooth mode. To confirm whether your Sonos speaker model supports voice assistants in Bluetooth mode, you can check the Sonos website or consult your speaker’s user manual.
How do I switch between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity on my Sonos speaker?
To switch between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity on your Sonos speaker, you’ll need to follow the specific instructions for your speaker model. Generally, you can switch between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity by opening the Sonos app on your device and selecting the speaker you want to switch.
In the Sonos app, you can toggle between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity by selecting the “Settings” or “Advanced Settings” option. From there, you can select the connectivity option you prefer. Keep in mind that switching between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity may require you to reconnect your speaker to your device or Wi-Fi network.