How to set up your Sonos

Sonos speakers, bridges, and other devices are easy to set up with the app. Here's how to do it

Sonos produces a range of excellent home speakers that are packed with smart features and ready for a wide range of sound services. They're one of the best options if you want both Google Assistant and Alexa in your speakers. Plus, they are a common choice for a big home entertainment system upgrade. We're big fans of the Sonos Era 300 for whole-room sound.

But adopting a new system like Sonos requires some setup work, and it's more involved than plugging your speakers into the right connections. Sonos offers wireless support and requires an internet setup to activate all its features, so there are a few steps. Here's everything you need to do when you're ready to get started.

These steps apply to all Sonos speakers and ancillary items like the Sonos Connect. Make sure your home Wi-Fi network is available and have your Wi-Fi password before you begin. The steps shouldn't take longer than 15 minutes or so.

These steps work great for the majority of Sonos devices. There are some occasions, such as when mounting outdoor speakers or setting up a complex surround sound system, that you may want the help of a professional certified for Sonos installation.

If you get a new Sonos device, adding it is even simpler. Open the app, select Settings, and select System. Then, choose Add Product. The Sonos app lets you choose your new speaker and quickly complete the setup process.

There are some exceptions to these processes. For example, older Sonos speakers may not be compatible with the current version of the Sonos app. But as long as you have a Sonos speaker from the past few years, you shouldn't run into any problems.

Your Sonos speaker is ready to go! Update the Sonos app regularly so that everything keeps working well. If you have Wi-Fi connection problems, reposition the speaker or connect it with an Ethernet cable. Look at our guide for the best mesh Wi-Fi routers for more ways to solve connection issues.

Tyler Lacoma has spent more than 10 years testing tech and studying the latest web tool to help keep readers current. He's here for you when you need a how-to guide, explainer, review, or list of the best solutions for your Android life.