Troubleshooting Sonos Audio Dropouts
This article helps troubleshoot audio dropouts that may occur when Sonos playback is affected by local wireless interference, network conditions, or speaker placement.
Wireless interference can happen when multiple wireless devices compete for the same Wi-Fi space, especially on crowded 2.4GHz or 5GHz networks. Reducing interference may help with issues such as audio dropouts, playback interruptions, or Sonos products disappearing from the Sonos app.
Before changing router or Sonos settings, confirm whether the issue appears to be isolated to Sonos playback. If Pandora CloudCover plays normally through another playback method, such as a browser, mobile app, or CloudBox, the issue may be related to the local Sonos network, Wi-Fi environment, or speaker placement.
Before You Begin
If you plan to change router or Sonos wireless settings, note the original settings first. This makes it easier to restore the previous configuration if performance does not improve.
If your network is managed by an IT team, contact them before changing router, access point, or wireless channel settings.
Change the Wireless Channel
You may be able to reduce wireless interference by changing the wireless channel used by your router, your Sonos system, or both.
If Sonos connects directly to your router’s Wi-Fi network, try changing the router’s 2.4GHz wireless channel.
If Sonos is connected to your router with an Ethernet cable, you may also be able to change the Sonos system’s wireless channel.
If you change both the router’s wireless channel and the Sonos wireless channel, avoid setting Sonos to the same channel as the router. Using the same channel can add to wireless interference.
We recommend testing channels 1, 6, and 11. After each change, test Sonos playback to see whether audio performance improves.
Move Sonos Away from Sources of Interference
Other devices and electronics can use the same wireless frequencies as your router and Sonos system.
If one of these devices is near your Sonos speaker and you are experiencing audio dropouts, try turning the nearby device off temporarily and testing playback again. If playback improves, consider moving the device farther away from your Sonos products.
In general, Sonos recommends keeping Sonos products at least 18 inches, or about 0.5 meters, away from other electronic devices.
Devices that commonly use 2.4GHz or 5GHz wireless include:
Cordless or DECT phones
Wireless video transmitters or security cameras
Wi-Fi routers, Wi-Fi extenders, and access points
Wireless audio systems
Baby monitors
Wireless cable and set-top boxes
Smart home device hubs
Other devices that can cause interference include:
Some external monitors and LCD displays
Microwave ovens while in use
If Dropouts Continue
If audio dropouts continue after checking wireless interference, test Pandora CloudCover playback outside of Sonos if another playback method is available.
For example, test playback through:
A web browser
The Pandora CloudCover mobile app
A CloudBox, if your location uses one
If playback is stable outside of Sonos, the issue may be related to the local Sonos setup, Wi-Fi environment, or speaker placement. In that case, review your Sonos network setup or contact Sonos Support.
If playback drops occur across multiple playback methods, contact Pandora CloudCover Support so we can help review the account, stream behavior, device status, or service conditions.
Summary
Sonos audio dropouts are often related to local wireless conditions, speaker placement, or network configuration. Start by confirming whether the issue is isolated to Sonos, then test wireless channel changes or move Sonos away from nearby electronics. If the issue continues across multiple playback methods, Pandora CloudCover Support can help investigate further.