How to (Finally) Stream Music to Your Sonos Speaker Using AirPlay 2
Select Sonos speakers are finally getting support for Apple’s latest AirPlay 2 wireless streaming technology. Whether you want to watch your favorite Netflix movies or have fun at home, this update lets you connect the speakers to iOS devices. Here’s how to get started:
Update your device software
For AirPlay 2 to work on your Sonos speaker – specifically the second generation Sonos One, Beam, Playbase, and Play: 5 – you’ll need to update the speaker’s firmware. But it’s simple. First go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and make sure you have the latest version of the Sonos app installed. The application will prompt you to install the new firmware on the speakers. Once that’s done, your speakers should become new AirPlay targets in whatever compatible apps you use (like Music).
Group old Sonos speakers with AirPlay 2 compatible speakers
AirPlay 2 is not compatible with all Sonos speakers, but there is a small workaround you can use if you live in a multi-speaker home. If you have one speaker that supports AirPlay 2, you can group your old speakers and new speakers together in the Sonos app’s settings menu. Be sure to visit the AirPlay section in the settings menu to make sure everything is set up correctly. According to Apple Support, here are the correct steps to set up from your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad:
- Go to the control center.
- Press and hold the sound card in the upper right corner.
- Tap one or more speakers to play the music you want.
Don’t forget the Apple Home app
Before you can tell Siri to start playing music on your newly updated Sonos speakers, you need to add speakers to the Apple Home app. Pull it up, click the plus button in the upper right corner, click Add Accessory and click No Code or Can’t Scan? “Your speakers should appear – add them to the main page, and you’re done.