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How to (Finally) Stream Music to Your Sonos Speaker Using AirPlay 2


Some Sonos speakers are finally getting support for Apple’s latest wireless streaming technology, AirPlay 2. Whether you’re want to blast your favorite Netflix movies or rock out around your house, this update lets you connect your speakers to your iOS devices. Here’s how to get started:

Update Your Device Software

For AirPlay 2 to work on your Sonos speaker—specifically, the Sonos One, Beam, Playbase, and the second generation Play:5—you will need to update your speaker’s firmware. But that’s easy. First, hit up Google’s Play Store or Apple’s App Store and make sure you have the latest version of the Sonos app. The app will prompt you to install new firmware onto your speaker(s). Once that’s done, your speakers should should up as new AirPlay targets in any compatible apps you use (like Music.)

Group older Sonos speakers with AirPlay 2-compatible speakers

AirPlay 2 isn’t compatible with all Sonos speakers, but there’s a little workaround you can use if you live in a multi-speaker house. As long as you have one speaker that supports AirPlay 2, you can group your old speakers and your new speakers together in the Sonos app’s Settings menu. Be sure to visit the AirPlay section of the settings menu to make sure everything is configured correctly. According to Apple Support, here are the proper steps to set it up from your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad:

  1. Go to control center.

  2. Press and hold the audio card in the upper-right corner.

  3. Tap a speaker—or multiple ones—to play the music you’d like.

Don’t forget about Apple’s Home app

Before you can tell Siri to start blasting music on your newly updated Sonos speakers, you’ll need to add your speakers to Apple’s Home app. Pull it up, tap the plus button in the upper-right corner, tap Add Accessory, and tap “Don’t Have a Code or Can’t Scan?” Your speaker(s) should appear—add them to Home, and you’re all set.