Reduce wireless interference

This article will help you reduce wireless interference around your Sonos products. Reducing wireless interference can help with issues like audio dropouts or products disappearing from the app.

Wireless interference can occur when two or more wireless devices compete for the same Wi-Fi space. If this overlap is causing performance issues, it can be quickly resolved by changing your network’s wireless channel or by moving Sonos away from the source of the interference.

Find the best wireless channel for Sonos

When powering on, most routers will automatically select the best wireless channel for your WiFi network. To ensure your router is using the best wireless channel for your Sonos products, reboot your router by unplugging it from power for ten seconds and then plugging it back in. Once it has rebooted, try using your Sonos system again to see if performance has improved.

If you have any Sonos products wired to your router with an Ethernet cable, they may be broadcasting their own dedicated Sonos wireless network with its own wireless channel setting. If these channels overlap, the wireless networks may interfere with each other. You can find instructions on how to prevent overlapping channels in our Recommended settings for using Sonos with Ethernet networks article.

Move Sonos away from other devices causing wireless interference

Other devices and electronics can use the same wireless frequencies as your router and your Sonos system. If you have one or more of these devices nearby and you’re experiencing issues with your Sonos system, turn the device off temporarily and check if the problem has been resolved. If so, consider moving the device further away from the Sonos products. In general, we recommend positioning Sonos products at least 18” (0.5m) away from any other electronic devices.

Check for obstructions that can reduce the wireless signal

Certain wall and surface materials can absorb wireless signals and cause signal loss, resulting in undesirable behavior. Be mindful of the following physical barriers when setting up your Sonos products and other wireless devices, such as your router, and reposition them if necessary.

Brick walls, for example, may hinder a wireless signal more than wooden walls. Additionally, a Sonos product placed on a metal surface may experience more wireless problems than a Sonos product placed on a wooden surface.