Alexa commands not working on Sonos

This article provides steps to resolve issues with Alexa not following commands, not responding at all, or responding with an error like “Hm, I’m having trouble understanding right now."

Quick fixes

Make sure the microphone is on

If your voice-enabled Sonos speaker has a physical microphone switch, make sure it’s switched on.

Additionally, check the status light above the microphone button or voice service button. If the light is off, tap the button to re-enable the microphone or the voice service, then try the command again.

Relocate your voice-enabled Sonos product

Move your Sonos product away from walls, other speakers, and sources of background noise to make sure that Alexa can hear you.

Re-enable the Sonos skill

Open the Alexa app and select the More menu in the bottom right. Go to Skills & Games > Your Skills > Sonos > Disable Skill. Once disabled, choose Enable Skill.

Check your Amazon account

You can only use one Amazon account per Sonos system. If you have a second Sonos system in another location, you’ll need to use a second Amazon account if you’d like to use Alexa in both places.

Link your music services

If you receive a response like “link music services” from Alexa, please do so within the Alexa app before proceeding with the advanced steps below.

Advanced fixes

If the quick fixes above do not resolve your issue, follow the steps below for your Alexa-enabled device.

If you have voice-enabled Sonos speakers

1. Open the Alexa app on your iOS or Android device.
2. Select the More menu in the bottom right.
3. Go to Skills & Games > Your Skills > Sonos > Disable Skill.
4. Deregister your Sonos speaker from Alexa by following the instructions on Amazon's website: Deregistering a device.
5. Disable Voice Control in the Sonos app.
   1. Go to the Settings menu.
   2. Under System Settings, select Voice Assistants.
   3. Choose the voice-enabled product from the list of Sonos Products, and then select Remove Alexa.
6. Log out of all Amazon Apps on the mobile device, including the Amazon app, Alexa app, and Amazon.com in your mobile browser. This ensures Alexa uses the correct Amazon account.
7. Using the Sonos app, complete Alexa setup again. Follow the steps to log into the appropriate Amazon account when prompted to do so.
8. Once completed, try giving Alexa another command.

If you do not have voice-enabled Sonos speakers

1. Open the Alexa app on your iOS or Android device.
2. Select the More menu in the bottom right.
3. Go to Skills & Games > Your Skills > Sonos > Disable Skill.
4. Deregister your Sonos speaker from Alexa by following the instructions on Amazon's website: Deregistering a device.
5. Enable the Sonos skill again by going back to the Skills & Games > Your Skills > Sonos and choosing Enable Skill.
6. Once complete, try giving Alexa another command.