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 tap on the More menu in the bottom right. Tap on Skills & Games > Your Skills > Sonos > Disable Skill. Once disabled, tap on 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.


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. Tap on the More menu in the bottom right.
  3. Tap on 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. From the Settings tab, tap Services & Voice and select Amazon Alexa under Voice. Select the voice-enabled product from the list of Sonos Products, and tap 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. Tap the More menu in the bottom right.
  3. Tap on 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 tapping on Enable Skill.
  6. Once complete, try giving Alexa another command.

Still need help?

Our technicians can help over the phone or with a live chat. You can also ask questions and find answers with other Sonos owners in our Sonos Community.