What You Will Need
- Sonos One (Gen 2) and included power cord
- A smartphone or tablet with the Sonos app installed (version S2, available on Android and iOS)
- A Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)
- An Ethernet cable (optional, for wired connection to your router)
- A flat, stable surface for placement
Choosing the Right Placement
The Sonos One (Gen 2) delivers the best sound when placed on a hard, flat surface at ear level. Good locations include bookshelves, countertops, and nightstands. Leave at least one inch of clearance between the speaker and any wall for proper bass response. Avoid enclosing the speaker inside a cabinet or shelf with a closed back, as this restricts airflow and muddles the audio. If you plan to use voice control, place the speaker in a location where it can hear you clearly without interference from loud appliances or background noise.
Powering Up and Initial Setup
- Place the Sonos One on your chosen surface and connect the power cord. Plug it into a wall outlet.
- The indicator light on the top of the speaker will begin flashing green, indicating it is ready for setup.
- Open the Sonos app on your phone. If this is your first Sonos product, create a Sonos account when prompted.
- The app will detect the new speaker automatically. Tap Set up a new system if this is your first Sonos device, or Add a product if you already have Sonos speakers on your network.
- Follow the app's prompts. You may be asked to press the button on the back or top of the speaker to confirm the connection.
- Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. The speaker will connect and download any available firmware updates. This may take a few minutes.
- Assign the speaker to a room. Choose from the preset list or create a custom room name. This name is used for voice commands and grouping.
Running Trueplay Tuning
Trueplay is Sonos's room calibration feature that adjusts the speaker's audio output based on the acoustics of your space. It accounts for furniture, walls, and surfaces that affect sound reflection.
- In the Sonos app, navigate to Settings > System > [Your Sonos One] > Trueplay.
- Note: Trueplay tuning requires an iPhone or iPad. It is not available on Android devices due to microphone calibration requirements.
- Tap Tune and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be asked to walk around the room while holding your phone, as the app plays test tones through the speaker and uses your phone's microphone to measure the room's acoustics.
- The process takes about 45 seconds. Move slowly through the room, covering the space at multiple heights (low, mid, and high).
- When complete, tap Save to apply the tuning profile. You can re-run Trueplay anytime you rearrange furniture or move the speaker.
Setting Up Voice Control
The Sonos One (Gen 2) has a built-in microphone array that supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- In the Sonos app, go to Settings > Services & Voice.
- Select either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant and follow the steps to link your account.
- Once configured, you can use voice commands to play music, control volume, skip tracks, and manage other smart home devices.
- To mute the microphone for privacy, tap the microphone button on the top of the speaker. An orange LED indicates the microphone is off.
Adding Music Services
- In the Sonos app, tap Settings > Services & Voice > Music & Content.
- Browse the list of supported services, which includes Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, YouTube Music, and many more.
- Select a service and sign in with your account credentials.
- Once linked, you can browse and play music from that service directly within the Sonos app.
Tips for Getting Started
- Create a stereo pair with a second Sonos One for wider sound staging. In the Sonos app, go to System > [Room] > Create Stereo Pair.
- Use AirPlay 2 to stream audio directly from any Apple device without the Sonos app.
- Group multiple Sonos speakers to play the same music throughout your home by long-pressing the play button and selecting rooms.
- Set an alarm in the Sonos app to wake up to your favorite music or radio station.
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