Whether you’ve got Play:1, Play:3 or Play:5 speakers, we will show you how to install a Sonos system. The Sonos app has been accessible for blind and low vision users for as far as I can remember with great support if needed. When you’re setting up a speaker for the first time, these are the steps you’ll need to take.
Step 1: Unbox and plug it in
First, unbox the speaker and place it where you’ll want it to be for the foreseeable future.
If you plan on connecting the speaker over Wi-Fi, place the speaker close enough to your router so that the Wi-Fi signal is strong (or alternatively, near a range-improving Sonos Boost).
If you want to use a wired internet connection, make sure your speaker is close enough to the router for an Ethernet cable to connect the two.
Use the cable supplied in the box to connect the Sonos speaker to a power outlet. The light should start flashing green after a while, which means they are ready to be set up (wait for about 30 seconds).
Step 2: Download the Sonos app
You’ll then need to download the Sonos app. Open your web browser and go here, where you’ll be able to download the app.
iOS or Android users can download the Sonos app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Just search for ‘Sonos’, or try the following links for your OS:
Step 3: Choose your setup type
Once you’ve installed the app, open it and press ‘Set up a new Sonos system’. You’ll be asked what sort of setup you want to go through. If you’re not using an Ethernet cable, and you haven’t bought a Sonos Boost, then just press “Standard Setup.”
Step 4: Select your speakers
If your smartphone, tablet, or computer is connected to the Wi-Fi network, you should be able to see any available Sonos speakers that are in your home. If you have multiple speakers, you can choose which one you want to set up first by flicking between them on your screen.
Step 5: Put your speakers into ‘Join’ mode
The app will then ask you to press a couple of buttons on the Sonos speaker at the same time, the buttons depend on the speaker you have. This will create a temporary Wi-Fi network for your device to connect to, allowing the setup to work.
For the Play:1, you need to press the Play/Pause button and the Volume Up button at the same time. Other speakers, like the Play:5, have their own dedicated ‘Join’ button located on the back of the speaker next to the 3.5 mm port. It looks like an infinity sign, or a figure of eight on its side.
Step 6: Connect to the Wi-Fi network (if you need to)
Once you’ve pressed the buttons, you’ll hear a chime, and the speaker will show a flashing orange light or wait for 5 to 10 seconds. The app will ask you to confirm that you see this.
Once you do, the app will begin configuring the speaker. You may have to connect to the temporary Wi-Fi network, although some Android phone and tablet users won’t need to do this. If you’ve got a Play:5, it will work automatically too.
If you do need to connect, go to your device’s Wi-Fi settings and choose ‘Sonos’. Once you’re connected, go back to the Sonos app and continue. You may be prompted for a password.
Once that’s done, you can select a name for your new Sonos speaker.
Step 7: Add more speakers if you have them
If you want to set up a second speaker or even more, select ‘Add Another Player’ and go through the setup process again. You’ll need to assign a name to each new speaker, just like you did before.
Once that’s done, all your speakers will be connected to your Wi-Fi system, and you’ll be able to use the Sonos app to play music on all of your connected speakers.
Oh yeah, One more thing! You’ll need to choose ‘Add Music Services’ first, so you can add any eligible services you use, like Spotify or Apple Music. Then, just track down a song you want to play, and select it. Now it is time to enjoy your new speakers!
