If Sonos keeps pausing, stopping, or skipping, start by identifying what you’re playing: a music service, a local library, Bluetooth, TV audio, or line-in. The fixes below focus on the documented causes for service streaming, local libraries, Bluetooth, and wired or wireless network connections; not every check applies to every setup.
First, narrow down where playback is interrupted
Note whether the issue affects one music service or several, one Sonos room or the whole system, and whether playback uses Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Bluetooth. These observations help you choose a relevant check, but they do not identify a cause by themselves.
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- Only one music service: check that service’s account and stream limit.
- Music stored on a computer or NAS: make sure the library host is awake and available.
- Move or Roam over Bluetooth: check the Bluetooth connection and the source phone’s internet connection.
- Wired Sonos setup: check Ethernet connections and cable condition.
Sonos’s guidance for music-service playback recommends at least 5 Mbps download speed for streaming music. This is a vendor recommendation, not a guarantee that speed alone will resolve interruptions. Sonos: Audio stops or skips
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Eight checks for Sonos audio interruptions
1. Check whether the service account is already streaming elsewhere
If playback stops only when you use one music service, check whether the same account is playing on a phone, computer, or another device. Some music-service accounts allow only one stream at a time, so another active playback session can interrupt Sonos. Consult the service’s account or playback settings if you cannot tell whether another stream is active. Sonos: Audio stops or skips Sonos: Music services on Sonos
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2. Check the internet connection’s download speed
Run a speed test on a phone or computer connected to the same Wi-Fi network as Sonos. Compare the download result with Sonos’s stated recommendation of at least 5 Mbps for streaming music. If the result is below that level, contact your internet provider about the connection. A speed test is a snapshot from the device and moment tested; it does not by itself establish how well the connection performs throughout your home. Sonos: Audio stops or skips
3. Restart the router
For music-service interruptions, Sonos’s instructions are to unplug the router, wait 30 seconds, reconnect power, and then retry playback. Allow the router to reconnect before testing. This is the specific restart timing in Sonos’s music-service guidance; its separate wireless-interference article describes a different reboot for channel reassessment. Sonos: Audio stops or skips
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- Dual angled tweeters and a powerful midwoofer deliver rich, balanced stereo sound with deep bass.
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- Stream over WiFi, pair via Bluetooth, or connect a turntable and more with line in.
- Go from unboxing to incredible sound in minutes with a quick plug-in and the Sonos app
4. Keep a local music library’s host computer or NAS awake
If the music is stored on a computer or network-attached storage (NAS) device, confirm the host is powered on and reachable while Sonos plays. If it goes to sleep, adjust its sleep settings so it stays available during playback. This check applies to local-library playback, not music streamed directly from an online service. Sonos: Audio stops or skips when playing music library
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5. Reduce wireless interference and improve placement
Nearby electronics, overlapping wireless channels, and materials that block signals can contribute to interruptions. Sonos states: “Wireless interference can contribute to issues like audio stopping and skipping on Sonos.” Temporarily turn off a nearby device to see whether playback changes, reposition Sonos away from potential interference, and consider whether walls or metal surfaces are obstructing the signal. Sonos generally recommends keeping its products at least 18 inches (0.5 m) from other electronic devices. Sonos: Reduce wireless interference
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- Dual angled tweeters and a powerful midwoofer deliver rich, balanced stereo sound with deep bass.
- The perfect start or addition to your system, Era 100 SL makes Sonos sound more accessible.
- Stream over WiFi, pair via Bluetooth, or connect a turntable and more with line in.
- Go from unboxing to incredible sound in minutes with a quick plug-in and the Sonos app
- Trueplay fine-tunes Era 100 SL for the unique acoustics of the room.
6. Move the Sonos product nearer to its connection point
For a wireless setup, move the affected Sonos product closer to the router. In a wired Sonos setup, Sonos advises moving it closer to the nearest Sonos product that is wired to the router. Retest playback after moving it so you can tell whether the changed placement helped. Sonos: Audio stops or skips Sonos: Audio stops or skips when playing music library
7. Check Bluetooth playback on Move or Roam
If a Move or Roam is playing over Bluetooth, bring the Bluetooth source closer. Sonos gives 30 feet as a guideline, though walls and other surroundings can affect the connection. Also check that the source phone has an adequate Wi-Fi or cellular connection, and move the phone and speaker away from likely sources of interference. Sonos: Bluetooth audio stops or skips
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8. Check Ethernet cables and network equipment
If your Sonos system uses Ethernet, confirm plugs are fully seated and try another cable if appropriate. Replacing the cable between a wired Sonos product and the router is an advanced check Sonos recommends for local-library interruptions. It is relevant only to a setup with that wired connection, not a universal fix.
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If the interruptions continue
Contact Sonos Support by phone or live chat if the relevant checks do not resolve the issue. You can submit an in-app diagnostic snapshot and give its confirmation number to support; submitting a diagnostic does not itself open a support case. Sonos notes that playback may be interrupted while the diagnostic is being submitted. Sonos: Submit diagnostics Sonos Support contact options
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