Easy Listening: How to connect music services to Sonos speakers

The beauty of Wi-Fi speakers is that they are not tied to any particular device. Most of them also offer a way to connect directly to streaming music services, so you can keep your music playing when you leave your room or home.

Wi-Fi speakers throughout the Sonos home can connect directly to over 100 different services(opens in new window)This includes Audible for audiobooks and iHeartRadio for local radio stations, as well as popular music services like Spotify and Apple Music.

Some of these services require a subscription, but there are also free options, such as the Sonos Radio service that lets you stream music and get started.

Why connect to audio services through Sonos?

Sonos speakers can be used with Apple AirPlay or Spotify Connect. Some, such as Move and Roam, include Bluetooth connectivity. However, when using the Sonos app, the speaker will connect via Wi-Fi. That means other people at home can jump in and add songs to the queue, switch services, or change the volume from their own devices. In some cases, it also means you can play higher quality versions of the songs.

How to add voice services

(Credit: Sonos)

To add a new service to your Sonos system, open the Sonos app on your mobile device and tap Configuration > Services and Voice > Add Service.

Scroll through the list of available options to find the audio service you want and follow its login instructions. Some services authenticate via an app already installed on your phone, while others require you to enter a username and password.

You can also add new services to your Sonos system from the desktop app(opens in new window) For Windows and macOS machines.Open the app and select add service under the source column.If you don’t see the option to add a new service, your speaker may need to be updated to the latest software(opens in new window) before adding a new service.

Add multiple accounts to your family plan

If you have an Apple Music or Spotify family subscription, you can add multiple accounts to the Sonos app. To do this, repeat the steps above on the device you’re signed into with your streaming music service.

Sonos authorizes Apple’s music service directly from Apple’s app. This means that if you want to add a second Apple Music account from the same device, you’ll need to log out of Apple Music, sign in with your family credentials, then re-add the account in the Sonos app.

Why should I add multiple accounts? Everything you listen to on your Sonos speaker through your chosen music service will be recorded in that account. If someone else is listening to your favorite songs on your account, your recommendations (and Spotify Wrapped or Apple Music Replays) may be skewed by their selection.

Add Sonos Radio to your speaker

(Credit: Sonos)

Set up Sonos Radio if you haven’t subscribed to a streaming music service(opens in new window), a free, out-of-the-box ad-supported service. No need to set up or configure anything. Sonos Radio HD(opens in new window) is a paid version of this same service for $9.99 per month. It offers lossless audio, ad-free listening, exclusive content, original programming, and the ability to skip songs.

How to add a voice assistant

Sonos now offers its own voice assistant that can be summoned with “Hey Sonos”. Play music on your Sonos speakers using your choice of streaming services.For example, if you have Apple Music and Spotify connected via Sonos, you can speak commands(opens in new window) “Hey Sonos, play ‘As it Was’ by Harry Styles on Apple Music.”

To set up Sonos Voice Control from your mobile device, Settings > Services & Voice > Add Voice Assistant > Sonos Voice Control Follow the rest of the instructions.

Amazon Alexa(opens in new window) and Google Assistant(opens in new window) It can also be used with compatible Sonos speakers with mics. (Sonos SL products do not have microphones.)