How to Factory Reset Your Sonos Soundbar Speaker

Resetting your Sonos soundbar speaker to factory settings can be useful for several reasons. It clears all saved settings, customizations, paired devices, and personal data to restore the soundbar to its original out-of-the-box state. This allows you to set it up fresh, sell it or give it to someone else without your data, or troubleshoot persistent issues.

Factory resetting a Sonos soundbar like the Beam, Arc, Playbar, or Ray is a straightforward process that only takes a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

When to Reset Your Sonos Soundbar

There are a few common situations when resetting your Sonos soundbar can be helpful:

  • Before selling or gifting it – Resetting removes all your personal data and settings so the next owner can set it up themselves.
  • Switching networks – If you get a new router or change WiFi settings, a reset can help reconnect your soundbar.
  • Troubleshooting problems – A factory reset eliminates any software issues and lets you set up the soundbar again from scratch.
  • Preparing for a repair – Sonos support may advise resetting the soundbar before sending it in for service.

Resetting deletes all your settings and customizations, so only do it when necessary. Try less drastic troubleshooting steps first if your soundbar has issues.

Back Up Soundbar Settings (Optional)

Before resetting your Sonos soundbar, you may want to back up your settings in case you change your mind later.

To back up your settings:

  • Open the Sonos app.
  • Go to Settings > System > Backup & Restore.
  • Choose Backup Data and pick where to save the backup file.

If you reset and want to restore the soundbar settings later, return to this menu and choose Restore from Backup.

How to Factory Reset a Sonos Soundbar

Resetting your Sonos soundbar speaker clears all data and settings. Here are step-by-step instructions for each Sonos soundbar model:

Sonos Beam (Gen 1 or Gen 2)

  1. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet.
  2. Press and hold the Connect button on the back while plugging the power cord back in.
  3. Keep holding the button until the status light blinks amber, then white.
  4. When the light blinks green, release the button.

The reset process is now complete.

Sonos Arc

  1. Unplug the power cord from the wall.
  2. Press and hold the Touch Control panel light while plugging the power cord back in.
  3. Keep holding until the light blinks amber, then white.
  4. When the light blinks green, release the panel.

The soundbar has been reset.

Sonos Playbar

  1. Unplug the power cord.
  2. Press and hold the Play/Pause button while reconnecting the power.
  3. Hold until the status light flashes amber, then white.
  4. When the light blinks green, release the button.

Your Playbar is now reset.

Sonos Ray

  1. Unplug the power cord from the wall.
  2. Press and hold the Play/Pause and Volume Down buttons together.
  3. While holding both buttons, plug the power cord back in.
  4. Keep holding until the light blinks amber, then white.
  5. When the status light flashes green, release both buttons.

The reset is now finished.

Once you complete the steps to reset your Sonos soundbar model, it will restore to original factory settings. You can set up the soundbar as new or reconnect it to your Sonos system.

Set Up Your Soundbar After Resetting

After resetting your Sonos soundbar speaker, you’ll need to set it up again from scratch. Follow these steps:

  1. Download the Sonos app on your phone or tablet if you don’t already have it. You’ll need the app for setup.
  2. Connect your soundbar to your TV using the included HDMI or optical audio cable. Refer to the soundbar manual if unsure.
  3. Open the Sonos app and tap Set Up a New System. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your soundbar with your WiFi network and music services.
  4. If you want to reconnect the soundbar to an existing Sonos system, go to Settings > System > Add Product instead and select your soundbar.

Once set up again, you can use your soundbar like normal. Just remember you may need to reconnect any paired TV remotes, voice assistants, and other devices. All previous settings like custom sound adjustments are erased.

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some troubleshooting tips if you encounter issues factory resetting your Sonos soundbar:

  • Reset again if the status light doesn’t turn green at the end.
  • Try using a different power outlet in case there are electricity problems.
  • Factory reset a second time if the soundbar has trouble connecting.
  • Contact Sonos Support if you still cannot get the soundbar to reset or set up properly.

Resetting your soundbar deletes all personal data and settings, returning it to its original factory condition. This can help solve issues, prepare it for sale or gifting, or set it up freshly on your Sonos system. Just follow the steps for your Sonos soundbar model to complete the reset process.