Fixing Audio Dropouts on Sonos Beam

Audio dropouts can ruin an otherwise great listening experience with a Sonos Beam.
When the sound stops mid‑sentence or the bass fades out unexpectedly, the frustration is all too familiar.
This guide walks you through the most common causes and practical steps to stop those interruptions once and for all.

Why Audio Dropouts Happen

The Sonos Beam is designed to deliver high‑quality sound from anywhere in the room, but it depends on several components working together:

• The power supply and cable
• The HDMI‑ARC or optical input from the TV
• The wireless connection to the Sonos ecosystem
• The device’s firmware and the Sonos app

If one of these links weakens, the Beam may lose audio intermittently.

1. Check the Power Connection

A faulty or loose power cable is a frequent culprit.

• Make sure the power cord is firmly plugged into both the Beam and the wall outlet.
• Inspect the cable for any visible damage, fraying, or bent pins.
• If you use a power strip or surge protector, try connecting the Beam directly to a known good outlet.

If the Beam has been on the same outlet for years and suddenly starts dropping audio, replace the cable with a new, certified Sonos cable.

2. Inspect the HDMI‑ARC or Optical Link

The Beam receives audio from the TV via HDMI‑ARC or an optical cable.

• Verify that the HDMI cable is the correct type (HDMI 2.0 or higher for best performance).
• Check that the HDMI‑ARC port on the TV is enabled in the TV’s audio settings.
• If using an optical cable, confirm that it is fully seated on both ends and that the cable is intact.

A loose connection can send intermittent signals, leading to audio gaps.

3. Verify the Wi‑Fi Network

The Beam communicates with the Sonos app and your other Sonos speakers over Wi‑Fi. A weak or unstable wireless link will cause dropouts.

3.1 Keep the Beam Near the Router

Move the Beam closer to the Wi‑Fi router or a repeaters’ signal.

3.2 Avoid Interference

• Keep the router away from microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors.
• Ensure no metal objects or thick walls block the signal path.

3.3 Check Channel Congestion

Log into your router’s admin page and look for channels that are heavily used by neighbors. Switch to a less congested channel if possible.

4. Update Firmware and the Sonos App

Older firmware can contain bugs that manifest as audio dropouts.

1. Open the Sonos app.
2. Go to Settings → System → System Updates.
3. If an update is available, install it.
4. Repeat the same process for the Sonos app itself.

After updating, restart both the Beam and your router to ensure fresh connections.

5. Restart and Reset the Network

A simple restart can resolve many transient issues.

• Turn off the Beam and unplug it for 30 seconds before plugging it back in.
• Restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

If dropouts persist, try a network reset.

5.1 Reset the Beam’s Network Settings

1. In the Sonos app, navigate to Settings → System → Reset → Reset Network.
2. Follow the on‑screen instructions to reconnect the Beam to Wi‑Fi.

This process clears any corrupted network configurations that may be causing the problem.

6. Test with a Wired Connection

If the Beam is on a wireless network that seems stable, try a wired Ethernet connection (if your model supports it).

1. Connect the Beam to your router using an Ethernet cable.
2. In the Sonos app, verify that the Beam is now listed as “wired.”

A wired connection eliminates wireless interference and may cure the dropouts.

7. Check for Interference from Other Devices

Other audio devices can cause signal clashes.

• Turn off or disconnect any Bluetooth speakers, headphones, or other wireless audio transmitters that might be operating on the same frequency.
• Move the Beam away from devices such as gaming consoles or streaming sticks that use the same wireless band.

8. Use Sonos’ Built‑in Troubleshooter

The Sonos app includes a troubleshooting tool that can detect common problems.

1. Open Settings → System → Diagnostics.
2. Run the diagnostics and review the report.
3. Follow any recommended actions.

If the troubleshooter flags a connectivity issue, revisit the steps above.

9. Re‑Add the Beam to Your Sonos System

Sometimes removing and re‑adding the Beam can reset hidden glitches.

1. In Settings → System, choose “Add a Player or Sub.”
2. Select the Beam from the list of devices.
3. Complete the setup as guided by the app.

After re‑adding, test playback again.

10. Advanced Firmware Reset

If all else fails, perform a full factory reset of the Beam.

1. With the Beam on, press and hold the play/pause button until the light flashes amber.
2. Wait for the Beam to restart.
3. Re‑configure the Beam from scratch in the Sonos app.

A factory reset removes all custom settings and may resolve persistent issues.

11. Contact Sonos Support

If you’ve exhausted every troubleshooting step and still experience dropouts, reach out to Sonos support.

• Provide a detailed description of the problem, when it occurs, and the steps you’ve already taken.
• Attach any screenshots from the app or diagnostics.

Sonos engineers can guide you through more advanced diagnostics or arrange a replacement if the Beam is defective.

12. Prevent Future Dropouts

Once the problem is fixed, keep the Beam running smoothly with these habits:

• Keep firmware and app updates installed.
• Maintain a clean, interference‑free Wi‑Fi environment.
• Regularly check cable connections for wear.
• Use the Sonos app to run diagnostics at least once a month.

Following these practices will help you avoid sudden audio interruptions and keep your home audio system delivering crystal‑clear sound.