In short: If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, don’t use the Sonos app for Apple Music – use AirPlay instead. If you use Android, authorize your Apple Music account with the Sonos app using an iOS device (borrowed from a family or friend).
There are two instances when Apple Music is not working on Sonos. I’ve provided a solution for you whether you’re using an iOS device (iPhone or iPad) or an Android smartphone.
Reauthorize Apple Music from the Sonos Controller
Chances are, you’re getting the “unable to browse music – there was a problem connecting to Apple Music” message on the Sonos app. Here’s what you should do.
Reauthorize the Apple Music service in your Sonos Controller by removing it completely, and waiting for at least ten minutes before adding it back. Sonos will force you to authenticate Apple Music.
If that doesn’t work, submit a system diagnostic and call Sonos Support directly to discuss the problem. They’ll be able to pinpoint the issue and help you reconnect Apple Music.
Don’t use the Sonos app, use AirPlay instead
Instead of using the Sonos app, try streaming Apple Music from your iOS device (iPhone or iPad) to a Sonos speaker using AirPlay from the Control Center.
Open Control Center by swiping down from the top right of the screen. If you’re using an iPhone 8 or earlier, open the Control Center by swiping it up from the bottom of the screen.
Find the audio card in the upper right-hand corner, then tap on the AirPlay icon.
Tap on one of your Sonos speakers, or some of them, to stream the same audio across all of them using AirPlay. You can select multiple Sonos speakers you want to use.
You can also play AirPlay audio directly from the Apple Music app. Just open the Apple Music app, tap on the AirPlay icon, then choose your Sonos speaker to play the audio.
I never use the Sonos app. In my opinion, the Sonos app is barely adequate and not fun to use. And that’s saying something since I actually prefer the mediocre Apple Music app.
Every time I want to play music on my Sonos speaker, I always use AirPlay because it’s super stable. I’ve never had an issue with it, so I suggest you do the same.
If you’re using Android, reauthorize using an iOS device
For those of you who use Apple Music on Android, you have to use the Sonos app. Unfortunately, there is no AirPlay feature on Android devices.
If both Apple Music and the Sonos app run on your Android smartphone, Sonos often goes into a loop showing an error screen that says the Apple Music account has to be reauthorized.
I’ve managed to discover this simple workaround after talking with Sonos technical support, but you’ll need to borrow an iOS device (iPhone or iPad) from family or a friend.
I hope Sonos deploys the permanent fix soon, but until then, follow these steps:
- Connect an iOS device to your Wi-Fi network.
- Download the Sonos app.
- Download Apple Music (if not already downloaded).
- On the iOS device, Open the Settings app.
- Tap on the name of the profile, then tap on Media & Purchases.
- Tap on Sign Out.
- Launch the Sonos app.
- Tap on Join existing system.
- Log in using your Sonos ID.
- Tap on Apple Music in the Sonos app.
- Reauthorize the account and follow the instructions on-screen.
Once you’ve reauthorized your account, you’re done. Open the Settings app on the iOS device, tap on the name of the profile, then tap on Media & Purchases. Lastly, tap on Sign Out.
This workaround has worked for others with the same symptoms (Apple Music Android not working on Sonos). You should thank your friend or family member for lending their iOS device.
I had an eye-opening conversation on the phone with Sonos technical support regarding this issue. Even though the Sonos app says it supports both iOS and Android, that is not true.
Right now, the Sonos app doesn’t support Apple Music on Android.
Despite misleading information about the availability on Android, Sonos can’t provide an estimated completion date for supporting the link on Android.
As of right now, the only suggestion provided by Sonos is to get an iOS device and use it to authorize your Apple Music account on the Sonos app.
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