How to Play SoundCloud on Sonos: A Complete Setup Guide
Want to enjoy your favorite SoundCloud tracks through your Sonos speakers? You’ll be happy to know that streaming SoundCloud through your Sonos system is easier than you might think. With millions of songs, podcasts, and remixes available on SoundCloud, connecting these platforms opens up a world of audio possibilities.
Setting up SoundCloud on your Sonos system requires just a few simple steps and lets you access your playlists, liked tracks, and personalized stations seamlessly. Whether you’re hosting a party or relaxing at home, you’ll have instant access to SoundCloud’s vast library of content through your premium sound system. Let’s explore how to connect these services and enhance your listening experience.
What You’ll Need
Connecting SoundCloud to Sonos requires specific components and accounts for optimal streaming performance. Here’s a comprehensive list of requirements to get started.
System Requirements
- A Sonos speaker system connected to your Wi-Fi network
- Sonos S2 app installed on your mobile device
- Internet connection with minimum 1.5 Mbps bandwidth
- Compatible device running iOS 13+ or Android 8.0+
- Latest version of the Sonos controller app
- Active Wi-Fi connection with 2.4GHz or 5GHz band support
SoundCloud Account Options
SoundCloud offers two distinct account types for Sonos integration. Each provides different features and streaming capabilities for your Sonos system.
Free vs. Go+ Account Features
Feature | Free Account | Go+ Account |
---|---|---|
Audio Quality | 128 kbps | Up to 256 kbps |
Offline Mode | No | Yes |
Ad Experience | With ads | Ad-free |
Content Access | Limited catalog | Full catalog |
Skip Limits | Yes | No |
- Monthly cost differences: Free vs $9.99 for Go+
- Audio streaming quality impact on Sonos playback
- Offline listening capabilities with Go+ membership
- Access to exclusive SoundCloud content
- Cross-platform integration benefits
- Extended playlist creation options
- Advanced audio controls for Sonos systems
The premium Go+ subscription unlocks enhanced streaming quality which becomes noticeable through Sonos speakers’ high-fidelity output. The free tier provides basic streaming functionality while Go+ enables advanced features like offline mode extended playback controls.
Setting Up SoundCloud on Sonos
SoundCloud integration with Sonos creates direct access to millions of tracks through your wireless speakers. The setup process varies between mobile devices and computers.
Adding SoundCloud to Your Sonos System
Connect SoundCloud to your Sonos speakers through either the mobile app or desktop application for seamless music streaming.
Using the Sonos App
- Open the Sonos app on your mobile device
- Tap “Settings” in the menu
- Select “Services & Voice”
- Choose “Add a Service” under Music & Content
- Locate “SoundCloud” from the services list
- Tap “Add to Sonos”
- Sign in to your SoundCloud account
Device Type | Setup Time | Internet Speed Required |
---|---|---|
Mobile | 2-3 mins | 1.5 Mbps minimum |
Desktop | 3-5 mins | 1.5 Mbps minimum |
Finding the SoundCloud Service
The SoundCloud service appears in these locations:
- Browse tab under “Music Services”
- Search function using keyword “SoundCloud”
- Services menu in system settings
- Music & Content section
Key Features Available:
- Stream personal playlists
- Access liked tracks
- Browse trending music
- Follow favorite artists
- Create custom stations
After connecting SoundCloud, access your library by selecting “SoundCloud” from the music services menu. The service syncs automatically with your account preferences, displaying your playlists, liked tracks and followed artists in the Sonos interface.
Connecting Your SoundCloud Account
Connecting SoundCloud to your Sonos system requires authorization through the Sonos app. Here’s the step-by-step process to link your accounts.
Getting the Activation Code
The Sonos app activation process connects your SoundCloud library to your Sonos speakers:
- Open the Sonos app on your mobile device or computer
- Navigate to “Menu” > “Add Music Services”
- Select “SoundCloud” from the available services
- Choose “Add to Sonos”
- Click “I already have an account”
Device Type | Navigation Path | Setup Time |
---|---|---|
Mobile | Menu > Add Music Services > SoundCloud | 2-3 minutes |
Computer | More Music > SoundCloud | 3-5 minutes |
Completing Account Authorization
Follow these steps to authorize your SoundCloud account:
- Sign in to your SoundCloud account when prompted
- Accept the permission requests for Sonos access
- Verify the connection by checking for:
- Your SoundCloud playlists
- Liked tracks
- Following list
- Custom stations
For mobile users:
- Tap “Settings” in the Sonos app
- Select “Services & Voice”
- Confirm SoundCloud appears under “Music & Content”
- Click “Manage” in the Sonos desktop app
- Select “Services”
- Look for SoundCloud in the active services list
Playing SoundCloud Content
Access your entire SoundCloud library through the Sonos app after connecting your account. The integration enables seamless streaming of tracks, playlists, and radio stations through your Sonos speakers.
Navigating Your SoundCloud Library
The SoundCloud library interface in Sonos displays content in organized categories:
- Likes: Browse tracks you’ve marked as favorites on SoundCloud
- Playlists: Access personal and followed playlists
- Stream: View recent tracks from artists you follow
- Search: Find specific songs, artists, or albums
- Charts: Explore trending tracks across genres
Navigate between sections using the menu tabs at the bottom of the Sonos app screen. Select any track to view options for playing, adding to queue or saving to Sonos favorites.
Creating and Managing Playlists
The Sonos app provides direct playlist management for SoundCloud content:
- Add tracks to existing playlists by tapping the three dots menu
- Create new playlists directly in the Sonos app
- Rearrange songs using drag-and-drop functionality
- Remove tracks by swiping left on mobile devices
- Set playlists as Sonos favorites for quick access
Changes made to playlists sync automatically between SoundCloud and Sonos platforms.
Using SoundCloud Radio Features
SoundCloud Radio generates personalized stations based on your listening history:
- Track Radio: Start a station based on any song
- Artist Radio: Play similar artists’ content
- Genre Stations: Explore curated genre-specific channels
- Discover Weekly: Get personalized track recommendations
- Custom Mix: Create stations from multiple track seeds
Adjust station settings through the “Now Playing” screen to fine-tune recommendations and skip limits.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Common issues with SoundCloud on Sonos often relate to connection stability, playback interruptions or account synchronization problems. Here’s how to resolve these technical challenges systematically.
Connection Problems
- Check Internet Connection: Maintain a minimum speed of 1.5 Mbps for stable streaming.
- Verify Network Status:
- Open Sonos app
- Navigate to “Settings > System > Network”
- Confirm your Sonos speaker shows “Connected”
- Reset Network:
- Power cycle your router
- Wait 30 seconds
- Restart Sonos speakers
- Update Firmware:
- Open Sonos app
- Go to “Settings > System > System Updates”
- Install any available updates
Playback Issues
- Audio Buffering:
- Move Sonos speakers closer to router
- Reduce network congestion
- Lower streaming quality in SoundCloud settings
- Sound Quality Problems:
| Quality Setting | Required Speed |
|—————-|—————-|
| Normal | 1.5 Mbps |
| High | 2.5 Mbps |
| Premium | 4.0 Mbps |
- Clear Sonos app cache
- Sign out of SoundCloud
- Sign back in
- Reauthorize connection
- Reauthorize Account:
- Open Sonos app
- Navigate to “Settings > Services”
- Select SoundCloud
- Choose “Remove Account”
- Add account again
- Library Refresh:
- Force close Sonos app
- Relaunch application
- Select “Update Music Library”
- Playlist Access:
- Verify playlist visibility settings in SoundCloud
- Ensure playlists are set to “Public”
- Check for duplicate accounts
Advanced Tips and Features
Integrating SoundCloud with your Sonos system opens up a world of music streaming possibilities right at your fingertips. The setup process is straightforward and the rewards are worth every minute spent configuring your accounts. Whether you’re using a free or Go+ subscription you’ll have access to an incredible library of music podcasts and remixes.
You can now enjoy your favorite SoundCloud content with Sonos or Alexa‘ superior sound quality. The platform’s intuitive interface makes it easy to discover new music create personalized stations and manage your playlists. Remember that most connection issues can be quickly resolved through basic troubleshooting steps to keep your music flowing smoothly.