The Sonos Move is a feature-rich portable speaker. It has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, voice control, and waterproof features.
I upgraded from the SONOS Roam to the SONOS Move because of its stylish look and features. The Move has worked all right, and there has been no audio degradation for the one year I have had the speaker.
This changed a few months ago when the speaker would not charge, no matter how long I left it connected to the charger. Eventually, I checked the Sonos forum for solutions and realized many users had the same experience.
The suggestions to solve this problem were beneficial; that is how I got my unit charging again. Although I found a solution, finding it took work.
Therefore, I compiled the solutions into this article so it is easier for other users to solve the problem.
Key Takeaways
- If the Sonos Move is completely discharged, it will take time before the speaker indicates its charging when connected to a power outlet. So, leave it connected for two hours, then check if it’s charging.
- Next, ensure the USB cable and power adapter are in mint condition. If the contact pins on the charging ring and speaker are dirty, it will not recharge. Also, the USB-C port should be clean.
- Check the power rating on the adapter to ensure it is compatible with the speaker. Sonos Move speakers use USB-C PD chargers rated higher than conventional sources. The power outlet should be able to supply efficient power that meets the power adapter’s requirements.
- A software glitch can also stop the speaker from charging. That can be solved by rebooting or factory resetting the speaker.
- Extreme temperatures can also stop the speaker from recharging.
- If the battery or an internal component is damaged, the speaker will not recharge. Sonos provides a replacement battery and a replacement kit for the Sonos Move.
- If the speaker will not charge regardless of what you do, contact customer support and ask for assistance.
Recommended Reading :
Why Won’t My Sonos Move Charge?
Before you attempt to get the speaker charging, you should first know why it is not charging. Some of the reasons why your Sonos Mov is not charging are:
- The speaker was completely discharged, so it does not have the power to show when it’s charging.
- If the USB cable or power adapter is damaged, the speaker might refuse to recharge.
- Using incompatible chargers with the Move will prevent it from charging or cause it to charge very slowly.
- If the power outlet is damaged or cannot supply enough power, the speaker will not recharge.
- A system malfunction can also cause the speaker not to charge.
- If the speaker’s battery is damaged, it will not recharge or store any power.
- Also, exposing the speaker to extreme temperatures will prevent it from charging until the temperatures are at a tolerable level.
- A damaged internal component will also stop the Move from charging.
How to Get the Sonos Move Charging Again?
Most reasons why the Move will not recharge have straightforward solutions. The problem is that users do not know how to solve the issues.
Below are some things you can do to get the Move charging as it should.
Leave the Speaker Connected to a Charger
If the speaker battery is left discharged for an extended period, it will take time before it shows the speaker is recharging.
Connect the speaker to a power outlet for one to two hours to rule out the possibility of an extremely discharged battery.
Rule out the chance of an extremely discharged battery by leaving the speaker charging for two or more hours.
When you go to check on the speaker, check whether it is charging. If it is, leave it, and it should continue working properly.
You can tell the speaker’s battery percentage by observing the power LED or using the Sonos app.
If you want to use the Sonos app, open it, navigate to the System tab, and check the battery icon. If you use the S2 app, go to the Rooms tab.
The app will indicate if the speaker is charging and its current battery percentage.
Use the SONOS app to check your SONOS Move Battery Level
Avoid such a scenario in the future by docking the speaker in the wireless charging ring to minimize draining the battery. Alternatively, you can leave it connected to the USB-C charger.
Leaving the speaker constantly connected to the charger will not ruin the battery, but keeping it discharged will. Make it a habit of connecting the speaker to a charger whenever idle.
When the Sonos Move is connected to a charger, the battery LED at the bottom of the speaker will light solid orange for around ten seconds. This period can be longer if the battery is completely discharged, requiring more recharge time.
The LED will go off once the speaker has enough power, but the speaker will continue charging.
If the LED flashes orange when the speaker is disconnected from a charger, the battery is below fifteen percent, and you should recharge.
The battery LED at the bottom of your SONOS Move will stay solid orange for about 10 seconds when you put it on a charging ring or connect it to a charger. It will also flash orange when disconnected from a charger, the battery is below fifteen percent.
Check that You Have a Compatible Charger
Sonos Move speakers are very selective of the charger they use. This is because the speaker uses a more advanced charging system known as USB-C PD (Power Delivery).
This is a fast-charging system based on the USB-C charging system. Therefore, it can deliver more power to the device, thus charging it faster.
Instead of charging your SONOS Move via the included charging base, you could use a USB-C charging adapter, but the adapter must be compatible.
USB-C PD can deliver power in different wattages depending on the charger’s rating. It incorporates a special chip on the charger and in the speaker. When you want to charge your device, the two chips perform a handshake, allowing the charger to deliver optimum power.
The chips also allow the speaker to request a specific power wattage supply.
Therefore, you must get an adapter and cable to handle the USB-C PD protocol. Ensure the adapter is advertised as a USB-C PD adapter, not just a fast charger.
You can use any USB-C cable, but some might not work with the adapter because the USB-C cables are different. Get one that works with USB-C PD to be on the safe side.
The minimum recommended rating for the Move adapter is 45W (20V/2.25A or 15V/3A), but if you want to compromise, an adapter rated 2V/3A or 15V/2.4A i.e., a 36W.
However, if you use a 36W adapter, the speaker will charge slower than usual, so give it time.
Be diligent when getting an adapter since most will not work even if rated 45W. Here is an adapter recommended by other Move users.
Note that some manufacturers produce adapters with multiple ports and advertise them as 45W, yet that is the total rating of all the ports, not just one. Such adapters will not work with the Move, so ensure the rating is for each port and not a total of all the ports.
The Importance of Using a Compatible Charging Adapter (USB-C PD) and Cable to Charge Your SONOS Move
If you use the charging base, avoid using one from a third party as they are fond of not working with the Move even if they have the correct rating. Additionally, using a third-party charging base will void your warranty.
You can get a legitimate charging base from the Sonos store.
Don’t buy a third-party charging base for SONOS Move. Buy the original charging base from SONOS.
Check the Power Outlet
Although the USB-C PD works with most power outlets, some have a lower power output and thus are incompatible with the speaker’s charger. Therefore, the first thing is to ensure the outlet has power and then ensure it has sufficient power.
Rule out the possibility of a lower output outlet by testing other outlets in the home. Preferably try outlets that are in different parts of the house.
You can also use a multimeter to test the outlet’s power output.
Changing power outlets will also help you eliminate the possibility of a faulty power outlet.
Ensure the Cable and Adapter Are in Good Condition
Sometimes, the adapter and cable could be compatible with the speaker, but they are damaged.
So inspect the USB-C cable and the power adapter and ensure there’s no damage. If you notice any breakages, cracks, or bends, use a different cable/adapter.
DO NOT use damaged charging cables or damaged adapters to charge your SONOS Move.
Remember to ensure there’s no dirt or water in the chargers’ ports. Also, check the charging base and ensure it is in perfect condition.
If you use a wireless charger, ensure the contact pins on the base and the speaker are clean and dry. If there is any foreign material on the pins, remove it and try charging the speaker.
The Speaker’s Charging Port Should Be Clean and Dry
If the USB-C port on the speaker is dirty or wet, it will not work optimally. Sometimes, it will not work at all, and the speaker will not charge.
So, check the port for any debris or water. If dirt is in the port, you can use a compressed air can to blow out the dirt.
A soft-bristled brush can also remove particles without damaging the contact pins in the speaker.
If moisture is in or around the charging port, dry it with a microfiber cloth. You can also wipe off stains using isopropyl alcohol. If the water is significant, contact Sonos and they will guide you on what to do.
Additionally, ensure the charging port on the speaker is in good condition. If there are any lost contact pins or missing parts, contact Sonos, and they will offer a replacement if the damage occurred within the warranty limitations.
If the charging port is dirty, wet, or corroded, your SONOS Move will not charge.
Force Reboot the Sonos Move
A system malfunction will also stop the speaker from charging. These malfunctions occur randomly or are triggered by updates and powering on the speaker.
Fortunately, you can force the Move to reboot, and if it is a mild bug, the speaker will charge once it powers on.
Follow the steps below to reboot your Sonos Move correctly;
- Disconnect the speaker from the charger, whether it is the wired or wireless charger.
- Press and hold the power button on the back of the speaker for fifteen to thirty seconds.
- Release the button and connect the speaker to the charger.
If this does not work, try pressing the power button for fifteen seconds while the speaker is still connected to the charger. Then disconnect and reconnect it and see if it starts charging. If not disconnect from the charger, press the power button for thirty seconds and reconnect to the charger.
Try this procedure three to five times.
Relocate the Speaker to a Conducive Environment
If the speaker is in a place that is too hot or cold, it will not work optimally. Extreme temperature affects the speaker, which can manifest in the speaker not charging.
One indication that the speaker is overheating is if the status LED lights up solid orange.
After relocating the speaker, let it acclimate to the new environment and try charging it.
The ideal operating temperature range for the Sonos Move is 32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C)
If the temperatures are much higher or lower than recommended, your SONOS Move might malfunction.
Factory Reset the Speaker
A factory reset clears any stubborn bugs that might stop the speaker from charging.
The reset will clear all information from the speaker and restore the factory settings. By removing this information, it will also alleviate any system malfunctions.
You can reset the Sonos Move by following the steps below;
- Disconnect the speaker from the charger.
- Power off the Move by pressing and holding the power button for five seconds until the speaker plays a tone and the status LED goes off.
Step 1 – Remove the speaker from the charging base and press the power button until the speaker turns off.
- Then, press and hold the join button (marked with an infinity symbol) while the speaker powers on.
Step 2 – Press the JOIN button and hold it.
- While holding the join button, place the speaker on the base. Keep holding the button until the speaker’s status LED flashes orange and white.
Step 3 – Keep the JOIN button pressed and put the speaker back on the base. Keep the button pressed until the LED starts flashing orange and white.
- The reset is complete once the status LED flashes green. You will have to repeat this process two or three times if the LED does not flash green.
Step 4 – Wait for the speaker to finish the reset process. When it starts flashing green, you can start setting up your SONOS Move.
Resetting SONOS Move – Step-by-Step Instructions
Get a Battery Replacement
If the speaker doesn’t charge even after trying the troubleshooting above, it could be that the battery is damaged. Fortunately, Sonos provides a replacement battery and a replacement kit for changing the speaker’s battery, unlike the Roam.
SONOS Move Battery Kit Replacement
Once you have the kit, use it to open the speaker’s battery compartment and replace it as per the instructions.
Remember to switch off the speaker before replacing the battery.
Connect the speaker or a charger once done and check whether charging occurs.
SONOS Move Battery Replacement – Video Tutorial
Contact Sonos Support
If the speaker does not charge regardless of your efforts, it could be that the unit is defective or a different component within it is damaged.
Either way, contact the Sonos customer support and inform them of the solutions you have already tried.
They might give further suggestions, and if the problem persists, they will provide you with a replacement.
However, the replacement often comes when the speaker is still under warranty, so check the warranty terms.
Do not let an expired warranty stop you from calling; some users have gotten replacements even without the warranty cover. You must be direct and bold with the representative because they are stubborn.
Alternatively, post your problem on the Sonos community forum, and a fellow user will suggest what you should do.
The forum also has older posts addressing the same issue where you can read the suggestions provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question: Can you overcharge the Sonos Move?
- Answer: The charging system used by the Sonos Move has safety mechanisms to prevent overcharging. Therefore, you can leave the speaker connected to a power outlet for months, and the speaker plus charger will be fine.
- Question: How do I know if Sonos Move is charging?
- Answer: The battery LED on the front of the speaker will light solid orange. You can also check the SONOS S1 or the S2 app.
- For the S2 app, open and go to System; for the S1 app, go to the Rooms tab.
- Question: Can you replace the battery in Sonos Move?
- Answer: Yes, the battery on the Sonos Move is easily replaceable. You can get the replacement kit from the Sonos store.
- Question: How long does the Sonos Move battery last?
- Answer: If left to play uninterrupted, the speaker will last for up to eleven hours. However, several factors can affect the duration. Aspects like the volume and type of content playing can shorten the duration.
Conclusion
The Sonos Move speaker is a unique and exciting gadget. If you take care of it, it can last up to five years without a problem.
Always follow the proper channels when troubleshooting the speaker so that it remains functional and the warranty remains active.
Ensure you have a compatible charger; otherwise, the speaker will not last long.
