How to Set Up Sonos Beam

Connect your Sonos soundbar to a TV

By
Ruben Circelli
Ruben Circelli
Editor
  • University of Massachusetts, Boston
Ruben Circelli has been a technology writer and editor since 2014. His work has appeared on dozens of sites, including Komando.com, Twinfinite, and TheGamer.
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Updated on February 22, 2022
Reviewed by
Jessica Kormos
Reviewed by Jessica Kormos
  • Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others.
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Smart Home

What to Know

  • Connect your Beam to power, and then connect it to your TV. Finally, follow along with the steps on the Sonos app.
  • If your TV doesn't have HDMI-ARC, you'll need to use the included HDMI-ARC to the optical adapter.
  • Your Beam will turn on automatically when connected to power: There is no dedicated power button.

This article explains how to set up a Sonos Beam soundbar with a TV.

Unlike soundbars of old, which only required the necessary cables to power your soundbar and connect it to your TV, you will also need a phone and the Sonos app.

An iOS or Android device is necessary to set up the smart features of your Beam, such as Bluetooth connectivity and/or connecting your Beam to a pre-existing Sonos setup.

If you want to get the most out of your Sonos Beam, make sure your TV supports HDMI-ARC, which will allow your TV to not only output to your Beam but also control its volume with your familiar TV remote. You can use a Beam without an HDMI-ARC connection, but you will need the included HDMI-to-optical adapter.

How to Connect Sonos Beam to TV

Have your Sonos Beam, its power cable, an HDMI cable, and your TV nearby.

As discussed, make sure your TV supports HDMI-ARC, and if not, have the HDMI-to-optical adapter ready.

  1. Place your Beam in its intended location. Make sure it's secure while remaining close enough to your TV to connect to it, depending on cable length.

  2. Connect your Sonos Beam to power.

  3. Connect your Sonos Beam's HDMI to your TV.

    If you're using the HDMI-to-optical cable adapter, connect your Sonos Beam's HDMI to your TV's optical input. An optical connection will mean you cannot adjust the Beam's volume with your TV's remote, though.

How to Set Up Sonos Beam

For set up through your smartphone, the app will walk you through what cables to connect to your beam, give you the option to set up a new Sonos system, and connect your Beam to any pre-existing Sonos systems you have set up.

  1. Download and install the Sonos Beam app for iOS or Android.

    You will have the option of the S1 Sonos app stylized with a gray background and an "S1" below "Sonos" or the more recent S2 Sonos app stylized with an orange background and simply the word "Sonos."

    Both apps work with Sonos Beam, but some Sonos Products require either the S1 or S2 apps.

  2. Place your Beam in its intended location. Make sure the device is secure.

  3. Connect the Beam to power.

  4. Before you open the app and begin the setup, if you haven't already connected your Beam to your TV, have your HDMI and/or HDMI-to-optical adapter nearby.

  5. Open the Sonos app and tap Set up new system if setting up a new system.

    If setting up your Beam with an old system, open the app and tap Settings, and then go to System > Add Product.

  6. Follow the onscreen instructions.

FAQ
  • How do I connect Sonos to Alexa?

    In the Sonos app, go to Settings > Services & Voice > Add a Voice Assistant > Amazon Alexa > Add to Sonos. Next, select the rooms you want to add Alexa to or tap Select All.

  • How do I connect my Sonos play to my Beam?

    In the Sonos app, go to More > Settings > Room Settings. Next, select the room with the speakers and choose Add Surround Speakers. Follow the in-app instructions to complete the setup.

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