Sonos Trueplay Tuning and Handoff Checklist

Quick summary

Trueplay tuning keeps Sonos systems sounding balanced long after installation day. This checklist mirrors the protocol we follow on service visits: stabilize the network, confirm firmware, capture before-and-after measurements, and leave behind documentation anyone can reference.

Working methodically prevents rushed tune-ups that unravel the moment a sofa moves or a firmware update lands. Keep this guide nearby whenever you add rooms, remodel, or inherit a Sonos system that needs professional polish.

• Schedule a Sonos tune-up

Pre-flight network and firmware checks

Start by validating the network. Confirm every stationary Sonos device is hardwired or has a strong Wi-Fi signal. Run latency and packet-loss tests from the rack and from remote rooms so you know calibration data will upload without hiccups.

Update the Sonos app and firmware, sign into the household account, and temporarily disable guest VLANs or isolation features that might block the tuning device. Charge the tablet or phone you will use for Trueplay and disable incoming call or notification alerts.

Check for background noise. Turn off HVAC blowers, refrigerators near open kitchens, or loud aquariums. Quiet environments let Trueplay capture the room accurately the first time.

• Networking reliability guide

Devices that benefit most from Trueplay

Atmos soundbars such as Sonos Arc, along with Arc + Sub + Era 300 surround packages, see dramatic improvements when tuned to the room. Architectural speakers powered by Sonos Amp also benefit, especially when ceiling height or wall materials would otherwise skew tonal balance.

Portable and bookshelf speakers — including Era 100, Era 300, Move 2, and Roam — tighten their bass response and midrange clarity after a quick pass. Make a roster of every speaker you plan to tune and note which ones will remain in dedicated locations versus those that travel.

Run Trueplay zone by zone

Run Trueplay with the iOS device that will remain on site for future touch-ups. Begin during a quiet time of day, disable nearby fans or dishwashers, and follow the on-screen prompts. Sweep the device slowly from waist height to ceiling height, pausing briefly in each quadrant of the room.

For symmetrical rooms, save the tuning profile and copy it to paired speakers so tonal balance stays consistent. In open-concept spaces, experiment with splitting oversized zones into logical groupings — kitchen, breakfast nook, living room — so the algorithm can adjust for distinct seating areas without overcompensating.

Document the process with screenshots or a short video so future caretakers understand the motion path and microphone positioning that produced the results.

Document names, volumes, and resets

After tuning, record each zone name, default volume, EQ adjustments, and any night-mode or loudness tweaks. Add these notes to the project binder alongside Wi-Fi credentials, rack elevations, and wiring diagrams.

Capture screenshots of the Sonos app showing speaker groupings, default services, and TV AutoPlay settings. Store them in a shared drive or password manager so anyone servicing the system can reproduce the configuration if a reset ever occurs.

If you manage multiple properties, maintain a simple change log that lists the date of tuning, the device used, and any anomalies noticed during calibration.

• Service documentation checklist

Keep the system sounding right

Schedule seasonal or post-renovation check-ins to re-run Trueplay after furniture moves, new rugs, or new shelving. Encourage homeowners or facility managers to call before rearranging large pieces so cable slack and brackets can be adjusted gracefully.

For high-use spaces, create calendar reminders every six months and pair them with a short punch list — firmware update, network check, Trueplay confirmation, documentation refresh.

Post-tuning validation checklist

Common Trueplay pitfalls

• Running Trueplay while HVAC or dishwashers are active
• Tuning with a phone that will not remain on site
• Forgetting to re-run after major furniture or rug changes
• Leaving surround speakers too close to walls or ceilings
• Skipping documentation of zone names and default volumes

If a room still feels uneven after Trueplay, check placement and network stability before re-running the tune. Small changes in speaker height or Wi-Fi reliability often solve the issue faster than repeated tuning passes.

FAQs

How often should I re-run Trueplay?

Whenever furniture changes or at least twice a year in high-use rooms. Small shifts in seating and rugs can change the tuning noticeably.

Do I need a specific phone for Trueplay?

Yes. Trueplay requires a supported iOS device. Use the same device for future re-tunes to keep results consistent.

Is Trueplay worth it for small speakers?

Yes. Even compact speakers benefit from corrected bass and midrange balance, especially in reflective rooms.

Need a professional hand?

If the system still sounds uneven — or if you are adding new rooms, integrating with lighting, or migrating to a new network — we can retune everything on-site or remotely. Our team leaves behind updated documentation and a quick-start sheet tailored to your household or business.

• Request a Sonos support visit
• Explore smart home automation services