Smart speaker volume too low? How to fix sound issues on Sonos, Nest, and more

⚡Fast fix

• Locate volume buttons on the home smart speaker or its app and adjust them.
• Use voice commands to turn the sound up ("Hey Alexa™, turn the sound up to 10!")
• Restart the speaker by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging it back in.
• Check the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signal—poor connections can interfere with speaker sound.

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You're making dinner when your smartphone rings. It's a close friend who wants to catch up. You transfer the call to your smart home speaker, so you can talk while cooking. But the volume is so low that you can barely hear. How do you fix smart speaker sound issues?

Asurion Experts keep your favorite home devices running smoothly. Whether you need to connect Sonos® speakers to your TV or use smart speakers to control home security, we've got the answer you're looking for. 

Why your smart speaker sounds quieter than expected

The sound on your smartphone was audible and easy to understand. So why is it so much quieter on your smart speaker? 

Speakers and smartphones use audio independently. They each have their own volume controls. So if your phone is set to full blast, but the smart speaker is on mute, you'll notice an immediate difference when you transfer audio between the two.

If you've set up any special audio controls for your smart speaker, they can interfere with sound. For example, if you have quiet hours, the speaker's audio will adjust to your settings. Using a night mode routine will also lower the speaker volume.

Sometimes, a new update or restart can affect the speaker's sound. This occurs when changes affect the speaker's audio drivers or settings. Readjusting the volume controls will usually fix the issue.  

Adjust settings in your device app for better sound

Some home smart speakers have an app that lets you set audio settings and control other features. Take these steps based on which smart speaker you're using.

Sonos speakers

The Sonos app comes with a user-friendly Home screen where you can connect Sonos speakers to Wi-Fi and adjust their volume.

1. Open the Sonos app.
2. Locate the volume settings in the Now Playing bar.
3. Slide the volume up or down. 

If you have multiple Sonos speakers, verify that audio is routed to the correct one. 

1. Tap the Now Playing bar on the home screen.
2. View the list of speakers where sound is playing.
3. Tap the speaker's name to enable or disable audio.
4. Tap Apply to save your changes. 

Google speakers

Use the Google Home™ app to adjust the media volume of a Google Home smart speaker.

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. Tap Home > Favorites.
3. Tap the current session to adjust your settings, including:
   • Playback controls
   • Volume
   • Device output

The Google Home app separates regular media controls from the volume for the alarm and timer. If you need to adjust those settings on your Google smart home speaker, take these steps:

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. Tap Home > All devices.
3. Tap and hold the device tile.
4. Tap Settings > Audio > Alarms & Timers.
5. Adjust the volume to your preference. 

Amazon Alexa speakers

If you own an Amazon Echo®, the Amazon Alexa app is your source for audio controls. 

1. Open the Amazon Alexa app.
2. Tap Menu > Settings > Device Settings.
3. Tap the device you want to adjust.
4. Use the audio slider to update the volume. 

Alexa Routines can interfere with audio settings. For example, a night routine may cap the maximum volume, overriding your current sound settings. If your speaker reverts to low volume after adjusting the sound, check your routine settings and make any necessary adjustments. 

1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Tap More > Routines > Your Routines.
3. Tap a routine to update.
4. Tap Edit Routine.

When to reset or update your speaker

Adjusting the speaker's audio settings will usually fix audio issues. But if they persist, consider performing a factory reset on your device. When you reset Sonos speakers (and other smart devices), the process deletes existing settings and returns the speaker to its out-of-the-box condition. It may remove problems that are causing your audio issues.

You can also try updating the device's firmware. Speaker manufacturers frequently release firmware updates to correct buggy software and drivers. Try using a voice command your speaker recognizes, such as "Alexa, check for software updates," to install the most recent firmware.

Long-term audio issues can indicate failing hardware. If problems continue despite a factory reset, consider taking your smart home speaker to a qualified service center for repairs.