Here's how to fix Sonos "Sign in as the System owner" error

Update 07/06/24 4:14 pm (IST): Sonos’ latest update, that addresses multiple issues, still doesn’t address the sign-in bug. It’s still listed in the known issues list and doesn’t have any workarounds.

Original article published on May 13, 2024, follows:

Sonos users are facing a wave of frustration thanks to a recent app update that seems to have forgotten who the real boss is – them. Multiple reports across online forums detail a nightmarish scenario where the Sonos app keeps demanding users to sign in as the “system owner” in order to install the update. This issue appears to be primarily affecting iOS users, but even Android users aren’t exactly thrilled with the new update for other reasons.

Imagine this: Sarah just upgraded her Wi-Fi router and is eager to get her Sonos system back up and running. She excitedly adds her Sonos speaker, but then — a roadblock! The app throws an error message demanding the “system owner” sign in, an obstacle she can’t seem to bypass. “I am the system owner!” she cries into the void, but the app remains unmoved. This scenario, with slight variations, is playing out for many Sonos users right now.

Another user chimes in, “Unable to login as the system owner. I’ve had the same devices on the same internet, under the same profile, for four years.” The sentiment is echoed by others who were experiencing connectivity issues before the update, hoping the new version would be the solution. Instead, they’re stuck in a loop of being told to log in as the owner, even after logging out and back in again.

The problem doesn’t stop at login woes. For some, even basic tasks like changing Wi-Fi settings or adding new speakers have become impossible. One user trying to set up a brand new Sonos Roam as a simple Bluetooth speaker is met with a never-ending loop demanding the “system owner” to log in. “I just want to use Bluetooth, why can’t it be simple?” they lament.

While Sonos hasn’t officially acknowledged the issue yet (Update (May 21, 2024): Sonos has finally officially acknowledged the issue), there’s a glimmer of hope for frustrated users. Several workarounds are circulating online, offering a chance to reclaim control of your Sonos system.

The first option is a platform switch. If you’re stuck in the iOS loop, try using a Mac, Windows, or even an Android device to log in to your Sonos account and complete the setup. Once everything is set up, you can then attempt to sign in on your iOS app as usual. For some lucky users, simply signing out and signing back in again seems to do the trick.

Alternatively, download the Sonos desktop app on your computer. Once installed, open the app and look for an option labeled “Manage” or “Check for Software Updates” and select it. This will ensure you have the latest version of the Sonos software. Next, sign in to your Sonos account within the desktop app. This will sync your account information across devices.

After signing in on the desktop app, open the Sonos app on your iPhone. Since you have signed in with the same account, the iPhone app will now be authorized and updated with the latest software version and your synced account details. Following these steps of updating the desktop and mobile apps while signed in should resolve the iOS System Owner issue you were experiencing, according to a user. If these options fail, a factory reset of the speaker and a complete app reinstall might be necessary.

The most promising workaround involves a bit of platform hopping. One user reports successfully registering and updating their devices using the Sonos app on an Android phone. Once everything was set up and updated on the Android device, they were then able to log in to the previously problematic Sonos app on iOS and break free from the ‘Sign in as system owner’ loop.

While this workaround offers temporary relief, it highlights the frustration caused by the update. Sonos users are left hoping for a swift resolution from the company to address this login issue and any other problems introduced in the update. Until then, users might have to get creative and explore alternative platforms or reinstallations to regain control of their Sonos systems.

Featured image: Sonos blog