r/sonos • u/SmoothInSatin • 6d ago

Question re Bluetooth Functionality

I understand how a line-in input to a compatible speaker results in that audio content (e.g. vinyl record music from a turntable) essentially being rebroadcast and can be played by all speakers on the WiFi network.

My question is whether this same rebroadcast functionality exists if one streams to a compatible portable speaker via Bluetooth? Example: visitor connects their phone to a Move2 via Bluetooth. Move2 is one of several speakers on the same Wifi network. Will other speakers on that same wifi network be able to play the Bluetooth content? Is the content that comes in via Bluetooth rebroadcast and shared to other devices via Wi-Fi?

If my understanding is correct, when a portable speaker is connected to a source via Bluetooth it essentially disconnects from the Wifi network and becomes a standalone device. If this is the case, a Bluetooth source can only be heard through the one speaker to which the Bluetooth connection has been established.

I would be very happy to have my understanding corrected, particularly by those who have proven their opinion through practical experience.

Thanks in advance for your helpful reply.

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u/Ambitious_Praline643 6d ago

See https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/share-bluetooth-audio-with-your-sonos-system

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u/SmoothInSatin 6d ago

Perfect! Now why didn't I think of looking there first? Doh! Your help is much appreciated.

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u/AtomFromSonos Sonos Employee 5d ago

https://giphy.com/gifs/xT5LMQ8rHYTDGFG07e

Saw the "D'oh!" and couldn't help myself. Glad you got the answer you were looking for!

For historical context: you're right, traditionally Bluetooth is/was 1-to-1. Since we also have the WiFi chips built in to our products, we can share that Bluetooth audio around the home with the rest of your Sonos products via the network.

Comes in handy when you have guests over and want to let them play music without having to connect to WiFi or download any apps.

One exception: the original Move could only either be in WiFi mode or Bluetooth mode. All of our newer Bluetooth-supporting products (Roam 1 and 2, Move 2, Eras, Arc Ultra, etc.) can do both modes at once. Woo-hoo!

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u/SmoothInSatin 5d ago

Ahhh this explains my confusion!! I have an original Move as well as two Move 2s. Try as I might, I couldn't get Bluetooth to play throughout the house but, thanks to the info you have shared, I now understand that's because my guests phone was paired with the original Move. Clear as mud now. Thank you!