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How Is Sonos Move Powered (and How Is It Charged)?

Sonos Move is the first-ever portable speaker the brand has introduced in the market. It is powered by a 36Wh lithium-ion battery, capable of being recharged 900 times at the maximum. This is equivalent to about three years of usage, with each charge cycle lasting eleven hours at most.
How Is Sonos Move Powered?

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To charge the Move, all you need to do is set it on the plugged-in wireless charging base. Alternatively, if you’re into wired charging, the Move has a USB-C port on the back to help it replenish battery charge. One thing to note though is that you need to adhere to a set power output if you want to charge the Move correctly.

Does Sonos Move Have Battery?

Sonos has taken their first step out of the home base with their Move model. Instead of their usual plug-and-play style, the Move is a battery-powered speaker you can bring anywhere. It’s designed to work away from all your sockets and plugs, so a replenishable battery is a must.

You need to charge the portable speaker before outdoor usage. It’ll last for about eleven hours when fully charged, so you get to enjoy listening to music while out of the house. Durable, battery-generated, and made with mobility in mind, the Move is a huge leap for Sonos.

What Kind of Battery Is in Sonos Move?

Sporting a 36Wh rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the Move is portable to its core. You won’t need to constantly plug it in, it’ll play high-res sound without being connected to power. If you’re craving for a Sonos-made speaker you can bring outside, then the Move is the ideal one for you.

A lithium-ion battery is completely different from traditional battery technology. It charges up more efficiently, has a longer lifespan, and has a more superior power density. With it, Sonos was able to pack quality and longevity to their first-ever portable speaker.

Does Sonos Move Have Lithium Battery?

Rather than a lithium battery, the Move has a lithium-ion one powering it up. This is a first for Sonos, known for its typical plug-in design. The brand used to only release audio devices that should always be connected to a power supply.

Since the Move has a lithium-ion battery, you don’t have to worry about always leaving it on charge. For reference, this kind of battery is different from the traditional lithium one. Both provide portability and convenience, but that’s where the similarities end.

Lithium-ion batteries are much better, especially as they have secondary cell construction. With it, it’s possible to recharge the Move and use it over and over again.

Can You Replace the Battery in a Sonos Move?

As a brand that listens to its consumers’ needs, Sonos finds it proper that you’re able to replace the battery in the Move model. Forget about throwing the whole speaker away when encountering power problems. You’ll be able to substitute the old battery as long as you purchase their Move replacement battery kit.

The kit costs $69, which is a great bargain than buying a new speaker of the same caliber as the Move. It contains a 36Wh battery, an Allen key tool, two screws, and a triangular tool to help you dismantle the speaker parts. Its also available in black and white, matching Sonos’ minimalist aesthetics.

Prior to the replacement kit, Sonos has announced that you can actually swap out your Move’s battery. The DIY set is another improvement, as you don’t need to go to a brand-certified store any longer.

This is quite useful if your Move has no other problems aside from the inevitable battery degradation. You don’t even need to be a master specialist to replace the battery. As long as you follow the provided instructions, your wireless speaker will be as good as new.

How to Replace Sonos Move Battery With DIY Kit

Since the Move’s battery is rechargeable, it’ll eventually meet the ends of its lifespan. In the instance that all software and hardware are still at top capacity, then it’s only time for a battery change. Luckily, you can replace the Move’s battery in the comfort of your own home.

Once your replacement battery kit is delivered to your doorstep, you can start the replacement process. Here’s how:

  • Turn the Sonos Move off. You can do this by giving the power button a long press for about five seconds.
  • Position the speaker upside down then remove the long rubber strip carefully. There’s a triangular tool included in the kit to help you with this.
  • You’ll find two screws after removing the rubber trip. Remove these by using the supplied tool.
  • Once the screws are loose, the battery is revealed. Take out the battery by utilizing the triangle tool once again. Just lever it around the edge for easier access.
  • Insert the replacement battery and carefully check if it’s positioned well.
  • Attach the new screws and fasten them tightly using the provided tool in the kit.
  • Return the rubber strip in its place, ensuring that it’s in its default position.

You now have a Move that is almost brand new, with its battery on peak performance and capacity. As for the old battery, you can dispose of it at a local certified e-waste facility. If there’s no such building near you, then contact Sonos and they will prepare a prepaid shipping label for you.

What Is the Battery Life on the Sonos Move?

If charged at maximum capacity, the Move can provide 11 hours of non-stop audio playback. This duration is more of an estimate, as there are a lot of factors that affect battery life. These include volume levels, performing temperature, and pairing mode used.

11 hours may not be on par with other portable speakers in the market, but it’s enough for most users. In fact, the Move is a much-anticipated device from Sonos as it is the first brand speaker you can carry away from home.

How Long Does Sonos Move Last on Standby?

When in the standby state, the Move will last for around 120 hours. This automatic feature is called Suspend mode and helps preserve the battery of the device. In line with Sonos’ energy-saving goals, it can be triggered after only 30 minutes of inactivity.

You can also manually put your wireless speaker in this state. All you need to do is press the power button real quick, and it’ll go into standby. Note that this battery-saving mode won’t occur if your Move is charged.

If you want to take the audio device out of standby mode, then there are several ways to do it. You could return it to the charger loop, or open the Sonos controller app that is connected to the same household. Another alternative is to press the power button quickly once more.

What Is the Battery Life Span on the Sonos Move?

The approximate battery life span for the Move model is about 900 charge cycles. This is equivalent to almost three years of usage. However, you should be aware that this is a rough estimate, and will depend on several factors like temperature.

Over time, the wireless speaker will function for shorter durations. Worry not though, because Sonos gave you a genius option of replacing the battery at home. You can purchase this replacement kit directly on the Sonos website for only $69.

This replacement battery will also have 900 charge cycles. With it, you can envision changing the Move’s battery every three years or so.

Does Sonos Move Come With Charger?

When you buy the Sonos Move brand new, it does not come with the default cable and power adapter charging duo. Instead, you can find a wireless charging base along with the device’s documentation on the package box.

If you’re expecting a cable charger to be included in the box, then you’ll be disappointed. The Move does have a USB-C port, but Sonos opted to provide the more sophisticated charging base instead.

Worry not though, because as long as you have a USB-C PD charger of your own, you can still replenish the Move the traditional route. This is useful if you’re in a rush and want to make your speaker charge faster.

Does Sonos Move Include a Charging Base?

Sonos designated their wireless charging base as the default way of charging the Move. It is included in the package, along with the documentation of the device. As such, you won’t need to buy the base separately because it is sold as a set with the wireless speaker.

All you have to do is plug the wireless charging base into a socket, then position the Move on the pad. You won’t need to fiddle around with a cable and only set the device down for more convenient charging. Expect the Move to be fully charged after two hours of leaving it alone.

Note that although the charging base is wireless, it still has a cable length of 6 ft (2 m). This means you’ll still need to settle the speaker down near a power socket.

For a more solid reference, here are the characteristics of the Sonos Move’s charging base:

Cable Length 6 ft (2 m)
Color Black, White
Input 100-240V, 50-60 Hz, 1.2A
Output 18VDC, 2.5A (45W)
Weight 0.33 lb (0.15 kg)
Charging Duration 2 hours

If, for some reason you’ve misplaced the charging base or have damaged it, you can buy a replacement on the Sonos website. For $79.99, you’ll have the new charging base as a substitute for your old one.

Can You Charge Sonos Move With USB?

On the off chance that you’ve forgotten the charging base at home, you can charge the Move through different means. It has a USB-C port on the back, so you can replenish its battery with a compatible USB wire.

There are no cables or power bricks required when charging the device via USB. However, the power adapter must be a USB-C PD with a minimum output of 45W (20V/2.25A or 15V/3A).

This is different from the regular USB-C types because it is much more powerful. Additionally, it can support up to 100W (50V/2A) of power and can even communicate with the connected gadget.

If you don’t have any USB-C PD charger on hand, a 36-watt charger with a minimum output of 12V/3A or 15V/2.4A is enough. However, note that the Move charges more slowly with this type.

Can You Charge a Sonos Move With USB-C?

Above the charging contacts, you’ll find a USB-C port on the back of the Move speaker. This is designated for wired charging if you don’t have the wireless base with you.

Here are the requirements you’ll need to meet when charging the Move via USB-C:

  • You should only use a USB-C PD power adapter. It must output 20V/2.25A or 15V/3A (45W) at the minimum.
  • 36-watt (12V/3A) chargers can also work. Anything less is futile and won’t power up your Sonos speaker. However, be reminded that this charging mode is slow and inefficient especially if you’re using the device simultaneously.

Why is Sonos Move Not Charging via USB-C Cable?

If your Move device is not charging via USB cable, then chances are, you’re using the wrong power adapter. True, the portable speaker is not really picky when it comes to this charging mode. Sonos has not even provided any specifications about the cable you can use when it comes to USB charging.

However, they specified that a USB-C PD power adapter with a minimum output of 45W (20V/2.25A or 15V/3A) is needed. Any other underpowered adapter can result in a sluggish charging speed or the Move will not charge up, and you’ll end up wasting your time.

Why Does My Sonos Move Take Long to Charge?

The main reason why the Move is inefficiently charging is that you’re using an incorrect power adapter. However, if you’re using Sonos’ wireless charging base, then here are other reasons why:

  • Faulty Battery. The Move may be extra durable because it was designed as an outdoor speaker. However, it doesn’t mean that it’s not susceptible to damage. For instance, your speaker may have faulty batteries because of extensive use or software malfunction.
  • Damaged Circuit Board. Since you’re bound to station the Move outside, it may accumulate internal hardware damage. This may be due to extreme weather conditions, which lead to condensation.
  • Charging Port is Full of Debris. The Move may also accumulate dirt in its charging port, especially if it is outside for long. Dust and debris may be the culprit why it is not charging, as they tend to clog the holes.

It’s quite easy to determine why the Move takes a long time to charge. If you’re sure that it is not a severe software malfunction, then you can determine the cause by inspecting your wireless speaker.

Can Sonos Move Charge Outside?

No rule stops you from charging the Move outside. If you have a power socket on the patio, then you can charge it via USB-C or the wireless charging base. However, there is one specific thing to consider: the charging base is not waterproof.

As such, it’s best to only bring the speaker outside during use, but plug them into a power source inside the house where it’s safe. If charging the speaker outside is inevitable, then inspect the base and the Move first. Ensure that none of the two are wet and that there is no accumulation of debris or dirt.

Does Sonos Move Come Charged?

When you first turn on the Move, you’ll find that it is charged even though you bought it brand new. This is the case when you test the device at a physical store or even ordered it online. When plugging for the first time, you’ll find that the speaker is not drained and will immediately power on.

This is a common practice among companies as it helps them test the status of their widgets. Factory charge is helpful for quality assurance and helps Sonos manufacturers know if the speakers are dead or defective. Aside from this, they also charge the battery to measure if the charging duration is up to the company standards.

How Long Does the Sonos Move Take to Charge?

If you’re using the Sonos-issued wireless charging base, then the Move will have a full battery after two hours. However, if you charge the speaker via a USB-C PD charger, then it will vary depending on the adapter output.

Sonos recommends you utilize a 45W (20V/2.25A or 15V/3A) charger for maximum output. You can even use a more powerful adapter if you have one stashed in the house. Just note that using anything less than the specified output will give you slower charging times.

Is It Ok to Leave Sonos Move on Charger?

It’s okay to leave the Move charging, whether you’re using a USB-C PD charger or Sonos’ charging base. Most modern devices are already able to emerge unscathed if you left them on the charger for an extended time.

In Move’s case, the Sonos charging base is specially made to prevent overcharging and overheating. Furthermore, the speaker’s battery is also designed with durability in mind so you can leave it charging without running the device.

Similarly, if you’re using a USB-C PD charger, you can also rest assured. Aside from being powerful, this charger is able to communicate with the connected gadget. Simply put, it can confirm what the best charging power level is ideal for the Move.

Can You Use Sonos Move While Charging?

If you want to stream media while charging the Move, then do so by all means. The speaker can simultaneously play audio while being plugged into power. It won’t matter if it’s charging via USB or stationed in your charging stand.

Sonos envisioned the Move to be truly durable, one which stands out not only in audio quality but also in longevity. As such, they put extra effort into providing a wireless charging base that is safe to use for an extended period.

The brand also invested in a system that focuses on preserving battery lifespan. As such, you can use it while plugged in via the USB-C port. As long as you use the right power adapter, then you don’t need to worry about using the Move while charging.

Still, remember that the device is not indestructible. Take note that the charging temperature should not exceed 32°F to 113°F (0°C to 45°C). If it does, carefully unplug the Move from power and let it cool down for a while.

How to Fix Sonos Move Not Charging

It can be a challenge when your Move speaker won’t charge no matter what medium you plug them into. In these instances, you need to do the available troubleshooting steps to fix your charging problems. Here are some ways how:

Rebooting Your Sonos Move

  • First off, you should remove the wireless speaker from their charging base. Similarly, unplug it to power if you’re using a USB-C PD charger.
  • Hold the power button located on the back of the device. Press it for about five seconds, or until you see the LED lights turning off.
  • Wait for ten seconds. Then, press the power button once more. Alternatively, you can also return the Move to its charging base or plug it back to power.

Factory Reset Your Sonos Move

  • Remove the wireless speaker from power, whether it’s stationed in the charging base or via a USB port.
  • Press and hold the power button located on the back of the Sonos Move. Do this for five seconds or until you hear a chime. The status indicator will also turn off.
  • While you’re pressing the power button, hold the Join button simultaneously. If your Move is on zero battery, you can set plug it in while holding the Join button instead.
  • Don’t stop pressing the Join button until you see the LED indicator flashing orange and white.
  • If you notice that the light starts flashing green, then it means the factory reset is complete. In this case, you’ll need to set up the Move to the system once more.

If you’ve already tried rebooting and factory resetting the Move, then the problem may lie on a different ground. Check the charging port for any trapped debris and carefully clean it off using a toothpick.

Also, do not forget to check the condition of your Move charger. It may be defective, or the cord you’re using may be internally damaged. In this case, it’s best to buy a replacement one on the Sonos website, or any affiliated stores nearby.

You can also replace the Move’s battery directly. All you need to do is purchase the Sonos replacement kit worth $69. If you’ve already done all the mentioned steps to no avail, then your last chance is to consult with a brand specialist.

Can Sonos Move Be Left on Charging Base?

If you’ve left your Move speaker on their charging base, you won’t need to worry about it. Sonos made the charging base for extensive use, so it won’t damage your speaker’s battery lifespan. This is why the audio device also functions well as a home speaker, and as part of Sonos’ multi-room family.

The Move’s innovative design and software improvements prevent overheating even when left alone. Include the wireless charger’s low power trickle that won’t overfill the speaker’s battery and you won’t worry about a thing.

In fact, some devices thrive when constantly charged because their battery cycle is optimized. It’s safe to leave your Move in the wireless charging base for a day or two. However, make sure to occasionally use them away from power to prevent battery inactivity.

Is It Ok or Bad to Leave Sonos Move on Charger All the Time?

Leaving the Sonos Move on the charger all the time may cause your battery to become stagnant and inactive. This may lead to your speaker losing precious charging capacity and impact battery lifespan in the long run.

Sonos has integrated sophisticated additions to the Move’s software to improve battery capacity. However, leaving a battery-powered device constantly plugged in only means damage over time.

Your best bet is to only leave the Move on constant charge for a day or two. Any longer than that and you risk battery degradation. To counter this, just use the speaker unplugged now and then.

Does Sonos Move Need to Be Plugged in?

The Move is Sonos’ first-ever portable speaker, so expect it to function even without connecting to power. You can safely enjoy media streaming anywhere, even places without a power source as long as you charge the device firsthand.

Most Sonos products can’t function outside of the home base, but they made a big leap when they released the Move. With a 36Wh rechargeable lithium-ion battery, your speaker can power up without being glued to the socket.

Another thing that makes it unique is its built-in Bluetooth capabilities. You can use it outside of the house as long as you have a compatible source device. It has a lifespan of 11 hours, so you can enjoy listening to audio without WiFi and a charging cable.

Can Sonos Move Be Wired?

One thing you should be aware of about the Move is that it has no ethernet port. As such, it is impossible to create a wired connection using the speaker as a medium. If you’re thinking of connecting it to SonosNet, then you’ll find that it is impossible.

First off, the Move is Sonos’ first gamble in the portable speaker’ industry. They focused on mobility to help the customers see the device as an outdoor sound tech. It’s truly programmed to be a movable wireless speaker through and through.

The proof lies in its built-in pairing functions. You get to connect the Move to any compatible Bluetooth source device that will help you on the go.

Can You Hardwire a Sonos Move?

Unlike other Sonos-made speakers, it is impossible to hardwire the Move model. This is because the device is not made to be a wired widget. Instead, it is designed as the first-ever Sonos speaker to venture outside of the home ground.

The lack of an ethernet cable port on the Move’s hardware means you can’t hook it up in the SonosNet network. This network is created when one Sonos device is hardwired to the home WiFi. You can connect the Move to WiFi to link with the home ecosystem, but it’s impossible to do so using the wired route.

Does Sonos Move Stay On All the Time?

Expecting the Move to stay on all the time is against Sonos’ code of saving energy. If you leave the speaker alone for thirty minutes, it will already enter a standby state called Suspend mode. The audio device will stay in this sleep mode for five days at most before completely shutting down.

This is an automatic feature that you can’t disable, even when you use the Sonos controller app. However, if you want to keep the Move on all the time, your best bet is to constantly provide it stimulation. You could press the power button once if it has gone on standby state, or simply open the Sonos app now and then to tap it up.

Can I Leave Sonos Move On All the Time?

The only way to leave the Move on all the time is by never taking it off the power source. Technically, you can do it, but it is never advised to do so. Keeping the device plugged in will not induce standby mode, and instead, keep it constantly active.

First off, plugging the Move on to keep it active all the time is not a healthy practice. It will degrade your battery’s lifespan in no time. You could keep it up for a maximum of two days, but any longer and you’ll see the risks.

Second, you’re going against Sonos’ code to reduce energy consumption. While keeping the Move on all the time seems productive, it’ll harm the environment. Additionally, your battery capacity won’t like it either.

Does Sonos Move Turn Itself Off?

Rather than the ability to turn itself off, the Move has an automatic Suspend mode instead. The device may not power down completely, but it has entered a battery-saving state. This will trigger after thirty minutes of idle time and can last for up to five days if not canceled.

Note that Sonos made their devices to be ready with just minimal interaction. As such, they did not include an automatic shutting down feature in the Move either. This is also not available for control within the Sonos app.

How to Put Sonos Move Into Sleep Mode

Putting the Sonos Move into sleep mode will reduce battery consumption. It will also disable the hardware controls when not plugged into power. Here’s how to easily induce Suspend mode in your wireless speaker:

  • Remove the Move from any source of power, be it a charging base or USB-wired charging.
  • Press the button on the back until you hear a short chime. Also, closely look into the LED lights as they will turn off when sleep mode is triggered.

You can also leave the Move alone for thirty minutes and suspend state will come by itself. In this mode, the speaker’s battery will last for a maximum of five days. If you don’t want the sleep state any longer, just press the power button on the device.

Should I Turn Off Sonos Move?

Since the Move has no automatic turn-off function, it’s up to you whether to shut it down or not. If you’re eager to conserve more battery and reduce energy consumption, then you should turn it off.

This is ideal if you’re not using the Move and you’re saving up on battery life. This is the case if you’re outdoors and will need to maximize battery consumption. It’s better to turn the speaker off if they will go idle for an extensive amount of time.

On the other hand, if you’ll use the device after a few minutes, it’s fine to leave it on standby instead. This will save you the hassle of powering up the Move once again.

How to Turn Off Sonos Move

If you’ve decided that it’s better to turn the Move off in the meantime, you’ll only need to do a few simple steps. To do so, just press and hold the power button on the device’s back for about five seconds. Once you hear a chime and the LED light has turned off, the device is fully off.

Turning the Move off is beneficial especially if you’re not splurging on power. Aside from this, you’ll also get to rest the battery and cool it down occasionally.

Does Sonos Move Charge When Turned Off?

Even when turned off, the Move model is capable of charging. If you plug the device into a power socket or set it down the base while powered down, you’ll find that it’s charging just fine.

You don’t need to worry when the LED indicator in the Move model turns a solid orange color when you plug it into power. This will also disappear after ten seconds, and the wireless speaker will go on replenishing its battery.

Do You Need to Turn Off Sonos Move?

Turning off the Sonos Move when not in use can give you a variety of benefits. Mainly, you get to reduce battery consumption which is important when you’re traveling without access to a power socket.

Aside from that, shutting down the Move will help in reducing electrical consumption. If it’s not in use, you can turn it off to save on energy to meet Sonos’ goal of lesser wasting.

Additionally, it’s a great habit to turn off the Move occasionally. This will help cool down the speaker and also be a great way to avoid battery inactivity from constant charging.

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