Question 1

Sonos pauses when I put in my AirPods or receive a phone call

Accepted Answer

When your audio output changes, macOS signals all audio-aware apps to pause, and Menu Bar Controller respects that. To disable this behavior, go to Settings → General and set Integration With System Music Controls to "Visual Only".

Question 2

The app icon is missing from the menu bar

Accepted Answer

macOS hides menu bar icons when there isn't enough space. Open Settings → Menu Bar Icon and enable "Allow Icon Below Menu Bar" — this creates a floating icon that's always visible when you hover over the menu bar. You can also try a smaller icon style in the same settings.

Question 3

I have a migration code but can't find where to enter it

Accepted Answer

The code input field is hidden by default. Open Settings → License and scroll to the bottom. If you don't see the migration code input field, click the "Free Trial Active" or "Trial Ended" text 5 times to reveal it. Then enter your migration code — your license activates immediately.

Question 4

The app can't find any of my Sonos speakers

Accepted Answer

This is almost always a local network permissions issue. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network, find Menu Bar Controller for Sonos, enable the toggle, then quit and relaunch the app. Also check that you're signed in with the same Sonos account used in the official Sonos app, and that Guest Mode is not enabled in settings.

Question 5

The app says I'm in Guest Mode, but I purchased the full version

Accepted Answer

Guest Mode was likely enabled accidentally. Open Settings → Sonos Household and disable the Guest Mode toggle.

Question 6

How can I access my Spotify/Apple Music/Amazon Music/YouTube Music playlists?

Accepted Answer

You can access public playlists on all your streaming services, Sonos Favorites, and Sonos Playlists. Use the official Sonos app to add your music to "Sonos Favorites" so it appears in Menu Bar Controller for Sonos.

Question 7

How do I control the volume of an individual speaker in a group?

Accepted Answer

Find the Volume element and click the expand icon in the top-right corner. Individual sliders for each speaker will appear below.

Question 8

I have both S1 and S2 speakers. Can I use both?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The app supports both S1 and S2 speakers. Each appears as a separate Sonos system (household). Make sure all speakers are linked to the same Sonos account, then switch between systems in Settings → Sonos Household.

Question 9

Can I install the app on multiple Macs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. App Store purchases are tied to your Apple Account and can be installed on all your Macs at no extra cost. Users who migrated from Menu Bar Controller Lite need a separate migration code for each Mac.

Support

🔥 Most Common Issues

Sonos pauses when I put in my AirPods or receive a phone call

The app icon is missing from the menu bar

I have a migration code but can't find where to enter it

The app can't find any of my Sonos speakers

The app says I'm in Guest Mode, but I purchased the full version

🎵 Features & Usage

How can I access my Spotify/Apple Music/Amazon Music/YouTube Music playlists?

How do I control the volume of an individual speaker in a group?

How do I group speakers quickly?

Can I select specific songs in a playlist?

Are voice messages secure?

⚙️ Setup & Installation

I have both S1 and S2 speakers. Can I use both?

How do I transfer my license from the old app?

Can I install the app on multiple Macs?

I only see the wrong household. How do I find the right one?

🔧 Technical Issues

The song title and album art are stuck and won't update

My speakers disappeared after a Sonos update

The settings screen only shows "General" — other tabs don't work

💳 Purchase & Billing

Does the Menu Bar Controller cost money? What's the pricing?

Can I share the Menu Bar Controller with my family?

I'm having trouble with payment/my credit card isn't working

How do I get a refund?

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