USB-C Ports on Some Sonos Speakers Melt Due to Overheating Issues
The Sonos Roam, a popular Bluetooth speaker, has been making headlines recently due to overheating problems affecting a small number of first-generation (2021) units. The issue, primarily centered around the USB-C charging port, has led to concerns among users and discussions on the Sonos subreddit.
The overheating issues have caused the USB-C port of the affected Sonos Roam speakers to partially melt in some cases, and there have been reports of overheating during charging. Sonos has acknowledged these reports but maintains that the overall incidence rate is very low, linked partly to environmental factors and contaminants making contact with charging cable components.
The extent of the problem is limited, with complaints confined to the original 2021 Sonos Roam speakers. The newer Roam 2 model does not appear to have this issue. Sonos has offered replacements to some users reporting the issue and has taken proactive steps including software updates and improvements to accessories and charging components to mitigate risks.
Users are advised to keep their devices updated, avoid leaving the first-generation Roam unattended while charging, and monitor for signs of overheating. Sonos recommends updating the speaker to the latest firmware, as recent software updates aim to regulate battery charging and reduce overheating likelihood.
Some users on the Sonos subreddit have expressed concern about the potential danger the overheating issue poses, with at least one instance of a speaker appearing to catch fire. However, Sonos has not issued a recall as of the report.
The tenure of Sonos' new CEO, Tom Conrad, is not off to a great start, as the company is currently dealing with the Sonos Roam overheating issue. Conrad, who formerly played a prominent role at the music streaming service Pandora, took over from Patrick Spence, who was ousted following the fallout from Sonos app trouble last year.
Despite Sonos' spokespeople downplaying the issue as affecting only a small number of speakers, it might be best to unplug the Roam speaker if you own one, especially when it's not in use or charging. The overheating issues have caused the USB-C port of the affected Sonos Roam speakers to partially melt, and some users have reported that the problem qualifies as a fire hazard based on the visible damage it can cause.
Users on the Sonos subreddit have shared images showing melted charging ports and have reported replacements from Sonos. One such post, titled "My Sonos roam set itself on fire," was made by a user named u/jssumm. The post includes an image of a burning Sonos Roam speaker that was being powered by the included cable from Sonos and an "Apple brick."
In summary, while overheating issues on the Sonos Roam are rare and mostly limited to the original model’s USB-C port, users are advised to keep their devices updated, avoid unattended charging, and monitor for signs of overheating. Sonos is actively managing the situation through firmware fixes and hardware improvements without a widespread recall at this time.
The Sonos Roam's overheating problem, predominantly affecting the USB-C charging port of the first-generation (2021) models, has led to concerns among users, with some reporting visible damage and potential fire hazards. Despite Sonos insisting that the issue is limited, users are advised to keep the speaker updated, avoid unattended charging, and monitor for signs of overheating. Sonos has offered replacements to affected users and is taking proactive steps to mitigate risks, but there has been no widespread recall as of yet.
