Sonos Ace Ultra Setup & Sound Customization Guide

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide walks you through unboxing and pairing your Sonos Ace Ultra headphones, then shows you how to tune their sound with the built-in EQ, head tracking, and other audio settings in the Sonos app. You’ll get clear, step-by-step instructions for both initial setup and getting the best possible audio profile for your ears.

What You’ll Need

Sonos Ace Ultra headphones (fully charged)
A compatible smartphone or tablet with the Sonos app installed (iOS 15 or later, or Android 10 or later)
A Wi-Fi network (for initial setup and firmware updates)
Bluetooth enabled on your phone/tablet
Optional: A Sonos soundbar (like Beam or Arc) for TV Audio Swap

Step-by-Step

Charge the headphones. Use the included USB-C cable and plug it into a power adapter. A full charge takes about 2 hours and gives up to 30 hours of playback. The LED on the right earcup turns solid white when fully charged.
Install and open the Sonos app. If you don’t have it, download it from the App Store or Google Play. Create an account or sign in.
Put the headphones in pairing mode. Press and hold the power button (on the right earcup) for about 2 seconds until you hear a tone and the LED blinks blue. This means Bluetooth pairing is active.
Pair via the app. In the Sonos app, tap the gear icon (Settings) → “Add Product” → “Headphones” → follow the on-screen prompts. The app will ask you to select the Ace Ultra when they appear in the list. If they don’t appear, make sure they’re in pairing mode and close/reopen the app.
Connect via Bluetooth (manual). If you prefer not to use the app, go to your phone’s Bluetooth settings, find “Sonos Ace Ultra” in the list, and tap to connect. The app is still recommended for full feature access.
Update firmware. Once paired, the app will check for updates. If an update is available, tap “Update” and keep the headphones near your phone until it finishes. This ensures you have the latest features and fixes.
Adjust the fit. Place the headphones on your head with the headband centered. Adjust the earcups so they fully seal around your ears. A proper seal is essential for good bass and noise cancellation.
Access sound settings. In the Sonos app, go to the “System” tab and select your Ace Ultra. Here you’ll find all audio controls.
Customize the EQ. Tap “EQ” to adjust the equalizer. You have three bands: Bass, Treble, and Mid. Drag the sliders up or down. For a balanced sound, start with all at 0. For more bass, raise the Bass slider; for brighter vocals, raise the Treble or Mid. Changes apply instantly, so play music while you adjust.
Set head tracking. In the same settings menu, find “Head Tracking” (or “Spatial Audio”). Toggle it on for dynamic sound that follows your head movement when watching movies or using spatial audio tracks. You can choose “Fixed” (sound stays centered) or “Head Tracking” (sound moves with you).
Enable/disable noise cancellation. Press the noise control button on the left earcup to cycle through Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency, and Off. You can also set this in the app under “Noise Control”.
Set up TV Audio Swap (if you have a Sonos soundbar). In the app, go to the Ace Ultra settings and select “TV Audio Swap”. Follow the prompts to link it to your soundbar. Then, when watching TV, press and hold the button on the right earcup to swap audio from the soundbar to your headphones.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the app setup. While Bluetooth pairing works alone, you miss out on firmware updates, EQ, and head tracking. Always set up via the app.
Not updating firmware. Outdated firmware can cause connectivity issues and missing features. Always update when prompted.
Poor earcup seal. If the headphones sit loosely, bass response suffers and ANC is less effective. Adjust the headband and earcup position for a snug fit.
Ignoring the EQ. The default flat EQ may not suit your taste. Don’t be afraid to adjust—it’s there for a reason.
Forgetting to charge. The headphones don’t work while charging via USB-C (they can be used wired with the included cable, but not while charging). Keep them charged.

Tips

Use the app’s “Headphone Tuning” feature. Some models have a guided tuning that plays tones and lets you pick your preferred sound. Look for it in settings.
Try different EQ presets. If you listen to different genres, create custom presets (if available) or just adjust per session.
For phone calls, enable transparency. This lets you hear your own voice naturally and reduces the “occlusion” effect.
Use the wired connection for lossless audio. If you have a wired source, plug in the included 3.5mm cable for high-fidelity listening (the headphones must be powered on).
Keep the app updated. Sonos regularly adds features and improvements.

Troubleshooting

Headphones won’t pair. Put them in pairing mode again (hold power button 2 seconds until blue LED blinks). Forget the device in your phone’s Bluetooth settings and retry. Restart your phone and the app.
No sound. Check volume on both the headphones (use the touch controls) and your source device. Make sure the headphones are connected to the correct device in Bluetooth settings.
ANC not working. Ensure the headphones are powered on. Check the noise control setting in the app—it may be set to Off or Transparency.
Head tracking not working. Make sure you’ve enabled it in the app and that you’re playing spatial audio content (like Dolby Atmos). Also, ensure the headphones are updated.
TV Audio Swap fails. Confirm your soundbar is compatible and on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices and try again.
App doesn’t find the headphones. Close the app, force-stop it, and reopen. Make sure your phone’s Bluetooth is on and the headphones are in pairing mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Sonos Ace Ultra with multiple devices?

Yes, they support multipoint Bluetooth, so you can pair with two devices simultaneously (e.g., phone and laptop). To switch, just play audio on the other device.

How do I reset the headphones to factory settings?

Hold the power button and the noise control button together for about 10 seconds until the LED flashes red. This clears all pairings and settings.

Do the headphones work without the Sonos app?

Yes, they work as standard Bluetooth headphones. However, you lose access to EQ, head tracking, and firmware updates, so the app is recommended.

Can I use the headphones while charging?

No, the USB-C port is for charging only. You can use the wired 3.5mm cable for audio while the headphones are off, but they won’t charge during that time.

How long does the battery last?

Up to 30 hours with ANC on, and up to 32 hours with ANC off. A 10-minute quick charge gives about 3 hours of playback.

Is the EQ adjustable in the app for all music sources?

Yes, the EQ applies to all audio played through the headphones, regardless of source (Bluetooth, wired, or TV Swap).

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.