Sonos's Noise Control article defines three modes: Noise Canceling turns on Active Noise Cancellation to block outside sound, with Adaptive Cancellation to improve the effect when the headphones do not fit perfectly; Aware Mode blends in some ambient sound so you stay aware; Off disables both. Cycle modes with the Noise Control button on the right ear cup under the Content Key, which by default toggles Noise Canceling and Aware Mode, or in the Sonos app by selecting the headphones in the System view and Noise Control.
To choose which modes the button cycles, go to Settings, the headphones under Headphones, Hardware Controls, Noise Control, and keep at least two modes selected. The app also has Noise Control customizations, which need the headphones set up in the app and connected. If ANC seems weak, check the mode is Noise Canceling, enable Adaptive Cancellation, re-seat the earcups for a good seal, update the headphones, and remember a press-and-hold of the same button launches your phone's voice assistant instead. For Aware Mode also check the button is not set to skip a mode.
Differential
Likely causes of “Sonos Ace headphones noise cancellation or transparency is not working correctly”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The mode is Off or Aware
What separates it The noise canceling seems missing because the mode is set to Off or Aware
How to confirm Cycle to Noise Canceling, using the Noise Control button, and check the sound
- 2
A poor fit
What separates it The cancellation is weak because the headphones do not fit well
How to confirm Enable Adaptive Cancellation in the app, and re seat the ear cups on your head
- 3
The button skips a mode
What separates it You cannot reach a mode because the button skips one
How to confirm Add the mode under Hardware Controls, Noise Control
- 4
Settings need setup in the app
What separates it Some customizations are missing because the settings need setting up in the app
How to confirm Set up and connect the headphones in the Sonos app
- 5
An outdated software version
What separates it The noise canceling behaves oddly because the software is out of date
How to confirm Update the headphones in the app, and then check the noise canceling again
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The headphone model and software version
- The current Noise Control mode and which modes the button cycles
- How the headphones fit and whether glasses or hair get in the way
- Whether Adaptive Cancellation is switched on in the app
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedCheck the mode
ReversibleCheck the mode, by pressing the Noise Control button and confirming that Noise Canceling is chosen.
Enable Adaptive Cancellation
ReversibleEnable Adaptive Cancellation, in the Noise Control settings of the Sonos app, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Check the fit
ReversibleCheck the fit, by re seating the ear cups, and removing hair or the arms of glasses.
Check the button
ReversibleCheck the button, under Hardware Controls and Noise Control, and tick the modes you want.
Update
ReversibleUpdate the headphones, using Settings, the headphones, About and then Software Updates, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Force reboot
ReversibleForce a reboot by holding the Power and Bluetooth button for ten seconds, with USB-C disconnected.
Contact Sonos
ReversibleContact Sonos Support if the noise canceling is still weak after these steps, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Models this page covers
- Sonos Ace. Sonos's articles cover the Sonos Ace and Sonos Ace Ultra together, and the model notes name where they differ.
- Modes and button
- The Ace's Noise Control button sits on the right ear cup under the Content Key and cycles Noise Canceling and Aware Mode by default.
- Ace Ultra
- Sonos's Noise Control article covers the Ace and the Ace Ultra together.
- Model name instead of a part number
- No part number is involved for you. Sonos identifies a product by its name and serial number, shown in the Sonos app under Settings, System, About My System, and printed on the product.
- Tools and supplies
- The included USB-C PD cable and a 15 W USB-C charger, your phone with the Sonos app, a soft cloth for the earcups, and a pen and paper for the serial number. No screwdriver is needed and the headphones should not be opened.
- Repair cost
- Rebooting, re-pairing and settings fixes cost nothing. A Sonos Ace launched at $449 in June 2024 per Sonos's own announcement, and Sonos sells certified-refurbished units, so replacement rather than repair is the practical route once the warranty ends.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If Noise Canceling does not reduce sound with a good fit and Adaptive Cancellation on, contact Sonos Support
- !If a mode is missing after updating, contact Sonos
- !If one earcup differs, force reboot and contact Sonos
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The launch price is from Sonos's June 2024 announcement; the current price is confirmed with Sonos.
Modes, Adaptive Cancellation, the button and the app.
The Noise Control button and voice assistant hold.
Updating the headphones.
Setup needed for all settings.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
Where is the Noise Control button?+
On the right ear cup under the Content Key.
How do I change what it cycles?+
In the app under Hardware Controls, Noise Control; at least two modes must stay selected.
What does press and hold do?+
It launches your Bluetooth device's voice assistant.
Does Aware Mode block sound?+
No, it blends in ambient sound.
Can I turn both off?+
Yes, the Off mode disables both.
Does fit matter?+
Yes, which is why Adaptive Cancellation exists.
Which soundbars work with TV Audio Swap?+
The Arc, Arc SL, Arc Ultra, Beam Gen 1 and 2, Beam Ultra and Ray work with TV Audio Swap.
How many headphones can share TV audio?+
Two headphones can share TV audio in one TV Audio Swap session.
What do the status lights mean on the Ace?+
Orange means charging, solid green means full, solid blue means connected, and flashing blue means that it is pairing.
Do I need the Sonos app for the Ace?+
You can pair and listen without it, but the app is needed to register, update and use all the settings.
How do I reboot the Ace?+
Disconnect USB-C, hold power for about three seconds, wait ten seconds, and then hold it again to turn it on.