How to Get Rid of Crackling in Your Speakers (Phone, Computer, TV & Car)

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A quick-fix guide to curing popping and other annoying sounds

Co-authored by Darlene Antonelli, MA Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Fact Checked

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Common Fixes

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What about crackling from vinyl records?

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Common Causes for Crackling Speakers

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FAQ

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Video

Are the speakers connected to your computer, on your TV, phone, tablet, or in your car crackling or popping? We know this can be a frustrating experience, so read on to learn ways that you can get rid of it.

Fix a Crackling Speaker

The most common cause of a crackling speaker is a bad connection. Make sure all cables inside and outside the speaker are snugly connected. You also want to prevent interference from other devices like routers and microwaves. For newer Windows computers, turn off "Audio Enhancements" and update audio drivers.

Section 1 of 4:

Common Fixes: Car, TV, Phone & Computer Speakers

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1
Check the cables. A partially unplugged audio cable is commonly the culprit, so unplug your speakers and plug them in again to ensure they are snugly inserted into the ports on the back of your speaker and whatever they are plugged into.
- Make sure the power cable is also plugged in fully.
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Visually inspect the cables for damage. You don't want any weird kinks or bends in your cables to get the best sound; you also don't want any frayed or exposed wiring.
- If the wire is compromised, replace it.
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Outdated drivers can cause a mess of problems, including a crackling speaker. On most Windows and Mac computers, you can simply run a system update and it will update any outdated drivers.^{[1]
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4
Adjust the output format (Windows computers only). This is most common if your speaker or headset has multiple channels; you need to make sure the right output format is selected.
- To do this, right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar (Windows), select Sound settings and select your speakers. In the "Properties" window, lower or raise the format (bit rate), and click Test to see if any changes affect the sound.^{[2]
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Some audio enhancements may be messing with your speakers and making the sound distorted, so check that this setting is Off under "Advanced settings" if changing the output settings didn't work.
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Adjust the atmospheric pressure (phones only). Some phones will have crackling and distorted speaker sounds if the atmospheric pressure inside and outside the phone is different. This can happen after a flight, for example.
- Fix this by opening the SIM slot, letting the phone equalize, and closing the SIM slot again.^{[3]
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7
Move the speakers (external speakers). Something near them can be causing interference. Remember in the early to mid-2000s when a cell phone that was about to ring caused nearby speakers to make a weird sound? It's the same concept. Potential interfering sources includes: power outlets, routers, phones, microwaves, and radio towers.
- You can also purchase shielding for the cables of your speakers that will minimize interference from other devices.
8
Clean your speakers. Whether your TV, phone/tablet, computer, or car speakers are cracking, you need to clean them.
- Use a soft brush or a Q-tip to get rid of dust and debris that can be affecting your speaker.
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Check the cables inside the speaker. If you're confident in your DIY ability to take it apart and put it back together afterward, you can disassemble your speaker for an inside look at cables or extra dust to clean. Look for loose cables, rust, or caked debris that could be causing the crackling sounds.
- If you aren't confident in your ability to do all that, you can bring the speaker in for repair.
You might have a blown speaker from improper use. You might be able to fix a blown speaker or you might need to replace it.

Section 2 of 4:

What about crackling from vinyl records?

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1
Two main issues can cause vinyl crackling:
- The nature of the format
- Debris buildup
  - The crackling sounds you hear when playing a vinyl record often result from an interruption in the connection between the turntable's needle and the record's grooves. Debris such as dust, dirt, and static can prevent the needle’s ability to accurately read the grooves.
Begin by cleaning your records using a microfiber cloth along with dedicated cleaning or anti-static solutions. If this does not improve the situation, examine your turntable's needle or cartridge. Clean the needle gently or consider replacing the cartridge, being careful not to break the needle.

Section 3 of 4:

Common Causes for Crackling Speakers

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The main cause for crackling speakers is an interrupted electrical current. This can happen for various reasons, the most frequent being a bad connection. However, less obvious factors can be at fault, including:
- Interference
- Dust
- Incompatible audio enhancers (like with Windows)
- Outdated audio drivers
- Internal damage

Section 4 of 4:

FAQ

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Typically, the issue is something simple, such as a cable that is not fully plugged in, a damaged cable, or excess dust or rust in the connectors. Regardless of the cause, the problem is likely that your amplifier and speaker are not properly connected.
Dust and debris can accumulate on or near the speaker, affecting performance and causing crackling or distorted audio. Software or firmware issues may also lead to audio problems. You can clean your phone's speakers to address this issue.
Your hardware, such as your speaker or headset, has malfunctioned, outdated sound drivers, or your audio hardware and the sound format set on your device are incompatible. The steps above should help resolve the speaker crackling issue for you.
Lower the volume and bass on your speaker as the input signal from your audio device may be too loud. Lower the volume to below 80% on the connected device and adjust it by turning the volume up on the speaker instead. A crackling sound may also indicate a poor Bluetooth connection.