Why Are My Bluetooth Headphones Crackling?

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Due to their simplicity, portability, and useful functions, Bluetooth headphones have become a necessary item in our daily life. However, the question of why your Bluetooth headphones crackle might interfere with the enjoyment of music or deep gaming.

Fortunately, these noises are frequently the result of hardware or software problems that may be fixed, including a faulty connection or out-of-date drivers. You may immediately stop the crackling and improve the audio quality by fixing these problems with simple troubleshooting.

Today, we’ll walk you through the problems that could cause your Bluetooth headphones to crackle and offer fixes.

Page Contents

Why Are My Bluetooth Headphones Crackling?: A Complete Overview

Bluetooth headphones crackling has a few serious issues. Below is discussed:

Causes Of Headphones That Crackle

1. Driver issues with the audio or sound card

It could be required to upgrade your computer’s sound drivers if you hear crackling in your headphones while watching movies, videos, or audio clips on your laptop or computer. Verify whether the

Manufacturer of your sound card offers more recent or updated audio drivers. By regularly updating your drivers, you can lessen the chance of your computer’s headphones crackling. Setting up driver updates for your device on a regular will assure peak performance and reduce audio problems.

2. Verify any wire damage.

The most frequent cause of cracking in headphones is physical damage. The internal wires of the headphones are particularly susceptible to wear and tear over time. The connecting points, such as the connector, earphones, or volume controls, are frequently the site of wire damage.

Although these places frequently have additional protection to safeguard the wires, routine use and storage can still cause loose or damaged wiring. Short circuits caused by damaged wires can alter the sound’s quality or produce static or crackling noises.

Play some music while you plug your headphones into a device to see if they have a short. Beginning at the top, slowly bend and twist the cable inch by inch, keeping an eye out for any changes in sound quality.

Look into your wireless connection. You could notice that holding the wire in specific positions temporarily fixes the sound issue if there is a short.

3. Verify the issue’s recurrence

When utilizing wireless headphones, crackling sounds are usually the result of connection issues, with Bluetooth interference being a major offender. When something blocks the wireless signal between the audio source and the headphones during a Bluetooth connection, interference occurs. There are three major ways to look into the issue to see if Bluetooth interference is the cause.

You can attempt two easy techniques to fix Bluetooth headphones that are crackling.

Since each Bluetooth device has a specific range within which the wireless signal can travel without interruptions, often ranging from less than 10 meters to up to 100 meters, moving closer to the audio source is the first step. You can tell if distance is the problem by moving closer to the audio source.

Second, alternately unplug and re-plug your headphones from the audio source. This normally clears any cached information or errors from the prior connection. You can exhale in comfort knowing that your headphones are not to blame if the crackling problem goes away after reconnecting.

Physical obstacles, such as concrete or brick walls, and signals from other devices using the same frequency can interfere with Bluetooth signals. Microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, and other electronic gadgets frequently cause this interference.

If you have connectivity problems, consider moving far from these gadgets to see if your Bluetooth connection gets stronger.

4. Check your impedance and loudness.

It’s possible that something other than your headphones is creating crackling sounds. Try using a different set of headphones with the same device to troubleshoot.

Alternatively, try connecting your headphones to several audio sources to see if the issue still exists. This will enable you to evaluate whether the problem is with your headphones or the audio source’s settings.

5. Equality issues

When utilizing headphones or speakers, crackling noises might be caused by inadequate equalizer settings. When music is played loudly or when the treble and bass settings are overly enhanced, the crackling noise is frequently audible.

You might try lowering the volume on your headphones or speakers to troubleshoot and see if the crackling disappears. However, if the cracking continues even after turning down the volume, it can be a sign that there is a headphone issue that needs further attention.

6. Ineffective headphones drivers

Particularly with older or worn-out devices, headphone drivers can become damaged. Driver damage can also happen as a result of accidents like dropping or stepping on your gadget. However, if your equipment is still under warranty and is still quite new, you might be qualified for a replacement.

It is advised to check the warranty coverage and get in touch with the manufacturer or an authorized repair center for support and possible replacement alternatives if you think the headphone drivers may be damaged.

7. Malfunctioning hardware inside

A hard disk, fan, or graphic card that isn’t working properly can stop your computer from working properly and cause crackling and popping sounds to be heard through headphones. Although it may appear strange, this incident can occur because of faulty electrical circuitry, overheated internal components, or damaged chipboard components.

You must troubleshoot the hardware in your computer to pinpoint the precise cause if you want to fix this problem. This could entail examining the power supply or motherboard for melted pins, making sure that RAM cards are properly installed, or looking for broken transistors.

It is advised to take care of any hardware-related issues last if you experience crackling headphones because they can be difficult to solve and may call for component replacements.

8. Radio frequency interference (EMI)

Both wireless headsets and wired headphones with frayed wires may suffer from excessive electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can produce annoying acoustic noises like humming, crackling, and popping. On older devices with inadequate shielding, this effect is more noticeable.

Although USB headphones tend to be less prone to EMI, they are nevertheless somewhat susceptible to electronic noise. USB headphones use digital processing to substantially lower EMI susceptibility.

The integrity of the audio transmission may be compromised if a headset has several electronic components because of residual electronic noise that may be produced.

9. Insufficient audio drivers

Particularly with older or worn-out devices, headphone drivers can sustain damage. Damage to the driver may also result from drops or walking on the gadget by accident. However, if your equipment is still brand-new, it can still be under warranty, which might qualify you for a replacement.

Check the warranty coverage and get in touch with the manufacturer or an authorized service center for support and possible replacement alternatives if you think the headphone drivers may be damaged.

How to Fix Headphones Crackling: Hardware Solutions

1. Adjust the headphones’ wire

If your headphones’ wire is the problem, frayed wires or short circuits are typically at blame. Headphone wire repair is a pretty easy and secure procedure. Electrical tape, a staple home item, is all you need. Cut the electrical tape to the required length, then tightly around the wire’s frayed area.

This will act as insulation and stop additional harm. Internal issues with short circuits, on the other hand, are more complicated and should be left to experts. Cutting into the wires may be necessary to prevent short circuits, which calls for specialist knowledge.

You can find useful tutorials on how to mend short circuits if you are determined to try fixing it yourself.

2. Adjust the plug on your headphones

The problem may be a bent headphone plug if your headphone jack is clean but you still can’t hear the gratifying click when you plug in your headphones. Straightening the plug by yourself is a possible do-it-yourself repair.

However, because headphone plugs are delicate and quickly break, it’s vital to handle them carefully. Hold the plug’s tip using one set of narrow pliers, and the base with another set of pliers. Bend the plug gradually and carefully until it is straight.

If this do-it-yourself remedy doesn’t work, you could require a more sophisticated headphone jack fix, like changing the jack entirely.

3. Wash the headphone jack.

Popping sounds may be the consequence of a loose connection between your headphones and the audio jack. The jack may occasionally become clogged with dust or debris, making it difficult for the headphones to fit snugly into the port.

Thankfully, cleaning the headphone jack can be done quickly and easily. One end of a toothpick should be covered in double-sided tape before being inserted into the headphone jack. To remove any dirt or debris within, move it around and up against the edges.

You can also use a paperclip or a 1/16-inch drill bit if you don’t have a toothpick. You can find more methods in our in-depth post on how to fix a loose headphone jack if cleaning the connector doesn’t fix the loose connection problem.

4. Changing blown-out drivers

Unfortunately, broken headphones’ drivers can’t be fixed; they usually need to be replaced. Here is a general description of the procedure if you decide to replace the headphone drivers:

Start by taking off the earpad, which is typically easy to do by hand.
Find the screws holding the speaker in place and remove them.
To loosen and remove the damaged speaker, carefully cut around the edges.
Disconnect the wires that are attached to the old speaker using a soldering iron.
Reattach the wires with the soldering iron and set up the new speaker.

You might want to look into other possible headphone repairs if changing the drivers is unable to resolve the issue.

5. Set your Bluetooth connection to default.

Bluetooth interference may be at blame if you hear crackling in your Bluetooth headphones. To solve this problem, try turning off any potential interference-causing equipment or shifting to a different place nearer the audio source.

Resetting your Bluetooth device to delete the cache is another option. Depending on the brand and model, different Bluetooth headphones may require a different precise reset procedure.

One frequent method is to press and hold the power button on the headphones for around 10 seconds, or until the light flashes, and then pair the headphones with your music source once more.

Refer to our thorough article on how to reset Bluetooth headphones for more specific instructions tailored to your headset brand.

6. Reinstall the sound card driver.

It’s crucial to verify that your sound card drivers are current before connecting your headphones to a computer or laptop and to upgrade them if necessary. If every attempt to stop the cracking fails, it might be time to think about getting a new set of headphones.

There are various things to think about while selecting a new pair. To avoid fraying and breakage, use wired headphones with sturdy and flexible construction. Make that the inline controls, jack, and earbuds are sturdy and secure.

Selecting headphones that are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time while meeting your individual demands, whether they be for music, gaming, or exercise, is also important.

As an alternative, using Bluetooth headphones can help prevent crackling brought on by frayed connections. Keep in mind that mending your damaged headphones rather than replacing them right away will save you money.

7. Sanitizing headphones will improve performance

Sometimes, dust, dirt, or other material that gathers in the headphone jacks and connectors can be the source of crackling and popping sounds coming from headphones. You can take care of this problem by gently cleaning the impacted regions and removing any collected material using a soft brush or rubbing alcohol.

It’s also important to look for stray hair or other foreign objects that may be touching the sound drivers because these things can interfere with sound.

If the problem still exists, you can carefully remove more substantial dirt and debris with a needle or tweezers. These actions ought to reduce the crackling noise coming from your headphones.

8. Decreasing the volume

High-volume listening can occasionally produce crackling in headphones. Overly loud music may cause headphones to lose efficiency and responsiveness and make crackling noises. Try lowering the level to see if the crackling stops as a first step in troubleshooting this problem.

You can use your headphones at a lower volume to avoid crackling if reducing the volume addresses the issue. If the crackling still occurs at lower volume levels, your PC may be sending too much power to the headphones.

A weak power control unit or a lack of power surge protection may be to blame for this. In certain situations, using a USB hub with stereo output or input to connect the headphones to your PC can assist resolve the problem.

9. A frayed or damaged cable

The best course of action is to replace the complete cable if your headphones are crackling as a result of a torn wire. In order to avoid this, you should inspect the cable for any spots that are excessively worn, frayed, or loose.

Additionally, check the headphone plug for any corrosion or damage that might be degrading the sound. Any loose parts can be tightened and replaced to assist strengthen the connection. Use isopropyl alcohol to carefully clean the corroded components.

The sound quality may be slightly enhanced by using these techniques, but buying a new cable is the most effective way to entirely eliminate crackling in headphones.

Software Solutions for Headphone Crackling

1. Change the EQ settings.

Incorrectly adjusted equalization (EQ) settings can cause some sounds to be too emphasized and cause a variety of audio problems, such as crackling noise. To fix this, check your EQ settings and make any necessary modifications to see whether the crackling noise is eliminated. The following describes how to access and modify the EQ settings on a Windows computer:

Right-click the sound icon in your taskbar’s right corner.
Scroll down and select “Sound Control Panel.”
Locate and click on your default audio device in the Sound Control Panel when it has a green checkmark. Next, select “Properties.”
Find the “Enhancements” tab in the Properties box.
To open the equalization tab, click “Equalizer” and then the ellipsis (…) that appears. To improve the sound quality of your headphones, adjust the sliders in accordance with your preferences.

You might be able to improve the audio frequency balance and lessen or get rid of the crackling noise in your headphones by changing the EQ settings.

2. The sound driver updates

Your computer’s sound drivers are essential for enabling effective communication between the operating system and audio equipment. Poor sound quality, like crackling or popping sounds in your headphones, might be caused by out-of-date sound drivers. You can follow these steps to upgrade the sound drivers on your Windows computer:

Enter “Device Manager” into the Windows search bar or open it from the Control Panel to access it.
Expand “Audio Inputs and Outputs” under Device Manager pane.
You can choose to “Scan for hardware changes” or “Update driver” by performing a right-click on the individual audio device or headphones you are using.
If you click “Update driver,” you will be given the option to either browse your computer for driver software or have Windows automatically look for updated drivers.

You might be able to fix problems with popping or crackling sounds and enhance the general sound quality of your headphones by updating the sound drivers.

3. Turn off exclusive mode

A feature known as “exclusive mode” allows a PC music player like Spotify to have sole control over the system’s sound drivers. Although this feature enables for improved audio performance, switching between multiple audio programs may occasionally cause problems. When utilizing various audio programs, if your headphones start to make popping or crackling noises, you can try removing exclusive mode by doing the following steps:

Activate the “Control Panel” on your computer.
Pick “Sound” from the list of choices.
Pick your audio device, then select “Properties.”
Find the “Advanced” tab by navigating.
Remove a checkmark from the box next to “Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.”
Click “Apply” or “OK” to save the changes.

Exclusive mode can be turned off to assist settle disputes between audio apps and perhaps get rid of crackling or popping sounds coming from your headphones.

4. Modify the audio format used by default.

The sound quality you hear through headphones may vary depending on the device’s default audio format. The audio format decides the level of fidelity and clarity of the audio, much as how the video resolution influences the viewing experience. Try changing the default audio format if you are experiencing crackling or poor audio quality by following these instructions:

In the taskbar, right-click the sound icon and choose “Sound” or “Sound Settings.”
Navigate to the “Playback” or “Playback Devices” tab in the Sound Control Panel.
Your current audio device should be highlighted when you right-click it and choose “Properties.”
To access the “Advanced” tab, select the “Properties” window.
You can select a different audio format from the drop-down menu under the “Default Format” section.
Select the format of your choice, and then press “Apply” or “OK” to save the changes.

You may be able to enhance the sound quality and reduce crackling or distortion in your headphones by altering the audio format, making for a more pleasurable listening experience.

5. Modify the processor’s state.

Your computer might occasionally be running at a minimum processing speed to preserve battery life. Your headphones’ sound quality could suffer as a result, though. You can change your processor’s parameters to ensure peak performance by doing the following:

On your computer, access the “Power & Sleep Settings” menu.
Find and select the “Additional Settings” option.
Choose “Change plan settings” after selecting your electricity plan.
Look for “Processor power management” under “Advanced settings” and click it.
Find the “Minimum processor state” option and change the numbers to 100.
Exit the settings after saving the changes.

You can guarantee that your computer functions at peak efficiency and avoid any potential influence on sound quality by setting the minimum processor state to 100. This modification can improve the audio quality of your headphones by removing popping or crackling sounds.

How to stop Windows 10 audio from crackling

There are a number of hardware and software options you can try to address crackling and popping sounds in headphones on a PC:

Disable Exclusive Mode to stop programs from controlling the audio device exclusively and to set 24-bit audio as the default audio format.
Test a Different Audio Source: To see if the problem still exists, try a different audio source.
Physical Connections: Verify the condition and tightness of the headphone cable and plug.
Update sound drivers: To ensure compatibility and top performance, keep your sound drivers up to date.
Clean the headphone jack to get rid of any dirt or blockages that can obstruct the audio stream.
Disable CPU Throttling to stop the CPU from lowering performance by adjusting the Minimum Processor State in the Processor Power Management Settings.
Repair or Replace Cable: To enhance sound quality, think about repairing or replacing the headphone cable if it has physical damage like fraying or tearing.

You can troubleshoot and fix issues with crackling and popping in your headphones with these hardware and software solutions, resulting in a better audio experience on your PC.

How to stop the PS4 headset from crackling

Due to the intrinsic characteristics of the PS4 system, many people have trouble fixing the problem of crackling audio in their PS4 headphones. It’s crucial to keep in mind, too, that occasionally outside circumstances that are under your control can have an impact on what is causing the loud and cracking sound.

These variables include sitting inside the Bluetooth range of your headset, having a filthy headphone plug, and suffering electromagnetic interference (EMI). You might be able to enhance the audio quality and lessen the crackling noises heard when using your PS4 headphones by resolving these outside interferences.

FAQs

1. Why is there static in my wireless headset?

A malfunctioning driver, a low battery, or a distance from the device may cause wireless headphones to crackle. For troubleshooting advice on all potential reasons, visit our blog.

2. How do I stop the crackling in my Bluetooth headphones?

Keep headphones charged, maintain a solid Bluetooth connection, reduce interference, and use high-quality audio files to avoid cracking.

3. Can a crackling sound also be produced via a wired connection?

Wireless and corded headphones both have the potential to make crackling noises. For wired headphones, typical causes include a broken headphone cable, a bad mobile jack, or a bad headphone jack. To stop crackling sounds in your wired headphones, check these components.

4. Does crackling mean my Bluetooth headphones need to be repaired?

Crackling may be an indication of faulty hardware, production problems, or connection issues. Before assuming that the headphones are damaged, troubleshoot to determine the problem.

5. Should I get a new pair of headphones because the sound is crackling?

Not all cases of crackling Bluetooth sound are brought on by broken headphones. It may be the result of wrong device settings or poor device connections. Try to resolve the problem at home before thinking about replacing the headphones.

6. Can I get the computer’s Bluetooth to stop crackling?

It is frequently possible to fix Bluetooth sound on your computer that is crackling by changing the machine’s settings. On our blog, we offer step-by-step directions for changing various settings to resolve the problem. For a fix to your computer’s cracking noise, see the blog.

7. Is it possible to use Bluetooth headphones with several different devices without them crackling?

Signal conflict or rivalry when using Bluetooth headphones with many devices might cause crackling. This problem can be avoided by limiting the number of wireless devices that are active.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations on successfully resolving the problem of bluetooth headphones crackling. You may now experience crystal-clear audio in your Bluetooth headphones by comprehending the typical causes and following the troubleshooting advice offered in this article.

Your listening experience will be significantly improved if the interference is removed and uninterrupted music or audiobook sessions are had. We hope the information in this post will help you solve the problem of popping and crackling headphones.

Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment if you have any other thoughts or information to share on the subject.

See More

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.