10 Solutions to Fix MacBook Speakers Crackling

Apple's MacBook is well-known for its high-quality speaker setup. However, if you're experiencing crackling sounds coming from your MacBook speakers, it can be quite frustrating. Don't worry, though, as there are several solutions you can try to fix this issue. In this article, we will explore 10 different fixes that can help you resolve the crackling sound problem on your MacBook.

Before You Begin

Before diving into the solutions, it's essential to go through a few initial checks:

• Reboot your Mac and try playing any audio clip to see if the issue persists.
• Check for any physical damage on your MacBook that might be causing the problem.
• Remove any dust or debris from your speakers.

If the crackling sound issue still persists, continue with the troubleshooting tricks below.

1. Check Network Connection

If you're trying to stream media content from services like Spotify, YouTube, Netflix, or Apple Music, a stable internet connection is crucial. Slow internet speeds can result in audio glitches and crackling sounds. Make sure to connect to a high-speed Wi-Fi network and try streaming again.

2. Check Audio Settings

If you're using a MacBook with an external monitor, you need to change the audio output device from the Mac System Settings menu. By default, the system plays audio through your MacBook, which can cause crackling sounds, especially when the lid is closed. To change the audio output device:

1. Click the Apple icon in the Mac menu bar.
2. Open System Settings.
3. Scroll to Sound and select Output under Output & Input.
4. Click on your monitor to set it as the audio output device.

3. Remove the Case and Keyboard Covers

If you're using a case or keyboard cover to protect your MacBook, it's possible that they might be covering the speaker grills, resulting in crackling sounds. Remove any third-party case or keyboard cover and try playing audio again.

4. Use Terminal to Kill Core Audio

The Core Audio service manages the audio experience on your Mac. Force closing this service can help troubleshoot audio issues. Follow these steps:

1. Open Terminal on your Mac.
2. Run the following command: sudo killall coreaudiod.
3. Enter your Mac password to authorize the command.

Reboot your Mac and check if the crackling sound problem is resolved. If not, you can try running the following command:

sudo launchctl stop com.apple.coreaudiod && sudo launchctl start com.apple.audio.coreaudiod

5. Reset NVRAM

Resetting the Non-Volatile Access Memory (NVRAM) on your Mac can sometimes resolve sound crackling issues. To reset NVRAM:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Press and hold the Command + Option + P + R keys for about 20 seconds.

Your Mac will reset the NVRAM, and you can check if the crackling sound problem is resolved.

6. Update Affected Apps

Outdated apps on your Mac can sometimes cause speaker crackling issues. Open the App Store and click on Updates to install any pending updates. Make sure to update all the apps that you have installed on your Mac as well.

7. Change Sample Rate Audio

macOS allows you to change the audio sample rate, which can help resolve sound crackling issues. Follow these steps:

1. Press Command + Space to launch Spotlight search.
2. Type “Audio MIDI Setup” and hit the Return key.
3. In the Audio Devices menu, select your default speakers from the left sidebar.
4. Expand the Format menu and adjust the sample rate if needed.

8. Use Activity Monitor

If any installed apps are consuming abnormal CPU usage in the background, they might be affecting audio streaming on your MacBook. Open Activity Monitor and close any apps or services that are using high CPU usage.

9. Lower MacBook Volume

Playing sound at extremely high levels can cause crackling noises or distortion. Lower the volume on your MacBook to avoid these issues.

10. Update macOS

An outdated macOS version can also contribute to speaker crackling issues. Make sure to update your Mac to the latest version by going to System Settings, selecting General, and clicking on Software Update. Download and install the latest macOS build.

If none of the above tricks work, it's recommended to book an appointment at the nearest Apple center for further assistance. Before doing so, remember to back up your data to iCloud or an external SSD. Bookmark this article for future reference whenever you encounter audio issues with your MacBook.