What’s that sound? How to fix crackling audio on your MacBook

⚡ Fast fix

• Restart your Mac: It clears temporary audio glitches fast.
• Check your output: Go to System Settings > Sound and make sure the right speaker is selected.
• Disconnect accessories: Unplug headphones, Bluetooth speakers, and hubs—then test again.
• Update macOS: Go to System Settings > General > Software Update to fix known audio bugs.

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Imagine you’re in the middle of a Zoom® meeting or deeply immersed in your favorite song when, suddenly, your MacBook® speakers start crackling. This unexpected noise can disrupt your concentration and the sound quality of any media you’re playing.

Tech care doesn’t have to be complicated. The experts at uBreakiFix® by Asurion are here to handle any tech issues that arise—keeping you connected. Whether it's a software hiccup or a sign of hardware trouble, let's figure out how to get your audio clear and crackle-free again.

How to fix a Mac speaker that’s crackling

Both hardware and software issues can cause audio disruptions like crackling. Here are some steps to fix hardware and software-related sound problems on your MacBook.

1. Clean the dust buildup

Accumulated dust in the speaker grills can distort the sound. After ensuring your MacBook is turned off and unplugged, use a soft brush or canned air to clean the speakers gently.

2. Unplug external devices

Sometimes, the devices connected to your Mac® can interfere with audio playback. Disconnect all of your connected external devices and check if the crackling stops.

3. Adjust the audio settings

Adjusting the sound settings on your Mac can help resolve crackling issues by eliminating conflicts or imbalances in volume, balance, and output device preferences. This optimization ensures smoother audio playback tailored to your specific setup.

1. Click on the Apple menu > System Settings.
2. Select Sound from the sidebar.
3. Under Output & Input, ensure the correct device is highlighted (e.g., "MacBook Pro Speakers" or your specific headphones).
4. Ensure the slider is centered. Sometimes an off-center balance creates digital distortion in one speaker.
5. If you are using AirPods or built-in speakers on a modern Mac, go to the Control Center (top right of your screen) > Sound and try turning off Spatialize Stereo or Spatial Audio. If the processing is struggling, it can cause "stutter-crackling."

4. Restart your Mac

A quick restart can fix minor software glitches that cause audio problems. To do so, click on the Apple menu and select Restart.

5. Update macOS

Updating the macOS® can resolve audio issues like crackling by installing the latest software patches that often include fixes for known bugs and improved compatibility with audio drivers. This ensures your system runs the most stable and efficient version available.

Click on the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates. If you don't have System Settings in the Apple menu, click System Preferences > Software Update.

💡 Pro tip: If you see a Rapid Security Response update available, install it. These are smaller, faster updates that Apple uses to patch critical system bugs—including audio and connectivity issues—without requiring a full, lengthy macOS installation.

Adjust the sample rate

If your MacBook audio is popping or crackling, the issue might not be your speakers—it could be how your Mac is processing sound.

Your Mac uses something called a sample rate, which is basically how often it processes audio each second. If that setting is too high—or doesn’t match the app you’re using—it can cause those annoying digital pops.

Resetting it to a more standard setting often clears things up. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press Command + Space, type Audio MIDI Setup, and hit Enter.
2. In the left sidebar, select your current output (like MacBook Pro Speakers or your headphones).
3. On the right, find the Format dropdown.
4. Change the sample rate to 44.1 kHz or 48.0 kHz.

That’s it. After you change it, close and reopen whatever app you were using (Spotify, YouTube, etc.) and see if the crackling stops.

A quick note: higher sample rates like 96 kHz or 192 kHz might sound better on paper, but they can actually cause issues—especially if your system is under load. For most everyday use, 44.1 or 48 kHz works best.

Still having audio troubles? Check our guide for sound not working on a Mac computer.

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FAQ

Why does my MacBook audio sound crackly?

It’s often caused by software glitches, outdated macOS, or audio conflicts with connected devices.

Can restarting fix crackling audio?

Yes—sometimes it’s just a temporary bug, and a quick restart clears it up.

Could Bluetooth devices cause the issue?

In many cases, yes. Interference or connection issues can lead to distorted or crackling sound.

Does updating macOS help?

It can. Updates often fix audio bugs and improve system stability.

When should I get it checked out?

If the crackling doesn’t go away after basic fixes, it could be a hardware issue. That’s a good time to take it to your nearest uBreakiFix by Asurion store.