If you’re experiencing an annoying buzzing or crackling sound from your Macbook Pro speakers, don’t worry – in most cases it’s an easy fix. The buzzing sound usually means there is some kind of interference getting into the audio circuitry. This interference can come from different sources, but is most often due to electromagnetic interference (EMI). The steps below will walk you through several methods to troubleshoot and fix buzzing speakers in a Macbook Pro.
1. Check Audio Settings
The first thing to check is your system’s audio settings. Go to System Preferences > Sound and examine the Output and Input settings. Make sure nothing is muted and volumes are turned up. Play some audio and check if the buzzing persists. You can also try changing the audio format (e.g. to a lower sample rate and bit depth) to see if that helps.
While in System Preferences, also open the Sound Effects panel. Try disabling any unnecessary sound effects that could be interfering with the speakers. Effects like alert volumes and input feedback noises can sometimes contribute to speaker buzzing.
2. Update Audio Drivers and macOS
Outdated, buggy or corrupted audio drivers can also cause interference with speakers. Go to the App Store app and click Updates to install the latest macOS updates. Also make sure to install any available updates for your Macbook model from the Apple support website. This will ensure your audio drivers are up to date.
Once updates are installed, restart your Macbook and test the speakers again. Often a software or driver update can resolve screeching/buzzing speakers.
3. Adjust Speaker Volume
Speakers that are turned up too high can introduce distortion. Open System Preferences > Sound again and lower the volume of the speakers to around 50%. Also adjust the output volume within individual apps like Spotify, YouTube or iTunes.
Raising volume via your Macbook’s keyboard volume keys can sometimes max out the speaker volume, so try adjusting it directly in System Preferences instead. Reduce the volume levels to see if the buzzing persists.
4. Turn Off Notifications and Alerts
Notifications from apps and system alerts that make sounds can also interfere with your speakers. Go to System Preferences > Notifications and switch off any unnecessary alerts for apps and services. This prevents alert sounds from disrupting your audio.
Also go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and disable camera and microphone access for apps that don’t need it. You can also turn off some features like Sidecar, Handoff and Airdrop that use wireless communication, which can cause interference.
5. Check Connected Devices
If you have other audio devices connected like headphones, external speakers or microphones, try unplugging them. You may also have a cable partially plugged in that is causing crosstalk. Disconnect all other wired and wireless device accessories.
This eliminates them as a potential source of the buzzing interference. Once removed from your Macbook, check the internal speakers again to see if buzzing persists.
6. Adjust Display Brightness
An unlikely but potential culprit is display brightness affecting the audio circuitry. Open System Preferences > Displays and lower your screen brightness to around 75%. Overdriving the brightness on an LCD display can generate noise in speaker cables.
You can also try adjusting your Display color profile in System Preferences to see if that contributes to buzzing. Switch between the default LCD profile and sRGB to test.
7. Restart and Reset SMC
If you’re still getting a buzzing sound in your speakers, try restarting your Macbook and resetting the SMC (System Management Controller). The SMC controls power and hardware features like volume and speakers.
Follow these steps to reset the SMC:
- Shut down your Macbook
- Press and hold the left Shift, Control and Option keys along with the power button for 10 seconds
- Release all keys
- Turn your Macbook back on
This reset will clear any stuck processes or settings that could be introducing speaker buzzing. After restarting, check your Macbook’s speakers to see if the buzzing is gone.
8. Rule Out Physical Damage
In some cases, hardware damage can cause buzzing speakers. Examine your Macbook for any of the following physical issues:
- Cracked or blown speakers
- Damaged audio cables and connections
- Liquid spills or moisture damage near speakers
- Dirt, dust or debris in speaker grilles
- Warped speaker housing/casing
Carefully clean around the speaker grilles with compressed air to remove any dust or debris. Also inspect connections like the headphone jack for damage. If no obvious hardware damage is found, software issues are more likely the cause.
9. Run Apple Diagnostics
To thoroughly check your Macbook’s hardware, it’s a good idea to run Apple Diagnostics. Follow these steps:
- Disconnect any external devices from Macbook
- Restart Macbook and hold down D key while booting up
- This will load Apple Diagnostics
- When prompted, select your language
- The diagnostics will run a series of tests on system components like speakers
- It checks for damage and provides reference codes if issues are found
- Make a note of any reference codes reported after diagnostics complete
- Errors like “AUD-0010” indicate speaker issues specifically
Diagnostics helps identify if your buzzing speakers are due to failed hardware. Reference codes can be looked up to determine specific components affected.
10. Try External Speakers
To isolate the issue further, connect external USB speakers or headphones to your Macbook’s ports. Test if buzzing persists through external audio devices. If the buzzing stops, it indicates your Macbook’s internal speakers are likely damaged.
However if buzzing continues in external devices, software and electrical interference is the more probable cause. External speakers help determine if internal hardware failure is causing the buzzing sounds.
11. Rule Out Electromagnetic Interference
One of the most common reasons for buzzing speakers is electromagnetic interference being picked up internally. This is commonly caused by:
- Being near strong electric motors
- Fluorescent lighting and older fixtures
- Power cables and transformers
- Other active electronics and appliances
Try moving your Macbook to different locations and see if buzzing persists. Turn off or unplug other nearby devices as well. If the buzzing stops in certain areas, EMI is likely the cause.
12. Check for Ground Loops
Ground loops between your Macbook and other connected equipment can induce buzzing. This happens when there is a difference in ground voltages between audio components. Try disconnecting any peripherals sharing a ground with your Macbook like:
- External DACs and audio interfaces
- Mixers and PA systems
- USB or Thunderbolt hubs
If buzzing disappears when a certain device is unplugged, a ground loop with that component is creating interference.
Resolving ground loops
- Use a ground loop isolator
- Connect equipment to the same power strip
- Use balanced cables for connections
13. Isolate with EMI Shielding
If EMI is confirmed to be the cause, you can isolate your Macbook using shielding materials:
- Place Macbook in EMI protective bags or enclosures
- Keep cords and cables away from power lines
- Use shielded audio cables
- Keep Macbook away from other active electronics and wireless devices
Shielding prevents external signals from reaching internal audio components. Special EMI gaskets and contact strips can also be installed in electronics for isolation.
14. Replace Internal Speakers
If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and buzzing persists, the internal speakers may need replacement. Speaker damage or aging components can definitely cause buzzing issues.
Digitize and iFixit have detailed guides for replacing built-in Macbook speakers:
Use a plastic spudger to carefully detach and remove old speakers. Install replacement speakers from a reputable parts supplier. Recalibrate and test them for buzzing.
Conclusion
That covers the most common fixes for buzzing Macbook Pro speakers! Follow the troubleshooting steps above to isolate the issue and eliminate any EMI interference or hardware damage causing the problem. With software settings, driver updates, isolation and repairs, you should be able to resolve annoying speaker buzzing and enjoy crisp, clear sound from your Macbook again.