How do I fix the crackling sound on my MacBook Pro?

Table of Contents

Quick Overview

Crackling sound from MacBook Pro speakers is often caused by software issues or hardware faults. Here are some quick solutions to try:

Adjust sound/volume settings
Update audio drivers

Reset NVRAM/SMC
Check for and remove debris blocking speakers
Test speakers with external devices

Back up data and reinstall macOS
Replace faulty speakers

Read on for detailed steps to diagnose and fix crackling speakers on a MacBook Pro.

Causes of Crackling Sound from MacBook Pro Speakers

Crackling, popping, buzzing or distorted sound from your MacBook Pro speakers can be frustrating. Common causes include:

Faulty sound/volume settings – incorrect levels can cause distortion
Outdated, corrupted or incompatible audio drivers

Debris/dust blocking the speakers – common on older models
Hardware issues like blown speakers, damaged cables or board components
Interference from other devices

macOS bugs or system files corruption

Pinpointing the exact cause helps you troubleshoot and resolve the problem effectively.

How to Fix Crackling Speakers on MacBook Pro

Here are detailed steps to diagnose and fix crackling/distorted sound from MacBook Pro speakers:

1. Adjust Sound Settings

Incorrect sound and volume settings can sometimes cause crackling or distortion. To adjust:

Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Sound
Try different combinations of sound output and input settings

Adjust volume levels – set it too high and you may get crackling
Disable any audio enhancements like “Play stereo as surround sound”
Click “Test Speakers” to check for issues

If adjusting settings fixes it, you’re done. If not, continue troubleshooting.

2. Update Audio Drivers

Outdated audio drivers can cause compatibility issues leading to crackling. Update drivers:

Go to Apple Menu > App Store

Click Updates and install any pending audio driver updates
Alternatively, get drivers directly from Apple Support site
After updating, reboot Mac and test speakers

Updating drivers often resolves audio glitches, pops and crackles.

3. Reset NVRAM and SMC

Resetting the NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) and SMC (System Management Controller) can resolve many system issues, including speaker problems on a MacBook Pro:

Reset NVRAM

Shut down MacBook Pro
Turn it on and immediately press and hold Command + Option + P + R keys together
Keep holding keys until you hear the startup chime a second time

Release keys and let Mac boot normally

Reset SMC

Shut down MacBook Pro

Press and hold Shift + Option + Control keys and power button for 10 seconds
Release all keys together and turn Mac back on

Test speakers afterwards – these resets often fix system errors causing crackling sound.

4. Check for Blocked Speakers

On older MacBook Pro models, accumulated dust and debris can partially block the speakers and cause crackling or muffled sound.

To check and clean speakers:

Carefully tilt MacBook Pro at an angle and gently shake it to dislodge any internal debris

Use a can of compressed air to blow away dust blocking speaker grilles
Use a soft-bristled brush or cotton swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol to remove stuck-on debris
Be very gentle around speaker cones to avoid damage

This can help restore normal audio quality on older MacBook Pros prone to blocked speakers.

5. Test Speakers with External Devices

Connecting external speakers or headphones is an easy way to test whether the problem lies with the internal MacBook Pro speakers or deeper audio issues:

Plug headphones or external speakers into the MacBook Pro’s 3.5mm audio jack or USB-C/Thunderbolt port using an adapter

Play audio – if sound is normal, internal speakers are likely faulty
If crackling persists on external speakers too, it indicates a system-wide audio problem

This is a quick way to isolate the issue before spending time on more complex solutions.

6. Reinstall macOS

Corrupted system files or macOS problems can sometimes manifest as crackling audio. Reinstalling the OS often resolves such issues:

Back up MacBook Pro data to an external drive
Boot into macOS Recovery – press Command + R on startup and select Reinstall macOS

Follow prompts to completely reinstall a fresh copy of the operating system
Test speakers afterwards – this often fixes software-related audio issues

If the speakers still crackle after reinstalling macOS, it’s likely a hardware problem.

7. Replace Faulty Speakers

If you’ve tried all other troubleshooting steps but the speakers continue crackling, the speaker hardware itself has likely failed:

Purchase replacement speakers – get exact same model for compatibility
Take MacBook Pro to Apple Store or authorized service center for speaker replacement

Alternatively, follow iFixit guide to carefully replace speakers yourself

Getting new speakers is the definitive fix for hardware-related crackling issues persisting after software troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Crackling sound from MacBook Pro speakers can be aggravating, but is often fixable with software adjustments, driver updates, cleaning blocked speakers or reinstalling macOS. For hardware faults like blown speakers, replacement is necessary. Methodically trying different solutions can help resolve the problem and restore normal, crisp audio from your MacBook.

Issue	Potential Solutions
Incorrect sound settings	Adjust sound preferences and levels in System Preferences > Sound
Outdated audio drivers	Update to latest audio drivers from App Store or Apple Support
NVRAM/SMC issues	Reset NVRAM and SMC
Blocked speakers	Clean dust debris from speakers; use compressed air and brush
Hardware faults	Replace faulty speakers
macOS corruption	Reinstall fresh copy of macOS