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Do you know how to fix “MacBook Pro speakers crackling” issue? It’s irritating and can ruin your music, video, and video call experience. As someone who uses their MacBook Pro for multiple jobs, I know how annoying it is when your speakers start cracking. This problem might be caused by software or hardware faults, and finding a solution can be difficult.
Speakers popping and crackling on your Mac while viewing a movie or listening to a long-awaited song might be frustrating. Around late 2013, Macs had audio stuttering issues with OS X 10.9 Mavericks. Apple Community forums still ask, “why are my speakers crackling?” Users report cracking and poor audio quality on their MacBooks when using certain apps.
It’s important to discover the root of these concerns, but they’re usually easy to repair without professional help. Don’t worry—I’ll offer my MacBook Pro speaker crackling troubleshooting and how to fix “MacBook Pro speakers crackling” issue in this article. Following my instructions and advice will restore crystal-clear audio without interruptions. Let’s investigate and restore your MacBook Pro speakers’ performance!
Causes of the “MacBook Pro speakers crackling” issue
- Software Issues: MacBook Pro software might cause speaker crackling. This may be caused to audio driver bugs or software problems.
- Hardware Issues: Speaker or internal component damage might cause crackling. This can happen via harsh handling, dropping the laptop, or moisture.
- Dust and Debris: Dust can build up within the MacBook Pro, notably around the speakers. This buildup can cause speaker malfunctions including crackling.
- Audio Settings: Misconfigured audio might potentially cause speaker difficulties. For instance, high volume or audio improvements might cause distortion and crackling.
- Overloading the System: Running too many apps or playing HD audio files on an older MacBook Pro model might strain resources and cause the speakers to crackle.
- Age and Wear: Like any technological item, MacBook Pro speakers degrade with use. Wear and tear can cause audio cracking or distortion. If you want to get more fixes, than you can visit apple official site.
How to fix “MacBook Pro speakers crackling” issue
Update macOS

- Click on Apple menu at the top left corner of your screen.
- Choose “System Preferences” and then “Software Update.”
- If updates are available, click “Update Now” to install.
- This could include both software updates and security patches that might fix the speaker crackling issue.
Check the Sound Settings
- Open “System Preferences” from Apple menu.
- Tab on “Sound,” then select “Output” tab.
- Ensure your internal speakers are selected.
- Adjust the balance slider to the middle to ensure there’s no bias to one side that might cause distortion.
Reset the NVRAM or PRAM
- Shut down your MacBook Pro.
- Press power button, then immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R keys.
- Release keys after about 20 seconds. For Macs with a startup chime, you can release after the second chime.
- For models with Apple T2 Security Chip, release after the Apple logo appears and disappears for the second time.
Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)
- Shut down your MacBook Pro.
- Press Shift + Control + Option on left side of the keyboard, then press the power button at the same time.
- Hold these keys for about 10 seconds.
- Release all keys, then press power button to turn on the MacBook Pro.
Use Safe Mode
- Restart your MacBook Pro and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
- Release the Shift key when you see the login window.
- Test your speakers in Safe Mode.
- If issue persists, it might not be related to your user account’s settings or login items.
Create a New User Account
- Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Click lock icon and enter your password.
- Click the plus icon to add a new user with administrative privileges.
- Log out from your current account and log into new account to test the speakers.
Contact Apple Support
- If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it might be a sign of underlying hardware problems.
- Contact Apple Support official website or visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider for a professional diagnosis and potential repair.
Conclusion
Crackling speakers on your MacBook Pro can cause frustration and worry. You may question what’s causing this sound distortion and how to get your device’s crisp, clear audio back. Navigating this issue frequently requires researching several options and knowing your own position. Crackling speakers on your MacBook Pro force you to explore its features. It lets you learn, problem-solve, and connect with other users. By solving this problem, you improve your technical skills and confirm your dedication to using your MacBook Pro to its fullest.
Questions and Answers
If your MacBook speaker crackles, you may not have installed all the software updates. Device macOS update: Select General > Software Update in System Settings. If your Mac finds software updates, click Update Now.
Unfortunately, only stereo speakers are available. You should run Apple Diagnostics. If it claims no fault identified, you may not believe it, but if it indicates speaker error or degradation, it’s probably wrong.
From Control Panel, select Hardware and Sound, then Sound. Hold (or right-click) Default Device on the Playback tab and select Properties. Change the setting under Default Format on the Advanced page, click OK, and test your audio equipment.