MacBook Audio Crackling? Here’s How to Fix Sound Glitches for Good

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1. MacBook Speakers Crackling or Popping? Not What You Paid For 🎧

You’re listening to music, watching a video, or on a Zoom call — and suddenly, the sound cracks. A static noise. A pop. Or worse, it stutters every few seconds. If your MacBook audio is crackling, it’s distracting and frustrating — especially on a premium device.

Fortunately, this isn’t usually a hardware failure. Sound glitches on Mac are often tied to macOS settings, background load, or driver issues. Let’s break down the causes and how to fix them — whether you use internal speakers, headphones, or Bluetooth audio.

MacBook audio crackling fix

2. Why MacBook Audio Crackles, Pops or Cuts Out 🔊

Most sound issues on Mac come from a few common causes:

  • macOS sound output bugs (especially after system updates)
  • Background apps overloading the CPU/GPU
  • Conflicts with Bluetooth or USB audio drivers
  • Sample rate mismatches between system and audio device
  • Interference from syncing or antivirus tools

3. Start with a Reboot (Yes, It Actually Helps)

It sounds basic, but many audio glitches are temporary. Rebooting can reset core audio services and fix minor corruption — especially if the issue appeared after waking from sleep or switching devices.

4. Check System Sound Output Settings 🎚️

Go to System Settings → Sound → Output. Make sure:

  • You’ve selected the correct audio output (MacBook speakers, headphones, etc.)
  • Balance is centered
  • “Output volume” is set correctly

Click “Sound Effects” and test for popping. If audio cuts or cracks here, the issue is likely system-wide.

5. Reset CoreAudio via Terminal 🧠

If crackling persists, restart macOS’s audio engine. Open Terminal and type:

sudo killall coreaudiod

Enter your password. Audio will stop briefly, then restart clean. This fixes audio glitches in 90% of cases without rebooting.

6. Disconnect Bluetooth Devices and Reconnect 🔁

If you’re using AirPods or other wireless headphones:

  • Go to System Settings → Bluetooth → Turn Off
  • Wait 5 seconds, then turn it back on
  • Reconnect your device manually

Try disabling “Automatic Ear Detection” in AirPods settings if crackling happens randomly.

7. Change Audio Sample Rate (Advanced Fix)

In rare cases, the sample rate set in macOS doesn’t match what the hardware expects:

  • Applications → Utilities → Audio MIDI Setup
  • Select your current output
  • Try switching to 44,100 Hz or 48,000 Hz

This can reduce pops and crackles caused by timing mismatches.

8. Reduce Background Load to Prevent Audio Stutter

Audio playback requires precise timing. If your Mac is under heavy CPU/GPU load, stuttering is likely. Use Activity Monitor to identify apps consuming too many resources — and close the ones you don’t need during playback.

Extra Tip 💡

If audio crackles only during video calls, check your Zoom/Teams settings. Disable “Automatically adjust mic volume” and “Noise suppression” (try “low”) — these features sometimes clash with macOS audio drivers.

🚀 Eliminate Audio Crackling for Good with AppHalt

AppHalt prevents sound glitches by intelligently pausing background apps that interfere with macOS audio.
✅ Lower CPU usage during playback
✅ Stop syncing tools and background agents from interrupting audio
✅ Improve streaming and video call stability

📥 Want crystal-clear sound on your MacBook — every time? Download AppHalt now and enjoy glitch-free audio from now on.

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