Common Fixes for Crackling Car, TV, Phone & Computer Speakers
Check the cables. A partially unplugged audio cable is commonly the culprit, so unplug your speakers and plug them in again to ensure they are snugly inserted into the ports on the back of your speaker and whatever they are plugged into. Make sure the power cable is also plugged in fully.
Visually inspect the cables for damage. You don't want any weird kinks or bends in your cables to get the best sound; you also don't want any frayed or exposed wiring. If the wire is compromised, replace it.
Ensure your audio drivers are updated (computer only). Outdated drivers can cause a mess of problems, including a crackling speaker. On most Windows and Mac computers, you can simply run a system update and it will update any outdated drivers.
Adjust the output format (Windows computers only). This is most common if your speaker or headset has multiple channels; you need to make sure the right output format is selected. To do this, right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar (Windows), select Sound settings and select your speakers. In the "Properties" window, lower or raise the format (bit rate), and click Test to see if any changes affect the sound.
Turn off audio enhancements (Windows computers only). Some audio enhancements may be messing with your speakers and making the sound distorted, so check that this setting is Off under "Advanced settings" if changing the output settings didn't work.
Adjust the atmospheric pressure (phones only). Some phones will have crackling and distorted speaker sounds if the atmospheric pressure inside and outside the phone is different. This can happen after a flight, for example. Fix this by opening the SIM slot, letting the phone equalize, and closing the SIM slot again.
Move the speakers (external speakers). Something near them can be causing interference. Remember in the early to mid-2000s when a cell phone that was about to ring caused nearby speakers to make a weird sound? It's the same concept. Potential interfering sources includes: power outlets, routers, phones, microwaves, and radio towers. You can also purchase shielding for the cables of your speakers that will minimize interference from other devices.
Clean your speakers. Whether your TV, phone/tablet, computer, or car speakers are cracking, you need to clean them. Use a soft brush or a Q-tip to get rid of dust and debris that can be affecting your speaker.
Check the cables inside the speaker. If you're confident in your DIY ability to take it apart and put it back together afterward, you can dissemble your speaker for an inside look at cables or extra dust to clean. Look for loose cables, rust, or caked debris that could be causing the crackling sounds. If you aren't confident in your ability to do all that, you can bring the speaker in for repair.
Replace or repair your speaker. You might have a blown speaker from improper use. You might be able to fix a blown speaker or you might need to replace it.
Main Cause for Crackling Speakers
The main cause for crackling speakers is an interrupted electrical current. This can happen for various reasons, the most frequent being a bad connection. However, less obvious factors can be at fault, like interference from other devices and outdated drivers.
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