How to Fix Static Noise in Bluetooth Devices?

Bluetooth devices are susceptible to external noise and interference. While they use frequency hopping to minimize these issues, congested radio spectrums can still cause problems, especially in environments with numerous Bluetooth devices, such as cars equipped with Bluetooth transmitters.

The static sound you hear on Bluetooth devices is mainly due to signal-based issues arising from factors like exceeding the safe range or low battery levels. This guide outlines the possible steps to isolate and resolve the issue. If all else fails, try using a different device on either end to identify the culprit.

Similar to tuning an old television set to an empty channel with no transmission signal, you’ll see a random flicker of fuzzy zigzags accompanied by a crackling, hissing sound, also known as white noise or static sound. These can be considered ‘audio artifacts.’ This particular type of sound is commonly found in Bluetooth audio devices when—like the television set—the radio signals are out of reach.

↪ Why Does it Happen?

In Bluetooth devices, this crackling sound is primarily caused when the device is out of range of the receiver, or when external signals within the same band cause interference. However, this is extremely rare with modern Bluetooth standards. Below are the possible factors that can cause disturbing static noise within your audio device and how to fix them accordingly.

1) Adjust the Device’s Fit

In the simplest of solutions, try to adjust your headset or earbuds’ position, as they may not be making proper contact with your ears. Most earbuds nowadays come with in-ear detection, which uses built-in sensors to detect when the device is inserted or removed from the user’s ears. This can sometimes cause an issue if the fit is not correct and can lead to distorted or static noise.

In the case of a speaker, if adjusting its position, meaning pulling it closer to the audio source, fixes the issue, the cause is likely linked to the device’s range. Before trying any advanced fixes, check to see if changing the fit or position solves the issue.

2) Reduce Distance to Connected Devices

While this mainly applies to older Bluetooth protocols, if you’re experiencing a lot of static from your audio device, try to move both the receiver and transmitter closer together to see if that makes a difference. Bluetooth 5.4, the most recent standard, has a range of more than a whopping 800 ft, which is a significant improvement over the 30-50 ft range of older iterations.

Whether you’re using a Bluetooth transmitter or an audio headset, move the source closer to the device for a more accurate signal, and check to see if there is a difference in the intensity of static noise heard. In most cases, this should solve the issue, but if not, move on to the next step.

3) Restart to Re-Pair Devices

In the case of connection issues or problems relating to the device’s range, if the user has walked out of the safe range and returned, the device should auto-connect. However, if it leads to a hissing, static noise, the issue could lie in the connection itself, which might have weakened.

To isolate the issue, move both devices closer and re-pair the devices so that the connection is re-established properly. Once this is done, recheck to see if the issue persists. This can also be addressed by restarting the Bluetooth discovery mode on either device if both classify each other as a “trusted Bluetooth device.”

READ MORE: How to Fix Bluetooth Paired but Not Connected Issue ➜

4) Check the Device’s Battery Level

Most Bluetooth audio devices have a dedicated audible cue for low battery levels. This is to ensure that the device is plugged back in to charge. Since some headsets and earbuds activate a low-power mode when this happens, the audio quality might suffer, and as a result of a weak connection, static noise may be heard.

The crackling sound isn’t an indication of low battery levels but rather suggests that the Bluetooth receiver or the audio codec is having issues decoding the signal on the receiving end.

5) Disable All Audio Enhancements

If you have any audio enhancements or software alterations applied to sound coming from your Bluetooth device, turn them off. While static sound isn’t directly linked to these enhancements, it is important to note that any sort of additional processing on the audio induces additional load on the audio pipeline, and subsequently, affects the sound output from the device.

If you’re hearing a lot of static sound, turn off all audio enhancement processes to ensure that the output is more direct, and even if it doesn’t fully eliminate the crackling sound, it at least rules out one of the possible reasons for the issue.

6) Look for Physical Damage

In wired audio, static noise is heard when there is an issue with the device’s wires or the driver itself, and the same can be said for Bluetooth devices to some extent. Look for any physical damage on your device, whether it’s a wireless earbud, headset, or audio transmitter.

The best way to diagnose or isolate the issue is to pair a different device to the same source and check to see if the issue persists. If the crackling sound returns, the issue most likely lies in the audio source and not the device.

7) Update Audio Drivers and Device Firmware

If none of the other solutions work, look for any available driver or firmware updates for your device. Usually, a software bug or glitch causes issues with the Bluetooth connection. At times, this can result in a persistent, frustrating static noise.

If you’re using wireless earbuds, check the manufacturer’s website or app for updates. If the source in question is a PC, laptop, or even a car’s infotainment system, look for driver updates within the operating system itself.

READ MORE: How to Fix Audio Crackling / Distorting in Windows? ➜