I have co-dependency issues, and my AirPods are the living proof of it. Technically, they are not living, but I am attached to them more than any living being. Wanting to upgrade my experience, I got myself the AirPods Pro.
However, all good things come to an end, and this is what happened to me as well. Soon, I noticed that my AirPods Pro were making a crackling sound whenever I moved.
Since I am a busy person, I am moving all the time, and this crackling sound caused a big disturbance. So, what are the causes of it, and how can you solve it? Here is everything you need to know about this issue.
3 Reasons Why AirPods Pro Crackling Sound When Moving
Noise Cancellation And Transparency Are On
Since AirPods come with numerous fancy features, I like to put them to best use. Like I almost always have my noise cancellation and transparency on for better spatial features. However, when you have these on, then there can be an issue with the noise, which makes you hear the crackling sound distinctly.
To fix this situation, you need to turn off the noise-canceling or transparency and keep it off. If this doesn’t solve the problem, then try out other solutions that I have recommended.
Extremely Old AirPods
Sorry to tell you, but if you are using extremely old AirPods, then there is a high probability that they will make a crackling sound. Even Apple itself claims this problem and accepts that AirPods made before 2020 make a crackling sound.
If you have got your AirPods before 2020, you are likely to experience this, but there is a solution to resolve this. Since Apple noticed so many customers having the same problem, they announced the Apple AirPods Pro Announcement Program.
This program is basically for users who have AirPods from before 2020 to replace them for free. To avail this offer, you can go and check on he official website or talk to a trusted Apple Store employee.
AirPods Not Updated
If your AirPods are not updated, then you may hear a crackling sound. When my AirPods are not updated, I can hear all kinds of crackling sounds. Unfortunately, this is not the only problem that I face, but there are also a lot of other issues that happen if your AirPods are not updated.
I have heard so many people wonder if they need to update their AirPods as well. The answer to that is yes, you have to, or else the AirPods firmware can get old and weary. To regularly update your AirPods’ firmware, just keep them fully charged and connected to their paired device every so often.
How To Fix The Crackling Sound Of Your AirPods
Clean Your AirPods
Often, the solution is not very technical or advanced, and you only need to take simple steps like this to fix your problem. I use my AirPods a lot on a daily basis, so I always keep them and their charging case clean.
If you are an avid user of AirPods as well, then you need to keep them clean. If there is dirt or debris in the AirPods or in the charging case, then they will not function properly. So, get a microfiber cloth, clean it properly, and see the crackling sound disappear like magic.
Change The EarTips
If you have AirPods Pro, then you will notice that they come with different ear tips. AirPods 2 Pro come with four different eartips, while AirPods 1 Pro come with three different eartips. In any case, you can change the ear tips and use the one that fits you the best for improved audio quality.
The purpose of offering multiple ear tips is to enrich the listening qualities of users. Of course, you can see their size and be the judge of it, but you can also see X, L, M, and S written on the edge of each ear tip for clarity. In my experience, changing these ear tips has helped me get rid of the crackling sound and get better audio quality.
Change The Source Of Audio
There have been times when I hear this particular crackling sound while using one app and not the other. For example, maybe you hear the crackling sound when you are listening to YouTube audiobooks; however, you do not hear it when you are listening to songs from the music library.
In such a case, you only have one option, which is to restart your phone. Be patient since the problem is not within your AirPods but within the app; you have to wait for it to be fixed or rely on something else to be entertained.
Keep the Audio Device Nearby
AirPods can work up to a decent distance, but if your main audio source is very far away, then you should bring it closer to you. If your audio source is very far, then there can be Bluetooth interference from other devices, which can make this crackling sound.
I have especially noticed this with AirPods from the first generation. Needless to say, these models of AirPods are quite old, and keeping them far from the audio source can cause a disturbance in the audio output.
Reset Or Restart
Finally, it comes to the last solution, which is either resetting your AirPods or restarting your iPhone. To reset your AirPods, click on the setup button at the end of the charging case and hold it for 15 seconds.
Final Thoughts
Coming from someone who considers her AirPods to be her best friend, I know how frustrating it can be to hear the crackling sound every time you move. Being a diligent user of AirPods, these are the only reasons why this could happen in the first place. With my solutions, I am sure you will find a fix for it.
However, if you don’t, then unfortunately, you have to go to AppleCare, as professionals, they can be of more help. Fixing the cracking sound of AirPods does come under the Apple Warranty. Hence, they will try their best to fix it, and if there is no solution, then they will replace the AirPods that are causing the problem. By now, you know this problem is not permanent and there is a cure for it right around the corner.
