Wireless headphones can sometimes emit unwanted sounds or interference due to radio frequency interference from other wireless devices, surrounding electromagnetic disturbances, or limitations related to the wireless technology used.
Our wireless headphones use radio waves to communicate. The thing is, they are not the only ones doing it: Wi-Fi, mobile phones, and even some household appliances (like a microwave!) also emit electromagnetic waves. When several devices use the same frequency band in a confined space, it gets a bit tricky: the signals can mix or interfere with each other. The result is what you might hear as crackling or unpleasant interruptions in your sound. Basically, the more devices there are around, the more your headphones can pick up unwanted signals.
The range of Bluetooth is often limited to about ten meters on average. So, as soon as you move a little too far away from your smartphone, the connection becomes unstable and crackles. Even without a great distance, some physical obstacles like walls, furniture, or your own body can interfere with the connection, resulting in choppy or poor-quality sound. The more obstacles you put between your headphones and your device, the harder it is for your headphones, causing annoying dropouts or interference.
The sound quality of your headphones largely depends on the Bluetooth version they use. If you have older Bluetooth (like Bluetooth 2 or 3), it compresses the sound more, which can sometimes cause small crackling or metallic sounds. With newer versions (Bluetooth 5 or higher), you gain stability, range, and audio quality. The same goes for codecs, which are essentially the ways in which sound is encoded and then transmitted: some headphones compatible with aptX, AAC, or LDAC will ensure much better audio transmission. If your smartphone is very recent but your headphones are a bit outdated technologically, they might not always speak the same language and could produce some annoying disturbances. Conversely, if both of your devices share the same standards and codecs, that's clearly where you get the best audio results.
Sometimes, it's simply your pair of earbuds that has a technical issue. If the Bluetooth antennas or internal circuits are damaged or poorly connected due to a manufacturing defect, you may hear crackling or buzzing. The same goes for the internal speakers: a poorly attached or vibrating membrane can generate annoying little sounds. Other times, it's the battery that malfunctions: unstable current due to a faulty battery can also disrupt the sound quality of what you're listening to. These hardware defects are not very common, but they clearly explain why some brand new earbuds sometimes produce unwanted noise or other audio inconveniences.
If you choose a sound profile or quirky equalizer settings, your earbuds may distort or crackle. For example, overly boosting the low frequencies pushes the hardware to its limits and quickly produces unpleasant artifacts. The same goes for the volume: cranking up the sound to the max causes the audio signal to distort quickly, which is a real torture for your ears! Even audio codecs can cause issues: an incompatible or poorly configured codec can sometimes generate micro-cuts and strange sounds that are not pleasant at all. Properly readjusting all of this often makes many of these annoying problems disappear.
Keeping your headphones and your paired device (smartphone, tablet) on the same side of your body can significantly reduce Bluetooth signal interference.
Did you know that Bluetooth 5 not only offers an extended range but also better resistance to interference compared to previous versions? Check which version your device uses for an enhanced audio experience!
When your wireless earbuds suddenly start producing unusual sounds, a simple reset can often restore optimal audio quality in many cases.
Did you know that metal objects in your environment can reflect or block Bluetooth signals, leading to audio interruptions or instabilities? So, try to avoid being surrounded by too many metal objects while listening.
You can improve your connection by reducing the distance between devices or by avoiding thick obstacles such as walls or metal furniture. Temporarily disabling other nearby Bluetooth devices can also reduce interference.
Even high-end brands can sometimes experience interference, as it mainly involves physical phenomena related to the environment. However, advanced design, a better Bluetooth antenna, and more efficient audio codecs can significantly minimize these inconveniences.
Some material defects, such as internal connectivity issues, are difficult for a user without technical knowledge to resolve. It is generally recommended to contact the manufacturer or seek a professional for these repairs.
Yes, your phone can cause these interferences if the Bluetooth is damaged, if the phone's software is not up to date, or if certain background applications are disrupting the audio transmission. Try restarting your phone, updating its software, or closing unnecessary apps.
Public places are generally saturated with electromagnetic waves from Wi-Fi networks, other Bluetooth devices, and various electrical appliances. This abundance of signals can occasionally cause interference or crackling in your headphones.
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