How to Fix Static Noise In Headphones? (Quick Fixes To Try!)

Discover the most common causes of static in your headphones. And the most effective methods for getting rid of that annoying buzz. One of the most inconvenient things is wanting to sit down and listen to some great music but only hearing static noise in headphones or intermittent audio playback.

Worse, no matter how much you fiddle with your headphones or audio device, you just can't figure out what's causing the problem. How will you get rid of the annoying static and buzzing noises?

Fortunately, we've created a comprehensive guide that covers all of the possible causes and solutions for getting rid of static in your headphones for various devices. Each method is dependent on the root cause of the problem, so it's critical that you understand what's going on before you start troubleshooting.

WHY DO I HEAR STATIC IN MY HEADPHONES?

It’s important for you to know that there are a few possible causes or reasons as to why there is static noise coming from your headphones. Knowing the initial cause of the problem can change the way you address the issue with your DIY repair solutions.

Below are some of the possible causes of static noise and how you can troubleshoot this problem accordingly.

1. Loose or Disconnected Wires

Although most headphones are well-made, there is a chance that the internal wiring of the headphones has been damaged. This could be another cause of static in your headphones. The internal headphone wires are at their weakest point when connected to the 3.5mm audio jack.

Some people have a habit of tugging on the area just below the plastic casing of the jack, causing the internal wires to become loose or disconnected. Always keep your wired headphones on the audio jack when connecting or disconnecting them from a device. Don't pull on the wire.

If you have the proper tools at hand and want to know how to fix the static noise due to your headphone wires, refer to this detailed guide on fixing headphone wires to make the necessary repairs.

2. Auxiliary Port Issues

Another possibility is that the static noise is caused by the audio port of your playback device. This usually occurs when the inside of the device's auxiliary port becomes dirty and oxidized, affecting the audio quality of your headphones.

To resolve the issue, simply clean the auxiliary port until the dirt is removed and the scratchy static noise is no longer audible. Follow our guide on how to fix a loose headphone jack to learn how to do it quickly.

3. Damaged Headphone Speaker

Checking the hardware of your headphones should be the first step in troubleshooting so you don't waste time fiddling with the settings of your audio device. To determine whether damaged headphone speakers are the cause of static in your headphones, simply plug them into a reliable audio playback device that you know works properly and listen to see if the static noise is still audible.

If the sound persists, it is most likely due to a hardware problem with your headphones. It might be best to look for replacement headphones or use your headphone's warranty if it is still valid.

4. Static Noise From Wireless Headsets

Static on your wireless headphones is more common than you might think. It's worth noting that using wireless headphones increases your chances of hearing static or buzzing sounds caused by interference from other devices or objects in the vicinity.

You can avoid this by ensuring that there are no obstacles between your Bluetooth headphones and the audio device. Things like a metal desk or wearing headphones in another room can have an impact on connectivity and overall sound quality.

5. Wrong Audio Settings

In some cases, the main cause of static in your headphones is not the headphones themselves, but rather incorrect audio settings on your playback device.

So, if you've determined that the headphone static isn't caused by loose wiring, faulty headphone speaker hardware, aux port issues, or Bluetooth frequency interferences, you might be able to solve the problem by changing the settings on your audio playback device.

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Other Troubleshooting Options for Mac:

If the above steps don’t work, try this.

• Go to Applications > Utilities folder > Audio MIDI Setup. 
• On the list of available devices shown on the left of your screen, right-click on the “Built-in Output” option.
• Select “Use this device for output”.

HOW TO FIX HEADPHONE STATIC NOISE ISSUE ON YOUR PC?

There are a number of approaches and methods you can try to fix static noise on your headphones when using them with a Windows 10 computer.

Each corresponding approach is highly dependent on the specific problem causing the static sounds, so before making permanent changes to your computer, be absolutely certain of what's causing the issue.

1. Repair or Update Corrupted Drivers

The main cause of static noise on your headphones may be corrupt or outdated drivers. To resolve the issue, take the following steps:

1. To open the registry editor, press “Windows key + R” and then type “regedit.” If a Windows prompt appears, select “Yes.”
2. Go to this section of the registry.
3. You should see “UpperFilters” on the right side. Simply right-click on it and select “Delete.”
4. Restart your computer after closing the registry editor.

If that doesn't solve the problem and the static noise persists, try the following:

1. To open the device manager, press “Windows key + S,” then type “Device Manager” and click “Open.”
2. Uninstall ALL items labeled as controllers by expanding Universal Serial Bus controllers.
3. Restart your computer after closing the device manager.

2. Replace CPU Fan and/or Power Supply

Static noises can occur when your computer becomes too hot and requires more power to operate than usual.

That’s why replacing your old CPU fan to provide more effective cooling and/or replacing the power supply to provide your computer with more overall power can be a viable solution to getting rid of the buzzing or static noises from your headphones.

Replacing the CPU Fan

1. Disconnect the fan cable from the motherboard.
2. Unscrew the old fan from the computer case and unplug the cables with a Phillips head screwdriver. If the replacement fan does not come with new screws, feel free to reuse the old ones.
3. With one hand, place the new fan in the proper mounting position. When the screws line up with the holes in the case, you'll know it's in the right place.
4. With the other hand, screw the fan into place and connect the cables.
5. Check to see if the static noise has gone away.

3. Replacing The Power Supply

1. Unplug all power cables from the motherboard, hard drives, CD/DVD burners, and any other components.
2. Unscrew the old power supply from the computer case and lift it out with a Phillips head screwdriver.
3. Before installing the new power supply on your computer, connect it to a wall outlet to ensure that the fan is operational.
4. Place the new power supply in the appropriate location and screw it in place, while also connecting the cables to the appropriate locations.
5. Reconnect the power cord and plug your computer back in to turn it back on.
6. Check to see if the static noise has gone away.

4. Change the Current Audio Format

There's also the possibility that the current audio output format isn't ideal for the headphones you're using. Simply follow these simple steps to change the audio format.

1. To open the control panel, press “Windows key + S,” then type “Control Panel,” and then click “Open.”
2. Go to Hardware, then Sound, and finally Sound.
3. Right-click on Speakers under the Playback tab, then select Properties.
4. Navigate to the Advanced tab and change the audio format under Default Format. Click OK, then Apply.

5. Disable All Sound Enhancements

Static noise in your headphones can also be caused by sound enhancements. By disabling them, you will be able to eliminate the crackling or buzzing sounds entirely.

1. To open the control panel, press “Windows key + S,” then type “Control Panel,” and then click “Open.”
2. Go to Hardware, then Sound, and finally Sound.
3. Right-click on Speakers under the Playback tab, then select Properties.
4. Navigate to the Enhancements tab and check the box next to “Disable all sound effects” under System Effects Configuration. Click OK, then Apply.

6. Try the Windows Audio Troubleshooter

Windows also includes a troubleshooter to help you troubleshoot specific issues. Simply launch the appropriate troubleshooter, and it will handle the issue on its own.

1. To access the computer settings, press “Windows key + S,” then type “Settings,” and then click “Open.”
2. Navigate to Update and Security, then to the Troubleshoot tab on the left side of the screen.
3. Click on Playing Audio, then Run the Troubleshooter, under “Get up and running.”

Alternative Video: How To Remove The Static Buzzing Noise In Headphones?

HOW TO FIX HEADPHONE STATIC NOISE ISSUE ON YOUR IPHONE?

Experiencing static noises using iPhones is very uncommon (with the exception of iPhone 8), with most users having no problems after being able to install the latest iOS patch. If you still experience this problem, here’s what you should do in order to get rid of the static noise on your iPhone.

1. Do a Soft Reset

Turning on and off your iPhone is a simple, yet effective, solution to the problem. This is how you do it:

1. Hold the iPhone's Power Button for a few seconds until you see the “Slide to Power Off” screen.
2. To turn off your iPhone, drag the slider to the right.
3. Wait about a minute, then press and hold the Power Button for a few seconds until you see the Apple logo.
4. Check to see if the static problem still exists.

2. Check for Debris (for iPhones With Headphone Jack)

With repeated use, dirt and debris can accumulate in your headphones or earphones, affecting the overall sound that you hear. It's always a good idea to keep your devices clean in order to avoid this problem.

1. Examine the audio port on your iPhone for any dirt or debris.
2. Examine your headphone cable and audio jack for signs of wear and tear.
3. Look for dirt or debris in the meshes of your headphone speakers or earbuds. Clear out each opening carefully with a soft-bristled brush until no debris remains.
4. Reconnect your headphones to your iPhone. Remove the iPhone case if you're using one to ensure a tight and snug fit.

3. Turn the “Do Not Disturb” Feature Off

The Do Not Disturb (DND) feature is a very useful feature that most people use to mute calls, notifications, and sounds that you would normally receive while your iPhone is locked. It can be used to set a time limit for when you can receive calls and notifications.

However, with DND enabled, your iPhone may behave differently at times. If you hear static noises while using DND, it may be best to disable the feature. This is how you do it:

1. Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Select the Do Not Disturb option.
3. To turn it off, press the toggle button.

4. Close All Running Apps in the Background

Having multiple apps running in the background is useful for multitasking, but it can cause issues if any of those apps' processes becomes corrupted or crashes. To avoid this, it's best to close all apps that aren't in use and leave them in standby mode. Here's how you do it:

1. Press and hold the Home button for a few seconds to bring up the App Switcher.
2. Swipe up on the app's preview to preview it, then flick it up the screen to exit the process.

5. Restore the iPhone

This is typically reserved for more complex software issues with your iPhone, such as a faulty software update. There are three types of iPhone software restoration that you can perform, and the instructions for each are provided below.

1. Normal iOS Restore
2. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Open iTunes and select the device button (which resembles a phone) near the top left corner of the iTunes window.
4. To begin the process of restoring your iPhone to a previous state, go to Summary, then Restore.
5. To fully restore the device, follow the onscreen instructions.

6. Recovery Mode Restore

To do Recovery Mode Restore, you simply have to put your iPhone in recovery mode before proceeding with the same steps as the standard iOS restore. Here’s how to put your iPhone in recovery mode:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer. 
2. Open iTunes.
3. Press and release the Volume Up and then the Volume Down button.
4. Press and hold the side button until you see that your iPhone is in recovery mode.

7. DFU Mode Restore

The DFU mode restore is the most comprehensive type of restore and is typically performed only by Apple technicians and professionals. When your iPhone is in DFU mode, it can communicate with iTunes without having to boot up its operating system.

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Launch iTunes.
3. While your iPhone is connected, use it to put it into DFU mode.
4. Press and hold the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons at the same time.
5. Hold down the side button on your iPhone until you see the iTunes icon.
6. On the pop-up window that appears on your computer, select “Restore.”

HOW TO FIX HEADPHONE STATIC NOISE ISSUE ON YOUR ANDROID DEVICE?

If your Android device has been dropped or has gotten wet (if the phone isn’t water-resistant) recently and you noticed a static noise that just won’t go away, then it is most likely a hardware issue that needs to be addressed. However, if none of those happened and you’ve properly taken care of your device, then proceed with the following fixes.

1. Install the Latest Software Updates

Software bugs are not uncommon, and they can sometimes degrade your Android device's overall performance and cause static noises in your audio. It's always a good idea to keep your Android device up to date with the latest software updates to avoid such problems. Here's how to go about it.

1. Navigate to the Settings menu on your Android device.
2. Go to Settings > About Phone.
3. If you select System Update, your phone will be updated with the most recent software version, if one is available.

2. Turn Wi-Fi Off and Switch to Mobile Data

If you experience the static noise problem when you’re streaming videos online, then the problem may be due to overloaded Wi-Fi. Simply switch over to mobile data if possible.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Head to Connections.
3. Click on WiFi and turn the slider off.
4. Scroll down and click on Data usage.
5. Go to Mobile Data and turn the slider on.

3. Do a Factory Reset

When you perform a factory reset, you are essentially wiping everything from your phone and starting over as if it were brand new. Before proceeding with these instructions, make a backup of all of your important photos, videos, and files.

1. Select General Management from the Settings menu.
2. Select Reset.
3. Check that all relevant apps are listed before clicking Reset.

HOW TO PREVENT STATIC NOISE IN YOUR HEADPHONES?

While software glitches and hardware issues with the audio source can often happen without warning, there are some preventative measures and best practices you can do in order to minimize the occurrence of static noise in your headphones.

1. Clean your headphones jack and port regularly

Cleaning the audio jack on your headphones and the auxiliary port on your audio device on a regular basis can help prevent the buildup of dust and debris, which is one of the more common causes of static noises.

Simply take a cotton bud or Q-tip and rip off the excess cotton until the wad is small enough to fit inside your audio device's auxiliary port. Soak a cotton bud lightly in isopropyl alcohol (preferably control/contact cleaner/lubricant if you have it), then clean the inside of the auxiliary port of your headphones' playback and audio jack.

2. Always check your headphone wires

With continued use, headphone wires are prone to loosening or becoming damaged, which can result in static noise. Examine sections of the wire for damage, particularly the connection with the headphones' 3.5mm audio jack.

When inserting or removing a wire from an aux port, always grab it by the headphone jack rather than the wire itself. As a result, your headphones will be protected from a variety of potential issues. Some of these issues include headphones that only work on one side or headphones that have short circuits.

3. Consider an upgrade

If you’ve been using the same pair of headphones for several years now, then it may be possible that it is simply time for you to consider upgrading into a newer device. 

Experiencing audio problems such as static noise is normal for headphones that have been in use for a long time. It is the natural degradation of the product, and if you don’t want to deal with such issues, then it might be best to just get a new pair of headphones.

CONCLUSION

With this guide, you can quickly resolve your issue and eliminate static noises on your headphones. You can rest easy knowing what the root causes of static noises are and how to address those specific problems, whether you're using headphones on your phone or computer.

Hopefully, this guide has assisted you in saying good-by to headphone static. However, if you start having other headphone issues, bookmark our ultimate guide to fixing broken headphones.

Were you successful in resolving the issue and getting rid of the static noise from your headphones? Do you require any additional assistance? Please let us know in the comments section below! We'll be happy to provide you with additional information about any issue you may be experiencing.

FAQs About Static Noise In Headphones