Chromecast Audio Crackling? – Here’s How to Fix

Looking for a quick and easy fix when Chromecast audio crackling? We’ve got you covered!

The Google Chromecast is a fantastic device that allows users to wirelessly stream video and audio to a monitor or a TV with HDMI support.

Once connected the dongle will connect to a source device with the “Chromecast” technology and start broadcasting. 

• Well, what could go wrong? the audio of course…

The main reason why Chromecast’s audio is crackling is due to fluctuations in the WiFi or internet connectivity between your devices.

Also, the crackling might be inbuilt in the currently streaming media or simply, the monitor output speakers are producing issues.

Let’s jump straight into the solution guide!

How to Fix When Google Chromecast Crackling Audio?

Quick Tip:

If you are powering your Chromecast dongle by plugging it into the TV’s USB port, unplug it from the TV, and plug the Chromecast directly into a power outlet.

Sometimes the audio crackling appears because of a fault with the power supply, which might also impact the video.

1. Power Cycle Google Chromecast

Rebooting the Google Chromecast can be a quick fix for different issues, including crackling or popping sounds.

This method can clear all temporary glitches, refresh the device’s settings, and potentially restore Chromecast functionality to improve the overall audio experience.

Method #1 Reboot Using the Google Home Аpp:

Note: Connect your mobile device to the same Wi-Fi as your Chromecast Audio device. 

1. Launch the Google Home app on your mobile.
2. Locate and select your Chromecast device.
3. Tap on the Settings gear icon from the app.
4. Click on More (three-dots button) from the top right.
5. Tap on Reboot to reboot your Chromecast dongle.

Method #2 Reboot Using the Power Source:

1. Unplug the Chromecast dongle’s power adapter.
2. Allow the device to be unplugged for 3 to 5 minutes.
3. This will circulate the power and refresh all services.
4. Verify the integrity of the power source or wall outlet.
5. Plug the Chromecast adapter directly into the wall.

When the Chromecast is booted up completely, start casting to test for audio crackling!

2. Adjust the Cable Connections!

If your Chromecast dongle is not properly connected monitor or TV, hence the HDMI connection is loose or faulty, you would face audio distortion and crackling.

This is why you need to verify that the used HDMI cable and monitor port is intact and working.

Alert: Unplug your Chromecast from the outlet before checking the cable connection!

Checking the Chromecast HDMI Cable:

1. Disconnect the HDMI cable from the Chromecast dongle and TV.
2. Inspect the single HDMI connector for any damage or breakouts.
3. Select a different HDMI input port on your TV or HDMI monitor.
4. Go to the TV “Input” options and select the new HDMI input source.

Quick Tip: To ensure that the Chromecast HDMI cable is securely connected, try wiggling it from both ends to check for any looseness.

3. Switch to Another Power Source

Changing the power source for your Chromecast dongle can be an excellent troubleshooting step because electrical interference can affect the audio quality.

The crackling sound that you’ve been facing, could be a reflection of power inconsistency related to the wall outlet or source.

• Test your Chromecast audio when plugged into a different power outlet!

In addition, it’s likely that the audio crackling during a casting session is a result of a fault with one of the speakers connected to the monitor.

This is why we recommend testing whether the audio will be bad when outputted through the TV default speakers and not connected ones.

Info: If you’re outputting audio through a sound system, change the power source as well.

4. Tweak Chromecast Audio Settings

There are a few Chromecast settings in the Google Home app, which when misconfigured can produce crackling in the audio.

Those settings are the “Bass” and “Treble”, which must be set to a reasonable level, otherwise, you’ll be hearing audio distortions and crackling all of the time!

How to Adjust Chromecast Bass & Treble?

1. Open the Google Home app on your mobile device.
2. Touch your Chromecast for device-specific options.
3. Then, at the top, select Settings, then go to Audio.
4. Next, enter the “Equalizer” settings to tweak them.
5. Adjust the Bass and Treble level to test the audio.

With the new audio adjustments, start a casting session to determine whether there is any change in the outputted audio.

In case the crackling is still there, continue reading further!

5. Uplift the Internet/WiFi Connectivity!

One of the primary reasons why Chromecast audio crackling appears during casting is due to fluctuations in the WiFi or internet connectivity.

This is why it’s extremely important to verify that the WiFi connection used for the Chromecast is consistent, reliable, and strong.

The following methods can help you to uplift and optimize your internet and WiFi: 

• Install your Wi-Fi router in a central location away from other electronics.
• Reboot your WiFi router by unplugging it for 2 minutes from the power.
• Ensure that all the cable connection to the router is secure and tightened.
• Disconnect unused devices from your WiFi or leave only your Chromecast.
• Test your WiFi connection consistency by connecting your smartphone.

Optimizing and stabilizing your network settings can help you improve signal strength and decrease the chances of audio dropouts.

In case your WiFi is intact, continue with the next step!

Pro Tip: In case your internet suffers inconsistency, contact your ISP for more help!

6. Test Different Speakers & Media

By now, we’ve already excluded most of the potential issues, and we’re left with a few more factors to explore.

To get to the bottom of this, there are two types of audio tests that you can perform and determine whether the issue is because of the played media or the speakers.

• If possible, test casting with Chromecast on another TV or monitor!
• Test whether the audio crackling appears on everything you cast!
• Use a different device to cast video and audio onto your Chromecast.

Speakers Connected to TV?

In case you’ve got a soundbar system, headphones, or any device that outputs the Chromecast TV audio in an external way, you should try without it.

Every TV has built-in speakers which are the default audio output devices, so simply disconnect all speakers and test the raw audio.

Note: Audio output devices are typically connected via HDMI, AUX (3.5mm jack) or RCA cable!

7. Factory Reset the Chromecast

If none of the above solutions helped, then the final and most-powerful solution is the factory reset process on your Chromecast dongle.

The factory reset will ultimately unpair Chroemcast from your source device, and reset absolutely all settings to default.

If you’re unaware of how it’s done, follow the steps below to reset your Chromecast:

1. Open the Google Home app on your mobile.
2. Locate your Chromecast dongle device.
3. Press and hold on to the Chromecast’s tile.
4. Click on Settings from the top right > More.
5. Tap on Factory Reset and then Factory Reset.

The next step is to configure your Chromecast device with the Google Home app and then start a test cast session.

In case the audio continues to crack or is somehow distorted, perhaps there is an issue with the HDMI connector of the dongle, which requires technical support.

Need More Help?

If you require additional help or the problem persists, please contact Google Support.

In case you suspect that the HDMI connector on your Chromecast dongle is defective, feel free to check the device’s warranty and contact the local supplier for a replacement.

Best of luck!

Quick Recap:

When the Chromecast Audio crackling, power cycle the dongle, reconnect the HDMI to the port on your TV/monitor and tweak the audio settings from the Google Home app.

In case that doesn’t solve the audio crackling, perform a factory reset on your Chromecast. Visit us for more Chromecast troubleshooting guides!

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