That static sound coming from your wired headphone is often caused by a faulty audio cord, a bad plug-in, or an outdated Noise Cancellation feature.
For Bluetooth headphones, the static sound is often caused by a bad Bluetooth connection, signal interference, bad amplifier, or faulty sound card in your PC.
To stop the static sound, you need to find the cause. On your Windows PC, run the Windows Audio troubleshooter to find the cause. Then update the audio device driver and replace the sound card to fix the problem.
On your smartphone, reconnect the devices, clean the audio jack port, or reset the headphones. You should also check the Bluetooth and Sound settings on your devices.
Contents
What Causes Static Noises in Headphones?
Things that cause static noises in headphones, are as follows.
1. Faulty Cables
A faulty cable will cause static noises in wired headphones. Inspect the wire to see if it’s broken, damaged, or cut and replace it if you can. Some headphones don’t allow wire replacement, so you must replace the headphones.
2. Bad Phone Case
A bad phone case can prevent a proper connection between the wired headphones and the phone. This can cause the wire to move and produce static sounds. The phone case shouldn’t cover the audio jack port. Try removing the phone case and check if the static sounds are gone.
3. Noise Cancellation Feature Is Outdated
An outdated noise cancellation feature can cause static (or similar) sounds in your headphones. Outdated noise-canceling technology might not be compatible with newer audio devices or software updates. This can lead to compatibility issues, connectivity issues, and static sounds.
Usually, the hissing (static sound) will stop once you play music if the issue is the noise-canceling feature.
Note: Wired headphones don’t have the best noise-cancellation feature.
4. You are Using a Bad Amplifier or DAC
A bad or low-quality amplifier or DAC can cause a hissing sound. DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) is an electronic device or circuit that converts digital audio signals into analog signals. If the DAC is low-quality, it will send low-quality audio signals to your device and cause static sounds.
Amplifiers can pick up electromagnetic interference from nearby electronic devices and cause static sounds. A bad or faulty amplifier, damaged wire (that connects the amplifier to the headphones), and improper grounding will cause static sounds.
5. Faulty PC
A faulty sound card in a PC can produce static sounds. The sound card processes and converts digital audio signals into analog signals that can be played through headphones. If the sound card is faulty or damaged, it can introduce different audio issues, including static or crackling noises.
To fix this, install the latest driver for your sound card.
6. A Third-Party App is Causing The Noise
A third-party application, such as Spotify or Youtube, can cause static sound. It’s recommended to change the music application to troubleshoot the issue.
7. Bad Bluetooth Connection
Out-of-range Bluetooth connection, interference, or a signal jammer can cause static sounds. It’s recommended to keep both devices within the Bluetooth range (10 meters or 30 feet) and avoid Bluetooth interference.
How To Fix Static Sound on Headphones for iPhone/Android?
To fix static sound on headphones for iPhone or Android, do the following.
1. Re-connect Bluetooth
Restarting or re-connecting Bluetooth can fix (or bypass) software issues that are causing static sounds.
To re-connect or restart Bluetooth, do the following.
- Go to Settings and locate Bluetooth Settings. On some devices, Bluetooth settings are located under Wireless Connections.
- Find the list of Paired Devices, find your “Headphones’ name”, and press the “ⓘ“. Then select Forget or Remove Device.
- Turn off the Bluetooth on both devices for a few seconds and turn it back on.
- Put your headphones on Pairing Mode and pair them to your phone.
2. Clean The Audio Jack Port
A dirty Audio Jack Port can lead to compatibility issues, connectivity issues, and static sounds. This is because the dirt will prevent proper contact between the Audio Jack Connector and Audio Jack Port.
To clean the Audio Jack Port, use Q-tips, a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol, or blow air inside it. Dip the Q-tip or cotton swab into rubbing alcohol, and use it to clean the inside of the port.
You can also rotate the headphones jack or push it inside more to see if that fixes the problem.
3. Avoid Bluetooth Interference
Bluetooth interference from nearby devices can cause static sounds and different connectivity issues. Bluetooth interference refers to the disruption or degradation of Bluetooth wireless communication caused by external factors or other devices operating on similar frequencies (2.4 GHz).
Move the headphones away from the devices or causes of Bluetooth interference.
Here are common causes of Bluetooth interference:
- Other wireless devices.
- Physical objects.
- Radio frequency interference.
- Crowded wireless environment.
- Electrical interference.
4. Close Other Apps
Running multiple apps on your device, especially audio apps can cause different sounds. One app very common for causing this is radio so ensure you aren’t running multiple audio-playing apps on your phone.
5. Check Audio Settings
Check the sound and audio settings on your device. Is the equalizer enabled? Check the sound balance settings too. You can switch between different audio settings to see if any stops the hissing sound.
How To Fix Static Sound on Headphones for PC?
To fix static sound on headphones for PC, do the following.
1. Run Windows Audio Troubleshooter
The Windows Audio Troubleshooter is a built-in diagnostic software in the Windows operating system that helps users identify and resolve audio-related issues. This software scans for errors on the audio card or connected device and recommends methods to how the issues (if any).
To use Windows Audio Troubleshooter, do the following.
- Go to Settings on your Windows PC.
- From the Settings menu, select Update and Security and select “Troubleshoot.”
- Wait for the pop-up menu. Then select Playing Audio and Run The Troubleshooter.
- If the software indicates any problem causing the hissing sound, follow the on-screen instructions on how to fix it.
2. Download and Update The Audio Driver
The Windows Audio Driver is a software component that enables communication between the operating system (such as Windows) and the audio sound card in a computer. If the Audio Driver is outdated, it can lead to compatibility problems, connectivity issues, and reduced performance, including static sounds.
To update the Windows Audio Driver, do the following.
- At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see the search column. Type Device Manager in the column and click once it shows.
- Locate and open the Sound, Video, and Game Controllers.
- Check for your audio device and right-click on it. You’ll see a list of options displayed on the screen. Pick Update Driver.
- You’ll see a drop-down menu asking how you want to search for drivers. Select Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software and click on Update.
- Wait for the update to be completed and restart your PC to see if the static noise has stopped.
Note: You can also use a third-party device update software to update them. They are usually pricey, but there are a few free versions.
3. Set Your Headset as The Default Playback Device
If the headphones aren’t your main Audio Output Source, they can produce static and low-qaulity sounds.
To set headphones as the default Playback Device, do the following.
- Connect your headphones to the PC and go to the Control Panel. You can also type Control Panel in the search column.
- Select Hardware and Sound and from the pop-up menu, click on Sound and wait for the Playback Tab to be opened.
- From the tab, select your headphones and click Enable.
- Right-click the device and set it as Default. Then restart your PC and test the audio to see if it works.
4. Use The Advanced Sound Settings On Your PC
The Advancaed Sound Settings is a in-built Windows software that will troubleshoot complex sound problems. This software will help you remove the static sounds, if they are caused by a software issue on the PC.
To use the Advanced Sound Settings, do the following.
- On your PC, go to Settings and open Sound Settings.
- Navigate to Output under Sound Settings and go through the list of sound outputs. Select your headphones.
- Right-click on the headphones’ name and select the Advanced button displayed.
- Under the Advanced option, uncheck all the boxes and click OK. You can also check the Default Format at the top of the screen. Reducing the Bit Rate to a lower amount tends to fix static sounds from the headphones too.
5. Use a USB Sound Card
A USB sound card, also known as a USB audio interface or external USB audio adapter, is a device that connects to a computer’s USB port and provides audio input and output capabilities. It serves as an external sound card, expanding the audio capabilities of the computer beyond its built-in audio hardware.
Use a USB Sound Card if the in-built sound card is faulty, damaged, or old.
Final Words
In summary, your wired headphones may sound staticky if the audio jack is clogged or you are using a faulty cable. When this happens, the audio cord will not connect properly to your smart device causing a hissing sound any time you shake or touch the cord.
You should get a replacement and clean your audio jack port to fix the problem.
Also, if the headphones have an outdated noise-cancellation feature, a bad amp, or an outdated device driver it can cause them to release different sounds. If any of these is the problem, you’ll need to update the feature or get a USB sound card.