How do I fix the Audio glitch on my Android?
Audio glitches are a common problem that Android users experience from time to time. These issues can manifest in different ways, such as distorted or crackling sounds, audio cutting in and out, speakers not working properly, or no audio at all. Some of the most common symptoms of audio glitches on Android devices include:
- Distorted, fuzzy, or static sounds from the speakers or headphone jack
- Intermittent sound cutting out
- Muffled or faint audio even at full volume
- Speakers or headphone jack not emitting any sound
- Crackling or popping noises
- Echoing or looping audio
There are various potential causes for these audio issues, ranging from faulty hardware components to software bugs. Troubleshooting the problem involves systematically checking different parts of the phone to isolate and resolve the specific cause. This guide provides step-by-step solutions to try fixing the audio glitch on your Android device.
Check Basic Settings
A common reason for audio issues on Android phones is that the basic settings are incorrectly configured. According to an article on OTN titled Resolving Sound Issues (Android), the first steps are to confirm the volume is turned up and the phone is not on silent or vibrate mode.
Go into the Settings app and open the Sound section. Make sure the Media, Alarm, and Ring volume sliders are turned up high enough to hear audio clearly. You can test the volume by playing a song or video.
Also check that your phone’s ringtone mode is not set to either Silent or Vibrate. Having the phone in one of these modes will mute or limit sounds from apps and media. Enable either the General or Vibrate ringtone mode in Sound settings to restore full audio volume.
Taking the time to check these basic but important settings can often resolve audio problems on Android phones quickly.
Check Connections
One of the most common causes of audio issues is that the headphone jack is not fully plugged in or connected properly. Make sure to fully insert the headphone plug into the headphone jack on your Android device. Sometimes lint or debris can build up in the port over time, so inspect the jack for any obstructions and clean it out with compressed air if needed.
You can also try plugging your headphones or external speakers into another audio source like a computer or stereo to see if the problem persists. If the headphones work fine on a different device, then the issue likely lies with the Android device’s headphone jack or audio components. However, if the headphones exhibit problems no matter what they are plugged into, then the headphones themselves could be defective.
Testing your headphones or speakers with various audio sources will help isolate whether the underlying problem stems from the Android device or the playback hardware itself. Make sure connections are snug and clean, and swap between different wired headphones/speakers to determine where the audio glitch originates.
Restart the Device
Often, a simple restart can resolve temporary software issues causing audio glitches on Android phones. By fully powering down and restarting your device, you can clear out any problematic memory usage or background processes. This refreshing reboot allows the operating system and apps to start fresh, which may fix buggy audio behavior.
To fully reboot your Android device, hold down the power button for at least 10 seconds, until you see the power off screen. Then, power your phone back on as normal. Test the audio playback again after rebooting to see if the problem is resolved. As MakeUseOf suggests, “A restart helps to flush out any bad data causing the issues.” [1]
Check for App Issues
Sometimes the audio problems on Android are caused by certain problematic apps. An app may have bugs or glitches that interfere with the audio subsystem and cause various sound issues.
Try identifying any new apps you may have downloaded around the time the audio issues started occurring. Or make note of which apps you were using when you first noticed the problem. Narrowing it down to one or two suspect apps can help pinpoint the potential cause.
Once you have an idea of the problematic app, try uninstalling it and seeing if that fixes your audio. You can always reinstall it afterwards. If uninstalling the app resolves the sound issues, then you’ve found your culprit.
Some common problematic apps known to cause audio glitches include media apps, VOIP apps, or even custom ROMs. Try updating these apps to their latest version, as developers often push out bug fix updates.
As a last resort, you can try deleting the app data or even clear the cache partition on your Android. This wipes out all app data and settings, including any corrupted files or configs that may be interfering with sound.
But if the issues persist even after deleting the app and its data, then the problem likely lies elsewhere within your Android system.
Update Apps and OS
Outdated apps and Android version can sometimes be the cause of audio glitches. Apps and the Android operating system are constantly being updated with bug fixes and performance improvements. If you haven’t updated your apps or OS in awhile, there could be an issue that has since been patched in a more recent version.
Open the Play Store app and go to the Updates section to check for any app updates. Be sure to also check for an Android OS update in your phone’s Settings app under System > System Update. Install any available updates and restart your device when prompted. This will ensure you’re running the most up-to-date software.
According to users on Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/179n63t/audio_issue_after_update_to_android_14/), installing the latest Android 14 update resolved audio glitches they were experiencing. Keeping your software updated is key to avoiding bugs that can disrupt audio and other functions.
Check for App Issues
One common cause for audio glitches or errors on Android devices is app-specific problems. An app may develop issues over time as new versions are released or as the app data grows. Clearing the app cache and app data can often resolve these types of issues.
To clear the cache and data for a specific app on Android, go to Settings > Apps. Scroll down to locate the problematic app and tap on it. Then tap Storage. Here you will see options to Clear Cache and Clear Data. Tap these buttons to delete the temporary app files and reset the app.
Clearing cache and data forces the app to rebuild these temporary files and resets it to a clean state, which can fix erratic behaviors or bugs that develop over time. This is an easy first troubleshooting step before trying more advanced fixes. However, be aware it will log you out of the app and delete temporary files like saved drafts or game progress.
Check if this resolves your audio problems within the app after clearing cache and data. If the issues persist, it likely points to a larger system-wide problem rather than an isolated app bug.
Sources:
https://www.androidpolice.com/clear-app-cache-data-android/
https://www.hexnode.com/blogs/what-why-when-and-how-to-clear-cache-on-android-devices/
Factory Reset
As a last resort if none of the other troubleshooting steps have resolved the audio issues, a full factory reset can fix software-related problems causing sound glitches or no audio at all (Source). Resetting the phone back to factory default settings often resolves buggy software behavior and audio problems resulting from apps or system files that have become corrupted over time.
Before performing a factory reset, it’s crucial to backup any data, photos, videos, and app data you want to keep. A full reset will wipe the phone and restore it to the original out-of-the-box settings. You can backup data manually by copying files to a computer, or use your Google account to automatically backup certain data types. After backups are completed, go into the phone settings menu and select “Factory Reset.” Confirm the reset and wait for the process to complete. The phone will reboot fresh, often resolving any software-related audio glitches.
Hardware Damage
Physical damage like water damage, cracks, or other impacts to your Android device could cause audio issues. Liquid damage in particular can short circuit internal components and cause problems with sound output. Cracked screens or casing can also allow dust, debris, and moisture inside the phone which may affect the microphone or speaker. Examples include: a dropped phone that no longer plays audio properly, audio cutting in and out after the phone got wet, or muffled sound after a cracked screen.
In these cases, hardware repair or replacement of damaged components is likely needed to fully resolve the audio problems. Water-damaged phones often require professional servicing to dry out and replace corroded parts. Cracked screens should be replaced to seal the phone interior again. If physical damage is the root cause, software fixes like rebooting or app updates will only temporarily improve problems until a repair is completed. Visit an authorized service center to have hardware inspected and repaired by professionals.
Sources:
https://www.makeuseof.com/common-android-hardware-problems-and-how-to-fix-them/
https://www.cellphonerepair.com/how-to-fix-phone-sound-issues
Get Professional Repair
If you’ve exhausted all the troubleshooting steps and the audio issue persists, it’s likely due to a hardware problem that requires professional diagnosis and repair. Common hardware issues that can cause audio glitches include:
- Faulty audio jack/port
- Damaged speakers or microphone
- Issues with the motherboard audio components
Trying to repair these issues yourself by taking apart the phone can often make the problem worse and void your warranty. The best option is to take your device to a reputable repair shop like uBreakiFix or phone manufacturer authorized service centers. Technicians will diagnose the specific hardware issue and provide an estimate for repair costs.
For example, replacing an iPhone speaker may cost $50-100 depending on the model. Speaker replacements for Android phones range from $40-100. Motherboard repairs typically start around $200. Always get an estimate first before agreeing to any repairs. Consider the repair cost vs simply upgrading your phone if the issue is extensive. With professional audio repairs, technicians can often resolve the audio glitches and restore sound quality.
Sources:
[How Much Should A Cell Phone Repair Cost? A Breakdown](https://thecellphonehospital.com/cell-phone-repair-cost/)
[Service Outline And Pricing For Audio Repair](http://www.prosound.com/repair/service-outline)