HP x360 Chromebook speakers crackling external speaker and wired ear buds sound is clear

[Lfox1]

The speakers in my HP 360 Chromebook are crackling with any audio going through the. Using a wired set of ear buds, and an external speaker, the sound is clear and without issues. Anyone have a solution, other than check the speaker volume?

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Lfox1,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

If your HP x360 Chromebook speakers are crackling but external speakers and wired ear buds work fine, it suggests that the issue is specific to the built-in speakers. Here’s a comprehensive approach to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem:

1. Check for Software Updates:

• Update Chrome OS: Go to Settings -> About Chrome OS -> Check for Updates. Install any available updates, as they might include fixes for audio issues.

2. Verify Audio Settings:

• Sound Settings: Go to Settings -> Sound. Ensure the output device is set to “Internal Speakers” and adjust the volume slider.
• Audio Effects: Ensure that no audio effects or enhancements are enabled that could cause crackling.

3. Inspect for Hardware Issues:

• Check for Obstructions: Ensure the speaker grills are not obstructed by dust or debris. Use a soft brush or compressed air to gently clean them.
• Physical Damage: Look for any visible damage to the speakers or surrounding area that could indicate a hardware issue.

4. Test in Different Conditions:

• Guest Mode: Sign in as a guest to see if the crackling persists. If the problem does not occur in guest mode, the issue might be related to user-specific settings or installed apps/extensions.
• Safe Mode (if available): Some Chromebooks might have a safe mode or diagnostics mode. Refer to your Chromebook’s documentation or support resources for details.

5. Reset Audio Settings:

• Powerwash: Go to Settings -> Advanced -> Reset settings -> Powerwash -> Reset. This will restore your Chromebook to factory settings. Backup any important data before performing this step.

6. Check for External Interference:

• Nearby Devices: Ensure there are no nearby electronic devices that could be causing electromagnetic interference with the speakers.
• Environmental Factors: Sometimes environmental factors such as high humidity can affect speaker performance.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support