audio contains crackles, pops, or distortion
If the live test passes, the investigation can usually move away from total hardware failure and toward the affected app, permissions, routing or configuration.
Try the simple causes first
- 1
Run the DeviceOK speaker/headphone test and note which channel or tone is affected.
- 2
Confirm the correct output device is selected and volume/mute controls are set correctly.
- 3
Reconnect the cable/Bluetooth device and test another port when applicable.
Work through the problem in order
- 1
Run the DeviceOK speaker/headphone test and note which channel or tone is affected.
- 2
Confirm the correct output device is selected and volume/mute controls are set correctly.
- 3
Reconnect the cable/Bluetooth device and test another port when applicable.
- 4
Check whether audio works in another trusted app.
- 5
Review operating-system output, balance, and enhancement settings.
- 6
If the same channel/device fails everywhere, consult the manufacturer's official support path.
If the audio passes the DeviceOK test, prioritize the affected application, permissions, routing, or configuration before assuming the hardware is dead.
If the audio also fails in DeviceOK and another trusted app, broaden the diagnosis to connection, OS settings, drivers/firmware, and then possible hardware failure.