I ran into an intermittent crackling or popping sound from the built-in speakers on my M1 MacBook. It appeared while playing videos or music, sometimes after the Mac had been running for a while, even though the volume itself looked normal.
The first fix that worked for me was restarting the macOS audio service. This does not delete files or permanently change the sound settings. It briefly stops Core Audio, and macOS automatically launches the service again.
Quick fix: restart Core Audio
- Save any open audio recording or editing work.
- Open Terminal from Spotlight or
Applications > Utilities. - Run:
sudo killall coreaudiod- Enter the administrator password and press Return. Terminal does not show characters or dots while you type the password; that is normal.
- Wait a few seconds, then play the same audio or video again.
Sound may stop briefly, and an app that was using audio may need to be reopened. The command requires administrator access, so do not place it in an unknown script or schedule it to run repeatedly.
What the command does
coreaudiod is part of the macOS audio system. killall stops the process with that name, while sudo authorizes the action as an administrator. macOS then starts the service again, creating a fresh audio session without requiring a full reboot.
This can clear a stuck audio session or software-level fault. It cannot repair a physically damaged speaker. If the popping keeps returning, repeatedly running the command only hides the symptom instead of identifying the cause.
Test the symptom before changing more settings
After restarting Core Audio, compare:
- a known-good local audio file;
- a video in a different browser;
- the built-in speakers at low and moderate volume;
- wired headphones or a Bluetooth device.
If it happens in only one app, investigate or update that app first. If it happens only through the internal speakers while headphones remain clear, record that detail for any later support request.
If the crackling returns
1. Disconnect external audio devices
Disconnect USB speakers, audio interfaces, headphones, and displays that carry audio. Temporarily turn off Bluetooth. Open System Settings > Sound > Output and select the MacBook’s internal speakers. Apple recommends checking the output device and volume and disconnecting external audio devices when diagnosing internal speakers.
2. Restart and update macOS
A Mac restart clears more system state than restarting the audio service alone. Then open System Settings > General > Software Update. Apple recommends installing the latest macOS update compatible with the Mac for security, stability, and compatibility. Back up important data before a major upgrade.
3. Test in safe mode
Safe mode helps identify software that loads during startup. On Apple silicon, shut down the Mac, hold the power button until startup options appear, select the startup volume, hold Shift, and click Continue in Safe Mode. Apple documents the complete safe-mode procedure.
If the crackling disappears in safe mode but returns after a normal startup, review audio enhancers, equalizers, interface drivers, conferencing tools, and recording software that runs in the background.
4. Run Apple Diagnostics
If the issue continues across several apps after updating macOS, shut down the Mac and disconnect unnecessary accessories. Hold the power button until Options appears, then hold Command-D to start Diagnostics on Apple silicon. Apple explains how to run Apple Diagnostics and interpret its reference codes.
A clean diagnostic result does not prove that every speaker behavior is normal, but it is useful evidence. If the popping occurs only at particular frequencies or volume levels, record the Mac model, macOS version, app, media file, and volume level before contacting Apple or an authorized service provider.
What I would avoid
- Do not repeatedly test a possibly damaged speaker at maximum volume.
- Do not install an unknown cleaner or audio driver because an advert promises a fix.
- Do not modify system files or permissions.
- Do not treat a temporary software reset as proof that the speaker hardware is repaired.
The short version
Start with:
sudo killall coreaudiodIf the sound clears and does not return, the Core Audio session was probably stuck. If it comes back, isolate apps and external devices, update macOS, test safe mode, and then use Apple Diagnostics or authorized service. That gives you a quick recovery without ignoring a recurring software problem or possible hardware fault.
Apple support links and procedures were reviewed on 23 August 2026. Restarting coreaudiod is a practical troubleshooting step, not an Apple-guaranteed repair.