iPhone XS Max Crackling During Calls? Here’s How to Fix It

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Nothing’s more annoying than hearing static, crackles, or distortion every time you take a call. The good news: most iPhone XS Max audio glitches are software-related and easy to squash at home. Follow the steps below—starting with the quickest fixes—and you’ll be back to crystal-clear conversations in no time.

1. Drop the Volume and Ditch Nearby Electronics

Sometimes the simplest tweaks solve everything.

  1. Use the Side volume buttons to turn the call volume down to a comfortable level (full blast can cause speaker rattle).
  2. Step away from laptops, speakers, or other phones that might introduce interference.
  3. Make a quick test call to see if the crackle disappears.

2. Soft-Reset Your iPhone

A basic reboot flushes temporary glitches.

  1. Press Side button + either Volume button until “slide to power off” appears.
  2. Drag the slider; wait 30 seconds.
  3. Hold the Side button to power back on, then test a call.

3. Force Restart to Clear Rogue Processes

If the screen’s unresponsive or the noise persists:

  1. Press and release Volume Up.
  2. Press and release Volume Down.
  3. Hold the Side button until the Apple logo shows.
  4. Call a friend to check if the sound cleared up.

4. Disconnect Every Bluetooth Accessory

A misbehaving headset can hijack audio.

  1. Go to Settings › Bluetooth.
  2. Toggle Bluetooth Off or tap ⓘ › Forget This Device beside each accessory.
  3. Reboot your phone and place another test call with Bluetooth still off.

5. Clean the Earpiece and Speaker Grilles

Debris can make audio buzz.

  1. Power off your iPhone.
  2. Gently brush the earpiece and bottom speaker holes with a soft, dry toothbrush or painter’s tack.
  3. Avoid liquids or canned air.
  4. Power back on and re-check call quality.

6. Install the Latest iOS Update

Apple often patches audio bugs.

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi and open Settings › General › Software Update.
  2. Tap Download & Install if a new version appears.
  3. Restart after the update and test a call.

7. Reset All Settings (No Data Loss)

This restores defaults without wiping personal files.

  1. Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPhone › Reset › Reset All Settings.
  2. Enter your passcode and confirm.
  3. When the phone restarts, check call audio again.

8. Erase and Restore as New

Only use this nuclear option if nothing else works.

  1. Back up to iCloud or Finder/iTunes first.
  2. Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPhone › Erase All Content and Settings.
  3. After the wipe, set up the iPhone as new (skip the restore) and place a test call.
  4. If the crackle is gone, restore your backup and test once more.

9. Suspect Hardware? Book Apple Support

If static survives every software fix—or you recently dropped the phone or got it wet—head to a Genius Bar or authorized service provider for a hands-on inspection. A failing speaker or microphone module may need professional replacement.

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