Are your phone calls on the iPhone X interrupted by a crackling earpiece or distorted sound? You’re not the only one. Many users have reported odd noises during calls—sometimes immediately after an iOS update. While it could be hardware-related, the issue is often tied to software bugs or app conflicts that you can fix at home.
Here’s a complete guide to help you troubleshoot and stop that annoying crackling sound.
1. Close All Background Apps and Restart the Phone App
Glitches in the Phone app or background processes can cause distorted audio.
To force close the Phone app:
- Swipe up from the bottom and pause to open the App Switcher.
- Swipe up on the Phone app and all other apps to close them.
- Reopen the Phone app and make a test call.
This clears out rogue apps and memory glitches that might be affecting call quality.
2. Soft Reset Your iPhone X
A quick reboot clears memory, refreshes system processes, and often resolves odd bugs like call distortion.
To do a soft reset:
- Press and quickly release Volume Up.
- Press and quickly release Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side (Power) button until the Apple logo appears.
Once your phone boots back up, place a call to see if the noise is gone.
3. Update iOS to the Latest Version
If the issue began after an update or if you’re running an older version, installing the latest iOS release could fix it.
To update:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If available, tap Download and Install.
- Follow the prompts to update your device.
Make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and has at least 50% battery life before starting.
4. Reset All Settings
If settings were corrupted or misconfigured after an update, a full reset (without deleting your data) may help.
Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
- Tap Reset All Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
Your Wi-Fi passwords and system settings will be reset, but personal files and apps will remain.
5. Perform a Factory Reset (Last Resort)
Still hearing that distorted sound? A full factory reset might help clear out deeper system-level bugs.
⚠️ Back up your iPhone first.
To reset:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Follow the prompts to reset your device and set it up as new.
After setup, test the earpiece audio before restoring a backup.
6. Try a Recovery or DFU Mode Restore (Advanced)
If nothing else works, restoring your phone via Recovery Mode or DFU Mode using iTunes may resolve the issue.
- Recovery Mode lets you update or restore your iPhone from iTunes while bypassing normal boot.
- DFU Mode reinstalls iOS at the firmware level and is your last resort for persistent bugs.
Let me know if you’d like the exact steps for these processes.
7. Suspect Hardware? Visit Apple Support
If:
- You hear crackling only on phone calls (not on speaker or Bluetooth),
- You’ve tried all the steps above,
- And the problem persists,
…it’s time to have your iPhone X checked by Apple. A faulty earpiece speaker or loose connection may be to blame.