The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are flagship Android phones designed to deliver high-quality performance, including immersive audio for calls, music, and videos. However, some users have experienced frustrating problems where audio cuts out, crackles, or becomes distorted—whether during phone calls, media playback, or using Bluetooth devices.

If your Pixel 6 is experiencing inconsistent or poor audio, this article covers the common causes, step-by-step solutions, and what to do if the issue continues.

Symptoms of Pixel 6 Audio Problems

Here’s what users typically report:

  • Crackling or popping sounds from the speaker during music or videos
  • Choppy or robotic voice on phone calls (especially on speakerphone)
  • Audio cutting in and out during Bluetooth playback
  • Audio lags or becomes out of sync during video
  • Media or ringtones start playing, then suddenly stop

These issues can be intermittent or persistent and may worsen with specific apps or accessories.

Why Pixel 6 Audio May Cut Out or Crackle

Software Glitches and Updates

The Pixel 6 was launched with Android 12, and several early software versions had bugs that affected audio quality, particularly:

  • Speaker crackle during high volume
  • Bluetooth codec handling errors
  • Audio cutting out when switching between apps or notifications

Even with updates, some users on Android 13 or Android 14 still report occasional issues.

Bluetooth Interference or Codec Conflicts

If you use Bluetooth earbuds or speakers, your audio may stutter or cut off due to:

  • Poor connection quality (especially with older Bluetooth 4.0 devices)
  • Codec mismatch (e.g., using AAC or LDAC with unstable bandwidth)
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interference (both use 2.4GHz spectrum)

These can cause audio to drop, stutter, or distort intermittently.

Faulty App Behavior or Background Processes

Some apps may interfere with audio playback. For example:

  • Streaming apps may buffer improperly or not request audio focus
  • System background processes might interrupt playback
  • Improper volume routing when switching between apps

Crackling or cutting often happens when switching between multiple audio sources rapidly (e.g., receiving a message while playing music).

Hardware Defects or Speaker Damage

Although rare, your Pixel 6 may have:

  • Defective speakers or audio amplifier
  • Loose internal connections causing crackling sounds
  • Physical speaker damage from drops, water, or debris

If the issue persists across all apps and after a factory reset, it could be a hardware problem.

Adaptive Sound or Volume Features

Pixel 6 includes features like Adaptive Sound and Adaptive Volume that use microphones and software to adjust sound dynamically. These features can sometimes:

  • Mute or lower volume suddenly
  • Cause inconsistent sound based on environmental changes
  • Create a noticeable delay when adjusting sound automatically

How to Fix Audio Problems on Pixel 6

Update Your Software

Many audio bugs have been addressed in Android updates.

  • Go to Settings > System > System update
  • Install any pending updates
  • Also check Google Play system updates under Settings > Security

Restart Your Device

Sometimes a quick reboot can reset audio drivers and resolve crackling or audio lag.

  • Hold the Power button and tap Restart

Test in Safe Mode

To check if a third-party app is causing interference:

  • Press and hold Power
  • Tap and hold Power off, then tap OK to reboot into Safe Mode

If audio works fine in Safe Mode, uninstall recently added or suspicious apps.

Clear App and Media Cache

Corrupt cache files can lead to playback issues.

  • Go to Settings > Apps > [Affected App] > Storage & cache
  • Tap Clear cache (only clear data if needed)

You may also want to clear Media Storage cache under System Apps.

Toggle Adaptive Sound and Volume Settings

Try disabling these features if sound is inconsistent:

  • Go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Adaptive Sound — turn off
  • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio & on-screen text > Mono audio / Balance — ensure they’re set to default

Try a Different Audio Output

Test whether the issue occurs:

  • With the built-in speaker
  • Through wired headphones (using a USB-C dongle)
  • On Bluetooth devices

If crackling only happens on one output type, the problem is isolated to that method.

Change Bluetooth Codec Settings

If you’re using Bluetooth:

  • Go to Settings > System > Developer Options
  • Scroll to Bluetooth Audio Codec and try switching from AAC to SBC, aptX, or LDAC

Note: Developer Options must be enabled by tapping Build number 7 times under Settings > About phone

Reset App Preferences and Audio Settings

Resetting app preferences can help with routing and media playback conflicts.

  • Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset app preferences

You can also try Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth to fix wireless codec conflicts.

Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If none of the steps work:

  • Back up your data
  • Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset)
  • Set up the phone as new (avoid restoring apps immediately)

This will eliminate any deep-rooted software corruption affecting audio.

When to Contact Google Support

If the audio:

  • Crackles or distorts consistently, regardless of volume or app
  • Cuts out during both calls and media, across all output types
  • Doesn’t improve after factory reset or safe mode testing

…it may be a hardware defect. Contact Google Pixel Support or visit an authorized service center. Your phone may be eligible for warranty replacement or repair.

Conclusion

Audio issues on the Pixel 6—like crackling, cutting out, or poor quality during calls and media playback—can seriously impact your experience. These problems often stem from:

  • Software bugs
  • Bluetooth codec or connectivity conflicts
  • App interference or system load
  • Adaptive sound features misfiring

In most cases, updating your device, disabling unnecessary audio features, clearing app cache, or testing in Safe Mode can resolve the problem. If all else fails, a factory reset or professional service may be necessary to address hardware issues.

With the right steps, your Pixel 6 should return to delivering crisp, uninterrupted sound for all your needs.

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