How To Fix iPhone CarPlay Crackling Sound During Calls
iPhone 11 CarPlay crackling sound during phone calls.
These Bluetooth interference problems continued into iOS 12 but seemed to fade off starting with iOS 13. However, a few days ago, after swapping cars, I started experiencing CarPlay crackling noise problems during Phone calls. Luckily, I also accidentally uncovered a workaround. Read on to find out how I managed to manually filter out the distortion.
iPhone 11 CarPlay Crackling Sound Bug
In my case the audio distortions surface when pairing an iPhone 11, running iOS 13.5.1 with an Audi A7 using the Audi MMI CarPlay. As soon as I dial a new call the crackling noise kicks in. The audio is distorted even during ringing, before the call is picked up.
I managed to replicate the same issue on a friends Volkswagen, equipped with a VW RNS. Reports on the web about similar problems in the past mention that this bug was also experienced by Hyundai and Honda car owners.
iPhone 11 CarPlay Audio Distortion Fix
I noticed that the crackling sound disappears when you switch between audio playback sources.
1. On your iPhone, swipe-down for the Control Center.
2. In the audio controls widget, tap the audio output source icon (available in the top-right corner).
3. Tap on Speaker to switch from your car’s audio output to the smartphone’s speakers. Crackling sound should disappear.
4. Next, tap on your car’s CarPlay label to switch back to the car audio system without any sound distortion.
Fact: This is a temporary fix, because it requires you to interact with your iPhone. A dangerous move if you’re driving. We will monitor situation and update this article in case the problem is fixed by an upcoming software update.
Have you experienced a similar audio distortion when connecting your iPhone via Bluetooth to your car? Let us know in the comments section available below. We’re curious to see how spread out this issue is and why not pinpoint the cause.
Related: iOS 14 expected to support new CarKey feature to iPhone and Apple Watch!
I have the exact same problem. I have an aftermarket Pioneer deck in my Honda. I appreciate the temporary fix, as this problem has been bothering my wife for a while now.
Thank you!
Hi Paul. Thanks for your feedback. Glad that we could help.
I have the same problem with the crackling noise when dialling/during phone conversations on my Audi A3 (2012) and unfortunately the latest update to ios version 14.0.1 does not fix it.
Pandect, thanks for your feedback. Have you applied the fix provided in this article? Does it work for you?
I have the same problem connecting to my Mercedes. People cannot hear me because of the crackling.
Cheryl, have you update to iOS 14.2? https://www.iphonetricks.org/ios-14-2-software-update-10-features-15-fixes/
Let us know if it fixes your CarPlay problem.
Thank you so much. I have the same problem and it was driving me nuts. This fixes the problem temporarily. I wish Apple could provide a permanent fix. I have an iPhone 12 pro max on iOS 14.2.1.
Jamie, glad that we could help. iOS 14.3 is due on December 14. Let’s hope it will improve this. You can check out the complete update log here: https://www.iphonetricks.org/ios-14-3-gm-version-doesnt-fix-important-bugs/
I have a 2021 Chevy Blazer and I’m new to using Apple CarPlay. The problem I’ve been experiencing is the audio output when using the phone (iPhone SE – 2nd Gen). When it happens, the call goes from sounding normal to the audio crackling and sounding like a slowed down digital computer voice (similar to an Electrolarynx voice box). I have to switch to the iPhone speaker or handheld to get rid of it. Then I make a new call and it works ok.
I’ve updated the vehicle software as well as the iOS (14.3). Any help would be greatly appreciated.
James, thanks for reporting. The only workaround that we’ve found for this problem is to switch between AirPlay sources as mentioned in the article. It should be enough just to switch for the iPhone speaker for a brief second before commuting back to AirPlay. We know that this is very user-unfriendly but there is no other solution. We hopped for iOS 14.3 to fix it, but you just confirmed that it’s not the case!
This solution is not working for me. Tried it several times with no luck. Still not sure if its an iOS problem or firmware update by the car company.
Thanks for reporting. iOS 14.5 is out in the meantime you can update and let us know if it helps.
I just upgraded my iPhone to an iPhone 11. I have super spotty reception during calls. I can hear every other word. My sister just got an iPhone 12 and it’s really bad trying to talk to her in the car. We can’t figure out what it is. I have the same problem to a friend upgraded to an iPhone 11 and the same deal. My old old old iPhone I had no probelms. This is super irritating!! S.O.S. !!!!
This sounds annoying indeed. Not sure what to recommend at this moment. iOS 14.5 is out. Have you updated? Does it help?
I upgraded to an iPhone 12 Pro a few days ago and now have the crackling sound during phone calls. I had no issues with my iPhone X. I’m running iOS 14.7.1 as I was on my old X. I’ve updated the software on my aftermarket Alpine head unit, swapped out the cable with a new apple cable. Un-paired device from my phone and head unit. I feel like I’ve tried everything. Not having much luck.
Can you get a friend or acquaintance that owns an iPhone 12 Pro and test the head unit with a second device from the same model. Perhaps you’re that unlucky to get a faulty iPhone 12 Pro out of the box. Does the Alpine head unit need a wired connection with the iPhone, or data transfer occurs over Bluetooth?
If we’re talking about a wired connection, could the interferences be caused by the iPhone 12 metal frame? Just my 2 cents…
I have the same problem. I am thankful for the advise. I have IO 15.2.1 and still have the crackling :-(
Running iOS 15.4 and the problem is still there. Got a new car and a new iPhone, 86K poorer and enjoying the creaking problem. I did not have this problem with my old iPhone SE iOS 13.2.3 It is really terrible how is such a thing possible? Is Apple actually aware of this?
Hi, have the same issue with crackling distortive sound when talking viamy iPhone 13 Pro paired with my 2022 Chevy Tahoe. Did all re-install procedures, the Chevy dealer installed latest software etc. but problems remain. One clue though, if I disengage Apple Carplay and instead only use Chevys blue-tooth connector the sound gets somewhat better. Less userfriendly ofcourse since you cannot use the various features for music etc. that you get via Carplay.