Why Is My TV Making a Crackling Sound? 5 Common Causes
You’re winding down after a long day, getting ready to binge your favorite show or enjoy some well-earned quiet time, when suddenly, you hear a snap, crackle, pop! You look around, realizing that nobody is eating Rice Krispies. Instead, your TV jumped into the spotlight with its own sound effects. Cue confusion, concern, and maybe a quick Google search of “TV making crackling sound?”
Take a deep breath — you’re not alone, and in many cases, a little bit of crackling isn’t a cause for panic. Sometimes, it’s just your TV’s way of adjusting to its environment. But how do you tell what’s normal and what’s not? Let’s break down the most common reasons your TV might sound disgruntled — and when it might be time to consider a replacement.
1. Normal Expansion and Contraction
If you’ve ever heard a car’s exhaust crackle after its engine was shut off, you’ve experienced temperature-related noise. Believe it or not, when you power your TV on or off, the same thing happens — internal components expand or contract due to temperature shifts. This can create a harmless popping noise or a faint crackling sound.
So, if your TV is making a crackling sound when off, or right after you turn it off, this might just be a consequence of it cooling down. Think of it as your TV sighing after a long day. As long as the noise isn’t loud, constant, or getting worse, it’s usually nothing to worry about.
2. Electrical Issues
Another plausible cause? Electrical interference. Power surges, damaged outlets, or fluctuating voltage can all trigger strange sounds, including crackling or popping. If you notice your TV making a crackling sound when on — whether audio is playing or not — it could be due to device cables that are placed too close to each other or electrical fluctuations that have nothing to do with the TV itself.
3. Faulty Connected Devices or TV Channels
Sometimes, crackling can be caused by connected devices, like a cable box, streaming stick, game console, or even a surround sound system. Loose cables, outdated firmware, or hardware issues in these devices can cause a crackling or popping sound or no sound at all.
And if you notice the noise only when watching specific live channels, it could be a problem with the broadcast. Audio problems from a channel provider can manifest as distortion, static, or crackling, even if your TV is functioning properly. If that’s the case, try switching to a different app or input. If the sound clears up, it’s likely not your TV at all.
4. Aging Speakers
If your TV produces a crackling sound when turned on, especially while watching a show or movie, it may indicate an issue with the internal speakers. Over time, speakers can wear out and start rattling, especially if you prefer your volume or bass to be on the louder side.
This type of crackling sound on TV often happens during scenes with sharp sound effects or bass-heavy music. It might come and go or even seem to “buzz” along with dialogue. If this sounds familiar, it might be worth having a professional take a look or perhaps considering external speakers or a home theater setup.
5. It Might Just Be Time for a New TV
If your TV has seen better days and the crackling just won’t quit, it might be trying to tell you it’s time to retire. While many minor noises may be harmless, persistent or worsening sounds could be a sign of internal wear or aging tech. And if your TV does other unusual things, like turning off by itself or navigating as slowly as a desert tortoise, it might not be worth the cost of a professional repair.
The good news? Getting a new TV doesn’t have to be a massive hit to your budget. At Rent-A-Center, we offer a wide range of name-brand televisions in various styles and sizes, from smart TVs to 4K screens and everything in between. And with our flexible rent-to-own program, upgrading your setup is easier — and more affordable — than ever.
Tired of Crackling? Pop into Rent-A-Center Today
Is your TV still making strange crackling sounds? It could be time for a quieter, more reliable upgrade. At Rent-A-Center, you can rent-to-own the latest TVs from top brands—with flexible rental payments and included repairs during the course of your agreement for peace of mind. Plus, enjoy perks like RAC Exchange. Shop online or visit your local Rent-A-Center to find a TV that works as good as it looks—and sounds.