Is Your Vizio Soundbar Crackling? (Here’s How To Fix!)

Is your Vizio soundbar crackling continuously? Well, don’t worry, the solution is quite simple!

The crackling noises produced by the Vizio soundbar are often related to power issues, wrong audio settings, or defective soundbar equipment.

You can address the issue with either of the following steps:

To review the instructions from above in-depth, keep reading!

6 Working Solutions Against the Vizio Soundbar Crackling

Note: Have you tried switching up the content streamed on your TV?

1. Plug the Soundbar to a Different Outlet

A defective wall outlet could disrupt the output of your Vizio soundbar and make it crackle or produce inconsistencies.

So, the first step is to reconnect the soundbar’s power adapter to a proven and functional wall outlet and check if the unusual noises from the soundbar persist.

1.1 How to Test if an Outlet is Functional?

To quickly determine if an outlet delivers sufficient power, connect any low-voltage electrical appliance with an “On” and “Off” button.

Push the switch towards “On” and if the appliance has a “Power” lamp or LED, it should flash or blink immediately. 

Quick Tip: Using a lamp/bulb, can suggest whether the power is weak if the light is flickering!

1.2 How to Check if the Outlet is Crackling?

In some cases, the crackling could be produced by the power outlet itself, rather than the Vizio soundbar.

The easiest way to test is to either connect a different electrical appliance and listen for the noise or to lean over, right next to the outlet. 

• The crackling could even be accompanied by a smell of burnt plastic or burnt spots on the power strip or wall plate.

Alert: If you identify a problem with the power outlet, we strongly recommend avoiding it.

2. Test the TV’s Default Audio Speakers

The key to finding the source of the soundbar crackling issue is testing the built-in speakers of the TV.

This can be achieved by temporarily disconnecting the Vizio soundbar from your TV and specifying the in-built speakers as the “Default Audio Output.”

Note: Newer TVs may automatically switch back to the TV speakers once all the external audio devices are disconnected.

2.1 How to Change Default Audio Output On TV?

1. Press the “Home” or “Menu” button on the remote.
2. Navigate to “System” or the “Sounds” menu below.
3. Go to the “Output” or “Default Output Device” page.
4. Extend the device slider and pick the “TV Speakers.”
5. Save the changes and check if the crackling persists.

If the crackling persists, the crackling noises are produced by your TV or its power supply.

It’s best to conduct a thorough inspection of all equipment involved in your TV setup to allocate the source of the crackling.

3. Change the Vizio Soundbar’s TV Cable

The Vizio soundbar can be connected to your TV in one of two variations – through an Optical cable or an HDMI (ARC).

So, replacing the cable could eliminate static, crackling, or buzzing noises caused by the compromised connection with the TV.

3.1 How to Change Cable from Optical to HDMI?

If you’re currently using an Optical cable to connect the soundbar, it’s recommended to use a high-speed HDMI ARC cable to transfer both audio and video efficiently.

If you’re using the Vizio streambar in combination, this is your best alternative to achieving a high-quality output.

3.2 How to Change Cable from HDMI to Optical?

If you’re already using an HDMI cable, then switching to Optical should reveal underlying issues with the connection.

Hence, locate the “Opt Out” port on the soundbar and the “Opt In” port on the TV and replace the HDMI cable with an Optical connection to check if the crackling persists.

Important: Do not use a worn-out or damaged TV connection cable, and also inspect whether the ports and connectors are in good physical condition.

4. Alter the Soundbar’s Equalizer Setting

Perhaps, the Vizio soundbar crackling sound is produced by the current equalizer preset you have configured.

Well, there are multiple different audio modes you can pick from, proposed for different types of streaming.

All you need to do to change the equalizer mode on your Vizio soundbar is to press the “EQ” button on the remote, and it will be automatically cycled through. 

Also, you can view the current equalizer mode only after pressing the “EQ” and cycle it forward. Now, let’s review what each of the equalizer modes on Vizio do:

Vizio Soundbar “Movie” Equalizer Setting

The “Movie” mode is enabled on your soundbar by default.

This is a standard equalizer preset, adding a little bit of all volume frequencies to enhance your streaming experience.

Vizio Soundbar “Music” Equalizer Setting

If you want loud and crispy music with a nice deep bass, you should set the Vizio soundbar to the “Music” mode. It enhances the volume frequency at a higher level, for a better music quality.

Vizio Soundbar “Gaming” Equalizer Setting

While the “Gaming” mode is used rarely on the Vizio soundbar, it enhances the low-frequency levels and helps to attune your hearing while gaming. 

Vizio Soundbar “Direct” Equalizer Setting

Setting the Vizio soundbar to “Direct” disables all EQ settings and contributes to hearing the content as the creator intended. 

We recommend either setting the soundbar to the “Movie” EQ preset or using “Direct” when streaming TV shows or music.

Tip: For the best experience, match your TV’s EQ setup to the one selected on the soundbar.

5. Check for Wireless Disruptions (Bluetooth)

If the Vizio soundbar is connected over Bluetooth, there are plenty of factors that could influence the output’s quality and cause it to crackle or muffle.

Hence, a lineup of wireless disruptors and Bluetooth devices in close range of the soundbar can disband the connection strain with the TV.

Here are a few simple steps to eliminate wireless interference:

• Dislocate wireless devices in a 20-foot range from your Vizio device.
• Ensure there’s a clear path between the Vizio soundbar and the TV.
• Remove devices communicating over cellular or using an RF signal.

After ensuring no other device can interfere with the connection of the soundbar, re-add the Vizio soundbar from the Bluetooth settings of your TV and test.

6. Restore the Soundbar to Factory Defaults

So, if the crackling doesn’t go away, and you’re already this far into the guide, it’s time for more drastic solutions, such as restoring the soundbar’s system. 

Potentially misconfigured settings or mismatched audio protocols could be the sole reason for persistent crackling and all of this can be fixed via factory reset.

Warning: The factory reset will erase ALL custom settings permanently!

Follow these instructions to factory reset the Vizio soundbar:

1. Press and hold the “Power” button on the Vizio soundbar.
2. Disconnect the power cord from the back of the Vizio unit.
3. Hold the “Bluetooth” and “Volume –” buttons on the Vizio.
4. Release both buttons after 5 seconds and turn on the unit.
5. Wait until the factory reset begins and wait 〜10 seconds.

It’s extremely important to not interfere with the factory reset, once it has begun.

Wait until the Vizio soundbar restores normal function and determine whether the crackling noise is still there.

Note: If yes, and you still hear crackling you may be dealing with defective speakers or another hardware-related problem.