Crackling or distorted sound from my internal MacBook Pro M4 speaker but external work fine

Question

Level 1

4 points

Crackling or distorted sound from my internal MacBook Pro M4 speaker but external work fine

I’m experiencing an issue with my new MacBook Pro M4. The internal speakers produce crackling or distorted audio when playing music, videos, or system sounds. However, when I switch to external speakers or headphones (Bluetooth or wired), the sound is perfectly clear.

Here’s what I’ve tried so far:

Restarted the MacBook
Checked for macOS updates (everything is up to date)
Confirmed the issue persists across different apps (Safari, YouTube, Music etc.)

I wanted to check if others are experiencing the same with the M4 models or if there’s a software fix I’m missing.

Has anyone encountered this and found a solution? Is this something Apple is aware of?

Thanks in advance!

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 15.5

Posted on Jun 7, 2025 3:14 AM

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Answer 1

dialabrain

Level 10

132,371 points

Jun 7, 2025 4:06 AM in response to shuvopodder

You're welcome. I can't think of a software reason that would only affect the internal speakers. It could be a poor connection to the speakers. If it's still under warranty or covered by Apple Care I would still have it looked at.

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Answer 2

Jun 7, 2025 4:16 AM in response to shuvopodder

The symptoms clearly suggest a hardware issue with the speakers themselves, just as dialabrain said.

Since it is an M4, it is still within warranty, so have it looked at, and probably fixed for free.

I have seen this problem on more than one mac laptop, but usually after several years, never on one so new.

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Answer 3

shuvopodder Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 7, 2025 7:15 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Yeah, that's what I was thinking too—it definitely feels like a hardware issue.

Just to add, I’ve only had this MacBook for about 2 months and I use it for just 2~3 hours a day on average, so it’s surprising to be running into speaker problems already. Although the issue isn’t too severe.

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Answer 4

dialabrain

Level 10

132,371 points

Jun 7, 2025 4:07 AM in response to shuvopodder

Just to add, try booting into Safe Mode then restart normally. Sometimes that will fix anomalies.

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

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Answer 5

dialabrain

Level 10

132,371 points

Jun 7, 2025 3:37 AM in response to shuvopodder

It sounds like the internal speakers may be damaged from playing at too high a volume. I would have it looked at.

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Answer 6

shuvopodder Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 7, 2025 4:00 AM in response to dialabrain

Thanks for the quick reply! Yeah possibilities of hardware issue but I usually keep the volume around 50%, so I’d be surprised if that caused any damage.

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Answer 7

dialabrain

Level 10

132,371 points

Jun 7, 2025 4:21 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Luis Sequeira1 wrote:

Since it is an M4, it is still within warranty, so have it looked at, and probably fixed for free.

Duh me. :)

Haven't had coffee.

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