Cracking sound on bluetooth headphone connected to Catlina os 10.15

Download Additional Tools for Xcode... in this link https://developer.apple.com/download/more/

Open Bluetooth Explorer > Tool > Audio Option...

>>> Choose "disable ACC" and "disable aptX"

>>> Close

>>> Disconnect bluetooth headset then reconnect.

It works for me

Sony WI-C300

I have exactly the same problem after upgrading to Catalina. I have this headset since about 8 months and it was working very well until upgrade to Catalina! This is just one of many issues I have faced after Catalina upgrade such as screen time passcode

Bluetooth works well if I use another use at the same MacBook. Under my user, where I used to use it for about 8 month, it is not working no matter what I do. I have tried to forget it from Bluetooth devices and pair again, did not fix it. Also tried to reset Sony headset to default setting and re-pair, same problem.

Come in Apple! you should fix it!

I was inspired by the solution https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250736951?answerId=251486600022#251486600022

But I searched for free way to do it. Please read https://ww.9to5mac.com/2018/08/31/mac-how-to-force-aptx-aac-on-your-supported-bluetooth-headphones/ . You can download xcode additional tools here https://developer.apple.com/download/more/?=additional%20tools

I had to select Disable aptX and Disable AAC. It will force SBC codec. So far it worked for me. I'm looking forward to official fix from Apple in order to continue using aptx&AAC.

Yes, i have the same problem since updating to Catalina. Using a Sony WH-CH500 headphone connected through bluetooth, ever since the update at the start of a song (spotify, youtube) or even when i forward a song, i have this loud annoying cracking sound which scares me to death :-)

Tested my headset on my android cellphone through bluetooth and no issues there.

Already removed the device on MacOs, reset the headphone to factory settings, removed the com.apple.bluetooth.plist file but nothing helps.

Please fix this asap !

(macbook pro 2015)

Same problem here with a Sony WI-C300, started happening since I updated to Catalina. My headphones work fine with my iPhone XS, but when I use them with my MacBook Pro (2014) it makes this weird noise like a screech for like a second sometimes when I pause o play a new song. I tried pairing my headphones again with my mac but the issue persists. Please fix this.

Spent an hour with Apple support this morning to try and fix this problem but found no solution. The problem is not present with my new RHA MA750 headphones only with my year old Sony Wl C400 ones. Apple told me to update my headphones but there is no update available.

I have the same issue upgrading to Catalina using new WI C400. Apple has issued a 1 GB supplementary update for Catalina which is supposed to improve Bluetooth connectivity (fix something which was never broken in the first place). Can someone tell us if that fixes this issue?

I had exactly the same problem with my Sony WH-CH500 headphones and I found a partial solution. I used Bluetooth Explorer app and turned off aptX codec.

Now my headphones operate on SBC codec and everything seems to be fine. I'm not experiencing this loud, annoying and cracking sound anymore.

You need to turn off Bluetooth at first. Run Bluetooth Explorer, go to Tools, then Audio options and click Disable aptX. Close the program, turn on Bluetooth and reconnect headphones.

I hope my solution will be helpful.

Thanks very much for this.

I had to ask my son for help and download the developer tools.

My headphones were operating on the AAC codex and not aptX. They are now using the SBC codex and they seem to be working much better.

I read your reply and was eager to fix this issue. As a developer i work 8 hours a day with my headset on and for almost two weeks i am destroying my ears with this issue.

I followed your steps but unfortunately this did not fix the problem for me. I still have the same cracking sound when switching songs.

The bluetooth options however still say i'm using AAC codec?

edit: after some clicking and checking, i am now on the SBC codec and the issue is indeed fixed that way. It had something to do with EqMac2 equalizer i was using that made it not switch to SBC directly.

Thank for your findings, allthough it is something Apple should be able to fix

When I updated to OS Catalina, I began to experience the same, extremely jarring, loud, high-pitched 'glitch' scratches when connected to my large Sony multi-channel AV receiver STR-DH590 that I listen to audio, video, and other content on my MacBook Pro 15".

Clearly, there's a Sony product commonality among this issue and the posts voicing the feedback, and I've looked online for updates of firmware and such on Sony's website to find no update or information regarding OS Catalina.

I have similarly researched how to remedy Bluetooth issues as others have listed, followed all the steps of deleting library files and the like with restarting and disconnecting and re-connecting and no option for fixing this has resulted in a successful solution.

@Apple this is jarring, disruptive, and highly inconvenient to research workarounds for Bluetooth options for audio.

I've resorted to plugging in a headphone jack 2-channel white/red splitter for my floor speakers and surround sound speaker system, but would like to be able to return to Bluetooth connectivity as there are plenty of opportunities for me to make my MBP laptop move around my design studio away from being hard-wired to my Sony receiver.

I’ve discovered another problem with my Sony Wl C400 headphones. They no longer work with FaceTime. They continually disconnect then reconnect. When they are connected I can neither hear or be heard.

Anyone else have this problem?

Solved what? This problem persist for several weeks and drives me crazy. This cracking noise makes me mad and completely fries my brain.

The only thing which help me is to listen/watch another song/video in parallel ( I set it at low volume, so that the main track/movie stands out