Macbook pro 16 inch pops when touched

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Level 1

16 points

Macbook pro 16 inch pops when touched

My new Macbook pro 16 inch sometimes emits a pop/click noise when I touch its enclosure/chassis. It happens after some time after not touching it (I use an external keyboard). I'm not sure if the sound comes from a mechanical/electrical component or if it comes from the speakers. It's not very loud. Seems like some static electricity issue: after I touch it and get the pop/click sound, I can touch it again and again with no problem.

MacBook Pro 16", macOS 10.15

Posted on Apr 6, 2020 4:14 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 6, 2020 5:40 AM in response to Spinnn

Spinnn wrote:

My new Macbook pro 16 inch sometimes emits a pop/click noise when I touch its enclosure/chassis. It happens after some time after not touching it (I use an external keyboard). I'm not sure if the sound comes from a mechanical/electrical component or if it comes from the speakers. It's not very loud. Seems like some static electricity issue: after I touch it and get the pop/click sound, I can touch it again and again with no problem.

This seems a grounding issue—

Easy to try a different outlet on a different circuit ( not closest neighbor,) however

I always would recommend the grounded plug—Apple used to include this in the packageing but no more.

They are interchangeable.

Power Adapter Extension Cable - Apple

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Answer 2

rose_10

Community Specialist

Apr 10, 2020 4:59 AM in response to Spinnn

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities.

I want to make sure you reach the right team for help with your MacBook. I recommend that you contact Apple Support directly. Depending on your region, you may be able to reach them here: Contact Apple Support

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Answer 3

Spinnn Author

Level 1

16 points

Apr 10, 2020 12:29 PM in response to rose_10

Thank you sarah_s1.

I'm now almost sure this is an audio issue. I'm using the MBP with no power adapter and the pops are still happening. I woke up the MBP from sleep and touched it: nothing. Then, as I was already suspecting that it might be audio related, I launched the Music app and listened to a song. I then paused Music and closed the app. Then I touched the MBP and a pop was created. Not sure why it happens...

This might be linked to another problem related to the internal speakers, the drivers of which seem to be still quite unstable:

Macbook Pro 16 inch speaker periodic pops

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Answer 4

May 10, 2020 11:27 AM in response to Spinnn

Spinnn wrote:

Best seen and heard here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPZBex3j0nc

That is the extent of the issue ?

As recommended above—

Did you get a ground plug?

Did you return the machine?

Did you contact support?

You already post the work around " Preferences>Sound and mute the microphone input, I can touch the enclosure with no pop sound produced. So I think that some static electricity is being channeled to the mic input and then sent to the internal speakers. This seems to involve the power management chip"

Send Apple feedback if you want to carry on— http://www.apple.com/feedback

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Answer 5

Spinnn Author

Level 1

16 points

May 10, 2020 12:08 PM in response to leroydouglas

That is the extent of the issue ?

Yes. Not something major. But annoying...

Did you get a ground plug?

Yes. Does not help. And it also happens while using no power adapter.

Did you return the machine?

No, as I need it to work and teach. It's my only computer.

Did you contact support?

Yes, I did. I can't take the machine to a service center right now (need it for work continuously). I did ask for a replacement, with no luck. It seems that once I leave the machine at a service center, it will be diagnosed and then I'll have to wait for the parts to arrive (during a pandemic)....

Send Apple feedback if you want to carry on— http://www.apple.com/feedback

I did it yesterday and sent the link to the video. I'm hoping this is a bug affecting the power controller, the touch ID and the audio device. People are still having issues with audio: sometimes the speakers (still) pop. These pops are well documented.

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Answer 6

Apr 6, 2020 6:47 AM in response to Spinnn

Spinnn wrote:

Thanks. Never had this issue with my Late 2013 Macbook pro 15 inch... I will research a bit more and try with no power adapter plugged in.

You have a limited 14-days to return for a full refund or exchange if for any reason you are not satisfied.

Also you should have received an email invitation for call in support for you new machine— I would take advantage of this one-on-one Support.

Call (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)

or call AppleCare Support at 1-800-APLCARE

or on line https://getsupport.apple.com/

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Answer 7

Spinnn Author

Level 1

16 points

Apr 6, 2020 6:57 AM in response to leroydouglas

Thanks again. I’m beyond that 14 day period and I need the computer to work. Also it’s hard to do anything outside during these pandemic times. I’ll wait and test more... and then hand in for repair if need be.

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Answer 8

Spinnn Author

Level 1

16 points

Apr 20, 2020 1:29 PM in response to Spinnn

I now seem to have found the source of the problem. I have read somewhere on the web that it might be related to the microphone picking up static and sending it to the speakers. Well, now when I wake up my MBP from sleep and input my password by using an external keyboard, if I immediately go to Preferences>Sound and mute the microphone input, I can touch the enclosure with no pop sound produced. So I think that some static electricity is being channeled to the mic input and then sent to the internal speakers. This seems to involve the power management chip. Hope this can get fixed by Apple.

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