My Apple CarPlay is making a static/crackling sound and I don’t know how to fix it.

Hi Baileyhubb8,

Thanks for your post to Apple Support Communities. Let's rule out what might be going on to cause the static you hear when playing music through CarPlay.

First, make sure your iOS is fully updated to iOS 15.5. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Next, make sure that your CarPlay stereo is using the latest firmware from the car manufacturer. Check your car's manual for more information.

If the issue still isn't resolved, reply back letting us know if you also hear static when playing music through your iPhone speaker, headphones, or another Bluetooth accessory (speaker, not CarPlay). Also test other audio through CarPlay from your iPhone like phone calls or videos. The goal will be to narrow down what the static is related to.

We look froward to hearing back from you.

Best regards.

I had this problem right off the bat in my new car. I spent a chunk of time texting and then speaking with members of apple support team who were unable to help. Based on the information I was provided with by a senior advisor, there is no "fix" to this issue in the works. That's funny, as basic google search reveals that the issue dates back at least 3 years. In one of the old forms, I fond a solution proposed by ethantolmachoff. I followed his advice to "try turning off Sound Check under Settings --> Music," and for 2 days now have been enjoying my Bach cantatas via the H/K sound system in the car without any static / clipping / distorted sounds. I really hope this sticks and thought I'd pass on the suggestion.

So I’ve had this problem since I plugged in the cable. I use a cable because the wireless on my Nissan t33 xtrail drops out under etag receivers. I tried everything. Found the apple cables were somewhat better. I Reset my phone. All sorts of settings. In the end, Going back to wireless fixed the static choking on music when maps was on. So if you don’t have wireless then that could be a solution as it uses Bluetooth. Maybe get a wireless dongle. I also did go into google maps on my phone and disabled the 3d buildings. Not sure if that also helped.

Try this: turn off Sound Check under Settings --> Music. I had this issue over 2 cars and this worked for me. I hope it works for you. Nothing more annoying than the static sound coming out of an H/K surround system…

Hi everyone. So far my solution is working very well. I simply bought a wireless CarPlay adapter plugged it in and now my phone connects to my cars CarPlay wirelessly using Bluetooth and so far has been working very fast and no cracking sounds.

Update absolutely does NOT fix the problem. Running 17.0.1 and it still has static when using a USBA or USBC cord, but no problem when using wireless.

I disconnected the Bluetooth and removed all connected devices. Then used the apple original cable to have a wired connection.

Once I start the car, I wait for the audio system to finish booting up, them I plug the iPhone. Static problem solved for me.

***if you haven’t done this already- the new iOS update from a couple of weeks ago fixes this issue entirely. 16.0.3

I found forgetting the car and making sure it’s updated helped. I also did an automatic action to turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when CarPlay is connected

It is unreal that there isn't a fix for this after 3+ years of this issue. I've had three gens of iPhones (Xr, 12Pro, & 14Pro), that have run serveral version's of iOS, that I've used in three different vehicle's CarPlay systems (Nissan, VW, & Maserati) that ALL have this issue. After about 15 min of usage the audio becomes progressively worse with crackling until it is completely unintelligible. Sometimes resolving after a few min, only to happen again a min later. And it's not just the Music app. It's anything, including Audible. The only solution is to unplug the iPhone from USB or switch it to the FM Radio and back again.

My problem seems to be solved with the creaking and crackling of phone calls when using Waze or Google Maps with CarPlay. I found this online; a March 8, 2023 update for Infotainment issues on various Nissan models. I brought this to my dealer and they said they had no knowledge of this update changing version 825 to 845. It took about 3 hours for them to download on to a thumb and install the new software. So far so good. Apparently not an Apple issue. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2023/MC-10234078-0001.pdf

Hello, lots of people have the same issue!

I recently bought Infinity qx 60 2022.

so when you connect you phone via bluetooth and listen to music there is NO static/ crackling sound, but when your iphone connected through wireless apple car play, there is static sound while playing music.

so the issue is not in speakers!

the issue is with apple carplay.

my phone (iphone 12 pro max) has the latest software available.

And as for carplay software: dealer told me that is also the latest available. They also confirm that there are a lot of cases of static sound and as they told me They are waiting for a software update from Apple where it will be fixed, so I want to be sure that Apple is aware of that issue. ARE YOU?

Imagine how bad is it to buy a new car and not being able to listen to the music? Bluetooth is jot an option since I always using iphone navigator and and it connected via wireless car play and it is impossible to use carplay and to listen to the music via bluetooth separately.

Well I may of found my fix whether it’s permanent is a difficult matter I was driving home last night and my radio decided to freeze and my iPhone wouldn’t connect to car play nor would my van charge my phone this morning I got back into my van and everything is working again last night I had to factory reset my multimedia unit since I’ve done this I’ve not had any crackling sound from Apple Music and phone calls have been fine I’ve drove two hours without any issues with car play no distorted static noises, poor phone calls maybe this is the fix but time will tell

Did you do the latest iOS update? That entirely fixed mine.

Hey guys. I keep writing the same thing but you all keep ignoring. Please. Just buy a wireless adapter. It takes care of just about most of the crackling. I’m able to talk just fine while my phone lays in the back charging. Music works, maps work. It’s really a beautiful solution while giving you more freedom and extra functionality. Worth the $50.