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Michael DN Author

Level 2

227 points

Popping Sound, MBP 2016

I have heard a strange noice from my MBP, and am not sure if this is expected or not. Model is MacBook Pro 2016 with Touchbar, 15 inch, Radeon Pro 460, 2.9GhZ i7, 2TB SSD.

The sound occurs rarely, there may be several days or more straight that I don't hear it, though when it occurs, it may happen 2-3 times in a half hour period. There is no association I can make with what I'm doing at the time, so I'm unable to recreate it. The sound is a single hollow "popping" noise, similar to if you slowly squeeze a plastic bottle until it crinkles. The sound is not very loud, but clearly audible, and sounds as if it is coming from approximately behind the trackpad. I've had no other notable problems with this computer to date, have made no modifications to any hardware, or used it in any abnormal way.

I'm not terribly bothered by the sound itself, but I'm aware that the battery is located roughly behind the trackpad, and I worry that an expanding battery might sound like this. The case is not flexed or distorted in any way, there is no abnormal heat being generated, and no smoke, smells, or fumes. I think this is unlikely to be the cause, but is serious enough that I would like an alternative explanation before I disregard it. Alternate explanations might be abnormal activation of haptic feedback, or flexing of internal components as adhesives or seals continue to cure since manufacturing (laptop manufacture date 12-19-2016). The OS X battery status is "Good", "No errors", Simplo model bq20z451, battery manufacture date 12-2-2016.

Thanks for any help!

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS Sierra (10.12.2), 15 Inch, Radeon Pro 460, 2.9GHZ i7

Posted on Jan 12, 2017 11:04 AM

Top-ranking reply

lukas_1

Level 1

40 points

Posted on Mar 25, 2017 3:30 AM

Macbook Pro 2016 15'. I'm experiencing this random popping sound too (the videos in this thread "show" the issue pretty well). I don't think it has anything to do with warm up. I already chatted with Apple Support and they only recommended software solutions. Didn't want to try those and checked if anything could make the popping noise on my Macbook.

I might have found the source:

The screen / screen hinge. If I press on the in the middle of the screens backplate near the screen hinge (close to or on the edge) I hear a very similar popping sound. Works in opened and closed position.

Please check if this could be the source on your Macbook too and reply to this comment.

View in context

874 replies

Mar 30, 2019 10:54 AM in response to DPJ

Hello, I am explaining my experience and information that other users give. I am a user desepcionado with the brand and looking for a solution. It is not normal for one piece to fail on several computers. I feel that you lower the profile to this discussion and do not help to find a solution. do you work on apple? Greetings.

Apr 13, 2019 3:23 AM in response to Michael DN

My MacBook Pro12,1 (early 2015) just started making a popping noise when first used in the morning for a few minutes.

It makes sense that its thermal expansion creak since the fan has not come on but the entire machine has warmed a few degrees from the overnight ambient. Usually I hear just one "pop" in a day of constant use.

I have no dents in the case or any other known anomalies. My machine is under warranty.

While detracting from the aesthetic, I am not worried about it unless it is found that an internal component is being worn prematurely because of it.

Degothia

Level 1

12 points

Apr 17, 2019 12:53 AM in response to Michael DN

Hi,

I am a (not so proud of anymore) of MBP 2016' top specs with the popping sound problem for the last 1,5 year and i have been waiting for an official response to the problem from Apple, just like the did with the keyboard. Do you have any update for the issue? I have already changed the screen once (when it was under warranty) and the problem disappeared only for 2-3 months.

WE need a official response to that.

Apr 17, 2019 2:46 AM in response to Degothia

Completely empathise, I was suffering from the issue for months with multiple replacement parts and then machines. Only after much pain and difficulty I got it resolved.

I’m lucky the Apple Geniuses in Singapore are very helpful.

But yes, we do need to hear from Apple officially. I’m also waiting.

May 9, 2019 6:21 AM in response to grahamtaustin

I have the same

popping sound problem with my mac book pro 13inch that I purchased in 2018.

The sound is like a light bulb breaking. I can hear it even when I am emailing.

It has been several months already but I apple support isn’t doing anything.

I thought I was the only person with this problem...

May 9, 2019 6:32 AM in response to Michael DN

I have a popping sound problem with my mac book pro 13inch that I purchased in 2018.

The sound is like an light bulb breaking. I can hear it even when the speaker volume is muted.

It has been several months already but I apple support isn’t giving a solution.

DPJ

Level 4

1,368 points

May 9, 2019 7:22 AM in response to Applefrenchie

Hi, you're saying Apple won't help you? Just to be clear. Did you buy a 2016 MacBook in 2018 and it's out of warranty or did you buy a 2018 MacBook? Because if you bought a 2018 MacBook then you're still under warranty and I find it hard believe that Apple refuses to help you?

May 9, 2019 8:01 AM in response to DPJ

Hi!

I got my mac book pro 13 inch, (2017, 2 TBT3) in year 2018.

They said they have replaced two parts, the speaker and the display for free under the warranty.

However after I came back home believing the problem was solved, it was not true at all.

There is still the popping sound every time I use my mac.

I have waited months for a solution, and a refund if it cannot be fixed.

Nothing has been done.

I am disappointed for this mac and also for have waited time all these months without any resolution.

May 9, 2019 8:09 AM in response to PanchoMac

hi! The official answer that I have got today after months of waiting is:

it was designed this way! The 13 inch mac book that I have purchased is normal with the sound.

what kind of response is this?

May 9, 2019 8:53 AM in response to Applefrenchie

that answer is not valid. When a problem is repeated in several users it is attributed to construction failure. It does not go through the guarantee path as someone says in this forum, this corresponds to a program to change the defective part.

May 9, 2019 9:05 AM in response to Applefrenchie

I do find that hard to believe. I can't hear an Apple rep saying that. As stated earlier on this thread mine does it too.

I have read much about it and the waiting times to get it sorted with it only to return. I therefore decided to forget it. I don't think the laptop will stop working. It's just a heat-related issue between the screen and the frame or similar. The popping noises are caused by expansion and sometimes contraction as well. I can live with it.

After worrying about things like this I've found that almost all laptops have one issue or another and Dave 2D did a great video about these foibles on YouTube a while ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNR3xPNxzgM

May 9, 2019 10:43 PM in response to PanchoMac

I have contacted apple support and asked them if they read these forums and I did not get any answer. I would like to get a formal answer for the popping sound case.

I even use my mac for recording music and I record the popping sounds no matter what.

This is so stressful!

May 9, 2019 11:29 PM in response to Applefrenchie

Apple do not read these forums. In all cases here, the best option is to set up a support call through which you can make an appointment at an Apple shop to discuss and demonstrate the issue. My personal experience is that they will give good service if you remain calm and present facts in a reasonable and informed manner.

Jun 15, 2019 4:55 PM in response to James_at_NEV

I have a 15" mid 2015. It started to pop just a few months ago. I notice it only in the evenings, weird, and after I close it. I do have Mohave on it. The really strange thing is last night I shut it down and unplugged it. Didn't hear any pops. I was think too that it could be cooling down but I'm not on for hours. And don't notice it as much during the day. I'm confused. I wish they had an answer. Other than this it's been a gem.

Jun 22, 2019 6:11 PM in response to titfromisere

This is exactly what is happening to my 13" 2017 MBP (No touch bar) I hear the noise when I open the laptop the first time but not when I try to recreate immediately after. then I hear the noise occasionally during regular use/if the fans kick on.

Popping Sound, MBP 2016