If you work with Apple products on a daily basis, you know how theirĀ applications are integral to how you communicate with other people. Built-in apps like FaceTime allow you toĀ connect with family, friends, and business no matter where you are and virtually regardless of what device you’re using.
The science of apps is still slowly evolving, however,Ā perfectingĀ itself through troubleshooting efforts and updates. The telephonyĀ communication app FaceTime is no exception. Several iOS users report experiencing white noise or static crackling while using FaceTime. Although not a totally disruptive phenomenon, white noise hampers communicating effectively and is generally annoying.
Developers are working to solve the problem, but in the meantime, there are some steps you can take to resolve the issue on your own.
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User Complaints ofĀ White Noise
White noise is a consistent background hum on aĀ frequency levelĀ that humans can hear. Complaints from FaceTimers evoked an admission from Apple that the in-call noise problems were software related.
An update patch was released for iOS 11.0.2, which fixed some of the issues relatingĀ to crackling speakers for the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus models. The patch did not solve the problem for allĀ users, so if you are still hearing white noise blurs in the background of your FaceTime call, you’re not alone.
Removing White Noise from Your FaceTime Calls
You canĀ eliminate hardware or component damage as the culprit unless your device has been dropped or has come into contact with water. If neither your speaker nor microphone is damaged, you can still fix white noise on FaceTime without making a service center call.
Solution 1: Soft Reset or RebootĀ Your iOS Device
App glitches are not uncommon. You can rectify minor FaceTime app glitches by rebooting your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Follow these steps to do a soft reboot:
- Press and hold theĀ power buttonĀ for iPhones and iPads.Ā Depending on the model you have, you can find this button on the right side or top of the device. iOS devices will display “Power Off”Ā on theĀ screen, asking you to drag the slider to complete the process.
- If you are using a Mac laptop or desktop, selectĀ Shut Down….
- Wait 30 seconds and turn your Apple device on again.
- Once your iOS system is booted up completely, make a test call on FaceTime. Make sure there aren’t any background noises and it’sĀ quiet enough to listen for white noise. If the problem is unnoticeable, make at least three FaceTime calls from other devices, or have another user call you several times. This will confirm that you have solved the problem.
Solution 2: Turn OffĀ Do Not Disturb
DND or Do Not Disturb is a built-in feature that silences incoming calls, notifications, and other sound alerts. This feature has been known to interfere with outgoing calls as well, resulting inĀ static or crackling white noise when FaceTiming.
For iPhone and iPad users, particularly those on iOS 12Ā and 13, make sure that your DNDĀ is turned off.
- Go toĀ your device’sĀ Control CenterĀ or openĀ Settings.
- SelectĀ theĀ Do Not DisturbĀ menu.
- Tap the switch in settings or the crescent moon icon in your Control Center to disable DND.
- Make a test call on your FaceTime.
Mac users can turn off their DND settings as well.
- Going to the menu bar and selectĀ the notification icon.
- From the drop-down list, choose the DND button.
- Click to disable Do Not Disturb. The button will turn from dim to bright.
Solution 3: Close All Applications Running in the Background
When youāve been on your apple device before making or receiving a FaceTime call, background apps could be slowing down audio processing. This will, of course, affectĀ your audio clarity.
- To stop background programs on your iPhone or iPad, press or click on the home button to load apps preview. This lets you see all the apps in standby mode.
- Flick them off the screen to close.
You can use a keyboard shortcut to close out background applications on your Mac.
- Press and holdĀ theĀ Command, Option,Ā andĀ EscapeĀ buttons concurrently.
- TheĀ Force Quit ApplicationsĀ window will appear.
- Select the background programs you are no longer using to close or force stop them.
Newer apps and those requesting updates may also be responsible for system conflicts.
If White NoiseĀ Persists, Contact Your Apple Service Center
For a lot of folks, working from home has become the new normal. Apps like FaceTime areĀ essential tools for a telecommuter. Video meetings and conferencing services are designed to be user friendly, but issues like white noise can ruin the entire experience.
By improvingĀ your FaceTime communications, you will also improve how well people hear you and vice versa. The clarity of audio and video feeds canĀ make or break the success of your calls and online meetings.
Therefore, if you experience white noise in FaceTime that is not resolved through one of the troubleshooting options listed, contact your Apple Service Center. Have them take a look and resolve the problem for you.
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