Help Bluetooth issues, popping and cracking. Is it just me?

nerdstaz · Jul 9, 2012

So a new device ..new issues.

I have the Verizon S3, but I am not sure if this is Verizon specific or not. I drive a 2011 Kia Optima (LX, forgive me..family man) and I have the stock head unit. It has been great with EVERY phone I have had (Razr, Nexus, Bionic, Rezound, X, Thunderbolt) for streaming sound via bluetooth. I got mine Friday and just got to mess with it because my wife went into labor simultaneously

Anyway, it pops and cracks every 3 seconds to the point I thought it was going to bust my tweeters. It doesn't seem to do it during a call, only media. It doesn't matter the file type or anything. Also if I use the AUX cable it has terrible terrible feedback. I can hear it in headphones too. It's the sound like a wire is grounding out somewhere...if you've ever dealt with audio cabling before.

Is anyone else having this very issue, or did I get a dud? Also, does anyone have a suggestion on how to fix it? I tried equalizers and adjusting the volume. I also tried a JayBird stereo bluetooth headset. I tried the ol restart -- no factory reset yet though. If you have any clue, please let me know. I just don't want to waste time getting replacements if we are all experiencing it. Thanks!

(also this happens in the browser, youtube, media player, etc.)

nerdstaz · Jul 9, 2012

Has anyone had a chance to test this out yet?

nerdstaz · Jul 10, 2012

I can't get a replacement device until after the 12th..so I decided to check in again. (Telesales said their "Iconic" system will only allow it if they can charge my card again, and well screw that!)

So has anyone else experienced this issue while streaming MUSIC or MEDIA to bluetooth??

Android Al · Jul 13, 2012

I have a crackling sound whenever I play audio through bluetooth.

I've tried three different bluetooth devices, all with the same results. Audio is fine through the headset jack, or through the speakers, this seems only to be a bluetooth issue.

The sound is a popping or crackle sound every 2 or three seconds, with no particular pattern.

I've done a wipe/factory reset, to no avail. If I slide the volume control all the way to zero, the popping goes away, but even one click up on the volume will bring back the pops. Volume level above zero has no effect on the volume of the popping sounds, they are always at the same level.

I've tried audio from TuneIn Radio, and played some music though the stock audio app, so it's not a problem with a specific app.

Verizon tech says to return the phone, as I've already tried everything that they would do.

Just wondering if I'm the unlucky one, or do any others have this problem?

medic2pa · Jul 14, 2012

Yes, I am having the same issue. I bought a white SG3 from Verizon 2 days ago. I have previously used my preinstalled bluetooth in my 2007 mercedes GL320 which has paired without issue on 6 other devices. There is also a thread on XDA forums regarding initial issues with the device, one being cracking/popping which they are attributing to a software problem. But one user stated that he used 3 other SG3's and they didn't pop/crack when paired with bluetooth, so he was figuring it is a hardware issue. Even though it's a PITA to reload ALL my medical apps/programs (which takes literally most of the day), and just finished loading them last night, tomorrow I will be at Verizon to switch it out and take my chances with a different device. I'm not paying this kinda money to have a possible defective device then get a refurb in 2 wks time.

robin_ · Jul 14, 2012

I have a blue 16 and have used Bluetooth audio for hours with no problems. Looks like you got a lemon! :-(

medic2pa · Jul 14, 2012

Mine is doing the same thing! never had these issues before with other devices. called samsung support last night they state they haven't had any support strings listing this yet. on the XDA forum, they have that listed as one of the "problems" posts with the cracking/popping with making phone calls as a software issue. Another poster states he went back to the store, tried 3 other ones and they did NOT have the cracking/popping noise, so he is assuming it's a hardware issue.
Here is a link to the post:
[BUGS] Post your issues here with the phone here | Updated: 7/4/12 - xda-developers

medic2pa · Jul 14, 2012

[BUGS] Post your issues here with the phone here | Updated: 7/4/12 - xda-developers
That is the link to another forum tracking bugs with the SGS3. One confirmed issue. I'm taking mine back tonight for a new model and the VZ store rep said we'll test it before I leave to make sure the next one doesn't do the same thing.

AntimonyER · Jul 14, 2012

Similar threads merged. THanks for understanding.

nerdstaz · Jul 14, 2012

Return it if you are experiencing this cracking or popping. Its definitely a hardware issue. Returned mine and all is well with a new device.

Hope this helps!

snerick · Jul 16, 2012

nerdstaz said:
Return it if you are experiencing this cracking or popping. Its definitely a hardware issue. Returned mine and all is well with a new device.

Hope this helps!

I have encountered the same issue. Called Tech Support. They researched the problem and could not find any other incidents. However, they understood and arranged for me to go to a Verizon store and swap out my phone since it was in the 14 day trial period. Went to the store, but because I had a 32GB (blue) phone, they had no stock and could not even locate any locally or in their warehouse. Looked like the stores only have 16GB so far. Called Tech Support back and they are now arranging for a new one to be shipped directly to me. If this one has the same issue I will have already used the "worry free" guarantee and the replacement phone would have to go back to Samsung for repair. A colleague bought this same phone through US Cellular yesterday and he has the same cracking and popping issue when connecting to the blue tooth in his car. Perhaps just a coincidence, but could this be a growing issue?

seana608 · Jul 17, 2012

I began experiencing this issue as well. I received my phone on the 6th and set up my bluetooth the next day. I didn't have any issues with the crackling at that time. But a few days ago when I made a phone call the crackling began. I can now hear it on most phone calls that I make and I always hear it when I play music through my bluetooth. I took it back to Verizon today to inquire about switching it out and I tested the display unit which was also crackling. The Verizon rep brought out a brand new one to try but he said he couldn't bypass the SIM activation to test that one. I decided to wait and see if there would be a fix sometime in the future but now I'm thinking I should just go back and exchange it for a new unit.

Trent Reznor · Jul 17, 2012

I am experiencing this on both calls and music.... looks like I will be going to a vzw store tomorrow :eek:

2horses · Jul 18, 2012

I tried streaming Pandora via bt yesterday and it sounded awesome! Calls sound fine as well. So my bet is bad hardware. Sorry you have to replace yours, Trent!

SamsungVibrant · Aug 13, 2012

snerick said:
Perhaps just a coincidence, but could this be a growing issue?

Not just a coincidence. Went through 2 phones with the same problem myself.

767pilot · Sep 7, 2012

I have the same problem. My bluetooth sounds fine for phone, but if I set it to play audio, I get popping noises when listening to podcasts or music over bluetooth devices like speakers and through the car radio. Phone blue tooth audio sounds fine

Dalepa · Dec 25, 2012

Yep, had the same popping problem... Returned last week for a new S3...
No more popping!!

nerdstaz said:
Return it if you are experiencing this cracking or popping. Its definitely a hardware issue. Returned mine and all is well with a new device.

Hope this helps!

SorcPenz · Feb 24, 2017

Can't believe this is a 2012 problem. This is happening with my S7. Here's my fix. I can't be listening to music and then decide to throw it to my Bluetooth speaker in the midst of the song. I have to exit Pandora or whatever I was on, turn the speaker on, turn Bluetooth on, pair the device, then turn music app on and play music. Suddenly no pops, IF you don't touch the phone from then on. Any other things I try to do on the phone threatens more pops, but not annoying ongoing like a badly scratched record. So I can't throw music to my speaker midst playing and can't let the phone function as anything but a music player. The future is real annoying-like, big promises and nothing but failing aspirations.

SorcPenz · Feb 24, 2017

*edit* accidental double post

Keva69 · Aug 25, 2019

Fixed It..
Mine was working on most devices but just had trouble with my favorite BT headphones..

Had the same problem on my S9. Turned off Dual Audio and it started to work fine.

Just got my Note 10+ and this didn't work.. Tried all sorts. Removing all devices, rebooting etc. Eventually after removing all devices and then pairing my headphones, I turned ON Dual Audio and they started to work without any distortion or crackling.. Can't be sure what the exact fix is but it's all about the Dual Audio... Think you need to turn bluetooth off, then switch Dual Audio(On or Off, whatever works) and then turn Bluetooth back on, not sure if the removing of all other devices had any effect.
Kev.

Help Bluetooth issues, popping and cracking. Is it just me?

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