Headphones & earbuds

Headphones buzz or crackle specifically while the phone is charging

This is a well-known interference issue caused by a phone's charger or charging circuit introducing electrical noise into the audio signal, not a fault with the headphones. Using a different charger or unplugging while listening usually eliminates it.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
5–15 minutes
DIY cost
$0–$25

Symptoms

  • Buzzing or static appears only when the phone is plugged into a charger
  • Noise disappears immediately when the charger is unplugged
  • Noise is worse with certain chargers or cables
  • Issue happens on both wired and Bluetooth headphones connected to the same phone

Likely causes

  • CommonLow-quality or non-certified charger introducing electrical noiseCheap chargers often have poor electrical filtering, allowing noise to couple into the phone's audio circuit.
  • CommonCharging cable acting as an antenna for interferenceLonger or poorly shielded cables can pick up and transmit electrical noise.
  • PossibleWireless charging pad interference (for phones charged wirelessly)Some wireless chargers can introduce audible interference into nearby Bluetooth or wired audio.
  • PossiblePhone's internal audio shielding not fully isolating the charging circuitCertain phone models are more prone to this than others by design.
  • Less commonFaulty charger or cable nearing failureA degrading charger can produce more electrical noise than when new.

What to do

  1. Try a different, ideally certified/original charger and cable to see if the noise changes or disappears.
  2. Unplug the phone from the charger while actively listening, if immediate charging isn't essential.
  3. If using wireless charging, move the phone off the charging pad while listening to audio.
  4. Test with both wired and Bluetooth headphones to confirm whether the issue is specific to one connection type.
  5. Try charging from a different wall outlet or a USB port on a computer to isolate the charger itself.
  6. If the noise persists across multiple chargers and cables, this points to the phone's internal design rather than an external accessory.

Tools and parts

Certified charging cable and adapterSearch: “certified fast charger cable phone”

When to call a pro

If noise persists across multiple different quality chargers and cables, this is a known design limitation on some phones and not something a repair can generally fix; using headphones while not actively charging is the most reliable workaround.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.