Why Is Alexa Making Popping Noise? Complete Fix Guide

Nothing is worse than dealing with Alexa making popping noise when you just want to listen to music. Fortunately, we have the solution you need.

Hearing Popping noises is almost always caused by a connection problem. There may be a bad wire that’s causing interference.

The bad connection could be in many different places. Software bugs and glitches can also cause popping noises on your Alexa-enabled speakers.

To fix the connectivity problem, troubleshoot the wires and replace the cables. You can also try reducing the distance between your devices. The larger the distance between your Amazon Echo speaker and the source of the audio, the weaker the connection.

To solve the popping noise issue, first, you need to determine the root of the problem.

There are different causes. You could save time and effort if you identify these before troubleshooting.

What Causes Alexa Keeps Making Popping Noise

There can be many reasons why your Alexa keeps making a popping noise. If you identify the root cause, you can take the necessary action to resolve the problem.

1. Bad Connectivity

There may be a bad wire between your amplifier and speaker. Something may have come loose if the wire tends to get moved around during cleaning.

2. Strong Interference

The distance between the Amazon speaker and audio source may be too large, causing weaker Bluetooth connectivity. There may also be frequency changes from other radio signals.

3. Software Bugs And Glitches

Outdated software is another possible reason your Alexa keeps making a popping sound. If connecting your device with another Amazon speaker does not solve the problem, this may be the case. 

4. Speaker Hardware Malfunction

If you have eliminated all possible causes, but your Alexa keeps making the sound, there must be a problem with the hardware. Unfortunately, you can’t fix this on your own.

These are the primary causes of the issue when Alexa keeps on making weird popping noises.

We can now proceed to the troubleshooting steps so you can start fixing it as soon as possible!

How to Fix Alexa Making Popping Noise

If, instead of sound Alexa is making popping noises, you need to start troubleshooting the problem. Before you do anything else, restart your device.

Simply unplug the speakers from the power source, then plug them back in and turn the power ON. This should fix minor issues on your device as well.

If a simple restart doesn’t solve the issue, you can move to advanced solutions.

Solution #1: Use an Auxiliary Cable to Test Your Alexa Device’s Audio

Use an auxiliary wire to determine if a connection problem causes the popping noise.

Plug in the Aux cable to the speaker and audio source, then play your favorite songs.

Doing this will isolate the problem since if this resolves the issue, your’re likely facing connectivity issues.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Connect the 3.5mm cable to the Auxillary port of your Amazon Echo.
2. Connect the other end to the audio source.
3. Open the Amazon Alexa app and select the Echo & Alexa tab.
4. Go to Speakers and scroll down to General Settings.
5. Click on the Aux option and choose Line In.

Note: If you’re still experiencing the issue after performing this step, skip to Solution #4.

Solution #2: Place Your Alexa Speaker Near the Audio Source

Once you figure out that your Amazon Echo is not faulty, check whether the popping noise is due to an obstruction in the path of your speaker and audio source.

1. Move your Amazon speaker closer to the audio source.
2. See if the quality of the sound improves.
3. Make sure both devices are within 30ft of each other. 

Note: Bluetooth devices have a limited range. The larger the distance, the weaker the Bluetooth connection.

Solution #3: Move Your Speakers Away from Interference Sources

Changes in the frequencies of other radio signals may also interfere with your music. Be sure to move your Amazon Echo away from sources of possible interference.

Whether it’s physical or electromagnetic interference, you want to know the sources so you can keep your device away from them.

1. Reposition your Echo to a higher location.
2. Move it away from microwaves, baby monitors, and other wireless devices.
3. Do not install your Amazon speaker next to heat sources.
4. Minimize obstructions between your speaker and audio source.

Note: If you Echo is still making popping noises, connect it with another speaker. If the audio is playing without any disturbance, the problem may be with the speaker itself. 

Solution #4: Unpair and Pair Your Alexa Speakers to the Audio Source

Suppose your Amazon Alexa is still making popping noises despite placing it near the audio source and moving it away from interference sources. In that case, you should try unpairing and pairing it again.

Here’s how to unpair your Alexa speaker from the audio source:

1. Open the Amazon Alexa app.
2. Select the Devices tab.
3. Choose the speaker you want to unpair. 
4. Tap Unpair. A pop-up window will ask you to confirm.
5. Tap Unpair for the second time.

To pair your Alexa speaker again, here’s what you should do:

1. Set your device to Bluetooth pairing mode.
2. Set your Echo speaker to pairing mode.
3. Alexa will confirm with Searching.
4. Go to Bluetooth settings and select your Amazon Echo.  
5. Alexa will announce if the connection is a success.

Note: Once you have configured the connection, you can reinitiate it anytime.

Activate your Bluetooth with the command “Alexa, pair with…” and “Alexa, connect to…” device name.

Solution #5: Update the Alexa App on Your Phone

Update your Alexa app to its latest version to eliminate the software bugs and glitches that may be causing the popping noise.

Getting the latest version ensures that incompatibilities are already fixed so you don’t have to run into them.

Here’s how you can do it.

1. Launch the Amazon Alexa app and tap on the menu icon.
2. Tap on Device Settings and select your device from the list.
3. Tap your device and select Device Settings.
4. Click Device Software Version.
5. If an update is available, wait for it to finish.

Note: If your Alexa App is up to date, make sure your Alexa speakers are running the latest version.

Solution #6: Update Your Alexa Speakers

Outdated software can also cause your Alexa speakers to make popping noises. While Echos are designed to update automatically, you can also do it manually.

It’s not all the time that the automatic updates work, so you will need to double-check to make sure.

Update your Echo Dot:

1. Visit Amazon’s website and navigate to the Alexa page.
2. Click Settings and select your Echo Dot from the list of devices.
3. Go to the  About section and see the Device Software version.
4. Check the latest software version of your Dot.
5. If your device has an older version installed, update it. 

Update your Echo Show:

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen of your Echo Show.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Select Device Options.
4. Click Check for Software Updates.

You can also force update your Echo Show by pressing the microphone mute button. The light will turn red. Wait for a few minutes until your device announce it needs to update. It will restart once done.

If none of the above solutions work, the popping noise may be caused by a hardware issue.

The only fix is to contact Amazon customer support. You will need to get your device to a service center for repair or replacement.

Read Next: Alexa Says Can’t Reach Amazon Music? (Fixed)

Bottom Line

Now, you know what causes the Alexa making popping noise. You can use the appropriate solution from our list to solve the issue.

These methods are simple and do not require technical knowledge.

But, if the cause of the problem is hardware malfunction, there’s nothing you can do to fix it at home. Take your device to the nearest service center.