When an LG TV’s sound is crackling, distorted, or cuts out for a few seconds, most of the time it’s due to a malfunctioning speaker, a glitch in the TV’s system, or an issue with the HDMI connection.
In most cases, a simple ‘HDMI Refresh’ is enough to solve this.
But, sometimes you may need to perform more drastic troubleshooting steps.
This guide will break down everything about why your LG TV sound isn’t working/crackling and exactly what you need to do to get the TV working again.
Let’s dive into it…
How to Fix LG TV Sound Crackling
- Power Cycle the TV.
- Run a Sound Test.
- Disable the HDMI Ultra HD option.
- Replace the Speaker System.
Step 1: Perform an ‘HDMI Refresh’ (Don’t Skip)
You have to do this using a very popular method—’Power Cycling”
I know this is something no one even wants to hear.
But it really works!
Here’s why: TVs often develop issues due to sudden system activity, which then causes problems with the files and internal operations of the TV.
By power cycling the TV, you can fix these issues and restore the affected files.
Anyway, here’s how:
- Completely disconnect the TV from the power socket.
- Also, remove all HDMI and audio cables connected to the TV.
- Wait for a full 5 minutes (No exceptions).
- During this time, press and hold the power button on the TV for about 30 seconds.
- Once done, turn the TV back on.
Do the same process with your audio system or speaker.
Now test the sound again.
If the sound no longer crackling, your problem has been successfully fixed. But If not, move on to the next step.
Remember, this is a temporary solution, and if it works, you might need to repeat the process if the issue comes up again.
Step 2: Disable the HDMI Ultra HD feature
I’m not sure if you’re familiar with this feature on your LG TV.
Basically, it lets you experience a better picture and improved sound when you connect a speaker that supports it.
The problem is, not all TV speakers and firmware versions are compatible with HDMI Ultra HD Deep Color. So, if you try to play the signal on a speaker that doesn’t support it, it won’t work.
And you can guess what happens next—You will hear Crackling Sound.
Anyway, here’s how to disable it:
-
- Press the “Settings” button on your Lremote and access the “All settings” menu.
- In the Settings menu, go to “Picture” and then “Additional Settings”.
- Click on “Ultra HD Deep Color”
- Now “Turn Off” it for your selected HDMI Input.
- Press the “Settings” button on your Lremote and access the “All settings” menu.
That’s it!
Once you are done, reboot your TV and check if the sound is crackling now. If not, Congratulation! You did it…
Tip: Make sure the cable connecting your media device to the TV is securely plugged into both devices and is not damaged in any way. If possible, try using a different cable or connect the same cable to another TV.
Step 3: Perform a Sound Test
Sometimes, the soundbar you use might not work correctly, or if you’re not using one, there could be a problem with the TV’s internal sound system.
But how can you find out?
Well, you can do a simple sound test to figure it out.
Here’s how:
- Use your remote to access the “All Settings” menu.
- Go to “Support” and then “Additional Settings.”
- Choose “Sound Test” and turn it on.
Once you activate the ‘Sound Test’ feature, any external sound system or speakers will be turned off, and the TV’s internal speaker will be activated.
Now, pay close attention to the sound coming from the TV’s internal system.
If the sound is clear, then the issue is likely with your external sound system. However, if the sound is still distorted, then the problem is with the TV’s system.
Note: If you’re using a soundbar with HDMI ARC, you can check our previous article on how to fix the HDMI ARC sound issue on an LG TV. If you’re using Optical Out, refer to this guide from this link.
F.A.Q.s
Q: Can an external device cause sound crackling on my LG TV?
Yes, external devices connected to your LG TV, such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, or soundbars, can sometimes cause sound crackling.
This can happen due to compatibility issues, faulty cables, or improper settings on the external device.
Q: How can I fix the crackling sound when using external speakers with my LG TV?
First, check the audio connections between the external speakers and your TV. Make sure they are secure and compatible with your TV’s audio output.
If using Bluetooth speakers, keep other devices away that may cause interference.
Q: My LG TV’s sound crackles only when using certain apps. What should I do?
If the sound crackling occurs only with specific apps, it might be a software-related problem.
Try updating the app to the latest version or reinstalling it. If the issue persists, check for any known issues with the app on LG’s support forums or contact the app’s developer for assistance.
Q: My LG TV’s sound crackling problem started after a recent software update. What can I do?
If you suspect that the sound crackling issue appeared after a software update, try rolling back the update to the previous version to see if it resolves the problem.
You can usually find the option to revert to the previous firmware in the TV’s settings or by visiting LG’s official website for software downloads.
Q: Can sound crackling be a hardware problem?
Yes, in some cases, sound crackling might be caused by hardware issues within the TV itself.
Faulty audio components or speakers could lead to distorted sound. If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps, it’s best to seek professional help from LG’s customer support or a qualified technician.

Abdul Kader, a handy guy and experienced founder of a TV repair shop in Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is mainly an expert in understanding and repairing different types of issues with Smart TVs and providing helpful insights on how to keep them in good working order. Read his Full Story.