Problems With White Noise On Spotify? 4 Known Issues (Solved)

Some Spotify users have taken to consumer platforms to voice their frustration with the background white noise they experience when listening to their favorite tracks.

If this is you, read on further to find out what is causing this problem and what you can do to solve it.

1. The Device Is Producing White Noise

White noise is made up of all frequencies along the spectrum of sound that you can hear in the same quantity.  People often describe white noise as the static of an untuned radio or television.

Technology is not infallible.

Some devices start acting up with age, wear and tear, or incompatibility with specific apps and features.

Here’s what you can do if you suspect that your device is producing white noise:

You need to try isolate the issue.

1. Play a few tracks through Spotify and note if all the songs have white noise in the background.
2. Use a different app such as YouTube and see if you can hear white noise too.

If white noise is produced across different platforms and apps, your device could be faulty.

If restarting your device doesn’t fix the problem, then you might need to upgrade your device to the latest software.

Here’s how to check for updates on Android:

Find out the Android version you currently have:

1. 1. Launch ‘Settings’
   2. Scroll to the bottom, and select ‘About phone’ followed by ‘Android version’
   3. You can see your ‘Android version’, ‘Android security update’, and ‘Build number’ here.

Update to the latest Android Operating System:

If you have notifications enabled, you may have recently received a notification, go into it and choose the update action.

If you cleared all notifications or your device has not been online, follow these steps:

1. Access your phone’s ‘Settings’
2. Scroll to the bottom, and choose ‘System’ followed by ‘System update’
3. You will find your updated status. Follow the steps provided to update.

Here’s how to check for updates on Windows:

To find the latest recommended version of Windows:

1. Click ‘Start’, then ‘Settings’. 
2. Now, click  ‘Windows Update’
3. Then hit ‘Check for updates’

Here’s how to update your iPhone or iPad:

1. Back up the device on iCloud or your PC.
2. Connect your device to power and link to the internet via Wi-Fi.
3. Launch ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > choose ‘Software Update’
4. If an update is available, click ‘Install Now’ or ‘Download and Install’
5. You will need to type out your passcode, and. then tap ‘Install Now’

Here’s how to update Mac OS:

Remember to back up your Mac before doing an update.

1. Go to the ‘Apple menu’ > select ‘System Settings’ or ‘System Preferences’
2. If you opted for ‘System Settings’, choose ‘General’ on the left-hand side. Then select ‘Software Update’
3. If you opted for ‘System Preferences’, choose ‘Software Update’. This checks if there is new software.
4. If ‘Software Update’ locates new software, click to install.
   • The button will possibly be called ‘Update Now’, ‘Install Now’, or ‘Restart Now’, etc.  You will then be called to put in your administrator password.
5. If ‘Software Update’ states that the Mac is up to date, then you already have the latest software.

2. There Is a Problem With the Spotify App

Spotify has recommended a clean install to fix the problem, but many users have reported little to no success with this solution.

Thankfully, there are some other possible fixes available:

1. Remove the SD card (if you are using one) and reinstall Spotify, then use the app without the SD card. This might fix the problem as SD card errors can lead to cache issues which affect the app’s performance.
2. Alternatively take out your SIM card and reinstall Spotify. Insert the SIM card again, run the app, and see if the problem has been fixed.
3. You can also adjust the streaming quality.

Here’s how to adjust Spotify’s streaming quality:

Phone and Tablet:

1. Access ‘Spotify’
2. Choose the gear icon to go to ‘Settings’
3. Look for ‘Audio Quality’
4. Below ‘WiFi streaming’ and ‘Cellular streaming’, you can choose ‘Low’, ‘Normal’, ‘High, or ‘Automatic’

The Automatic option changes the Spotify audio quality according to your signal strength.

If you’re a Premium subscriber, there will be a further option under ‘Wi-Fi streaming’ and ‘Cellular streaming’ named ‘Very high’.

Follow these steps if you are using Spotify on you PC:

1. Access ‘Spotify’
2. Select the down arrow found in the top-right corner.
3. Choose ‘Settings’
4. Locate ‘Audio Quality’.
5.  Under ‘Audio Quality’ you will find ‘Streaming quality’. Select the drop-down menu found on the right.
6. Navigate between the ‘Low’, ‘Normal’, ‘High’, or ‘Automatic’ options, and the ‘Very high’ for premium subscribers.

You can also try logging out of your Spotify app and back in again. 

Also, try logging in with a friend’s account to see if the problem is not account specific. If the issue lies in your account, you might need to create a new account.

3. You Are Playing a White Noise Track

Some white noise playlists are making their appearance on Spotify. 

Some of these relaxing playlists are called “Calming White Noise”, “Best Noise Labs”, “Relaxing White Noise” and “Deep Sleep Sounds.”

White noise has a host of benefits.

It can improve concentration while working or studying and help you go to sleep.

It is commonly used by parents to soothe their babies. It helps people with ADHD, learning difficulties, and those suffering from Tinnitus.

Make sure that you haven’t accidentally added a white noise track to your playlist.

4. There Is a Problem With the Bluetooth Connection to the External Speakers

Some Spotify users have complained of hearing a high-pitched “hissss” sound coming from their external speakers while playing music.

Poor sound quality when listening to Spotify music is often due to low-quality speakers and headphones.

You can isolate the issue by testing to see if the problem of the “hiss” persists when you play music from other apps.

You can also try tweaking the equalizer settings in Spotify might help.

Here’s how to adjust the Equalizer Settings:

1. Access ‘Settings’ in Spotify.
2. Tap ‘Equalizer’
3. Adjust the settings to your liking. You can either choose between the various options i.e. pop, rock, classic, etc. or adjust the individual settings by yourself.

Also, make sure that your internet connection is strong, as that could impact the sound quality.

If the problem persists, consider investing in better-quality headphones or speakers.

General Pros and Cons of Listening to Spotify

Pros:

Spotify is a music platform that is synonymous with offering the latest and greatest songs, podcasts, and features.

Many people love customizing their listening preferences by tweaking a variety of audio settings and creating their playlists.

For a more in-depth look at the benefits of Spotify, check out our articles about Spotify Premium and Spotify Free:

• Spotify Premium unlocks these features
• Here’s what you get for free on Spotify

Cons:

1. The device that you play Spotify from may produce white noise.
2. There may be a problem with the Spotify app that causes background white noise.
3. You might play a white noise track without realizing it.
4. There might be a problem with the Bluetooth connection to the external speakers and this could impact sound quality.

Final Thoughts

Lots of users experience white noise when listening to Spotify and this can negatively affect their listening experience.

If this has or is happening to you, try the above troubleshooting tips and tricks.

If these methods are unsuccessful, look into investing in a new device but only do so once you have looked at all the troubleshooting tips mentioned in this article.

Sources

Check & update your Android version 
Update your iPhone or iPad
Windows Update: FAQ
Update macOS on Mac