Xbox Series X starts crackling/cutting out audio when I plug in headphones

Hi there! This is Virginia O.

I understand that you are experiencing crashing out audio on the Xbox Series X.

I apologize for the inconvenienced this has caused you. I will do my best to help you.

Please verify headset connection by making sure that the headset is securely plugged into the controller or console. Check for any loose connections or debris in the headset jack.

And then update both the controller and the console's firmware to the latest versions. Go to Settings > Devices & connections > Accessories, select your controller, and update it.

Next is to adjust audio settings. To do this, check headset volume. Make sure that the headset volume is not muted or turned down in the Xbox settings. Kindly adjust chat mixer, ensure that the chat mixer settings are balanced between game audio and chat.

Test a different audio output formats like Stereo Uncompressed, Windows Sonic, or Dolby Atmos.

Then ensure that the controller is connected to the console via cable, as wireless connections can be affected by interference. Kindly move the console or controller to a different location to see if it resolves the issue.

After performing the troubleshooting steps, power cycle the Xbox by holding down the Xbox button on the console for 10 seconds until it turns off, then unplug the power cord for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and turn the console back on. Please test it out if the cracking/cutting out audio is fix.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Since you say it starts crackling and cutting out on one side, as well as the headset not working on your phone:

Is it possible that since the headphone connector is on the "bottom" side of the controller towards your body, that you are "resting" the controller on your stomach in such a way, that you are bending the cable connection?

Depending on the quality of the kink protector on the headphone plug, this could cause excessive bending on the copper wires which eventually break, causing to be cut off or crackling, if frayed parts inside the cable still touch eventually.

So it's not the controller itself breaking your headphones, but maybe the poor positioning and protection of the cabling of the headphones.

Im a little late to the party here, I have the same issue, many have the same issue.

Crackling and pops, fairly rarely but it’s definitely there.

This started happening right out of the box, brand new.

It became a lot less after one or two of the updates the series X has had since roughly June actually.

However.. it goes away like 99% if you use your controller wirelessly. (When you use a headphone for example on the controller)

Its present when wired though, I personally think the culprit is in whatever protocol is being used for wired audio and wireless.

It was turtle beach headphones . I found there was no sound when I went into settings then audio and the headset chat mixer slider was missing.if u put headphones on then take the jack out of port until u hear a crackling through headset it would work.but
I had to do this every time I turned xbox on.hence a fault with headphone jack port on both controllers

Hi scott,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Xbox Community. I'm sorry to hear that you're having issues with your headset. Are you using an official Xbox wireless headset? If yes, please make sure your headset is updated with the latest firmware using the Xbox Accessories app. On Xbox X|S and Xbox One consoles, you can access the Accessories app in the Settings menu: Profile & system > Settings > Devices & connections > Accessories.

Note: The Xbox Wireless Headset needs to be powered on and connected to your console or device in order to update its settings in the Accessories app. Depending on how many accessories are connected to your console or device at the time, you may need to scroll left or right to bring up the headset configuration screen

If you're still having issues, please reset your settings to resync your audio. Please follow these steps:

Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.

Select Profile & system > Settings > General > Volume & audio output > Audio Testing & Details > Reset audio settings

Regards,

Alvaro