Understanding Phone Call Clicking: What’s Behind the Sound?
While concerning, in most cases these strange sounds are just normal glitches in cell networks rather than threats of hacking. Read on to learn more about the common causes of clicks, taps, and other odd phone noises in our quick guide.
Quick Answer
You mainly hear clicking during phone calls because of little issues like problems with the phone network. Most of the time, it’s not a big deal. But if it keeps happening, you might want to check with your network service provider or see if there’s something up with your network connection instead.
What Does It Mean When You Hear Clicking on Your Phone?
You know the drill – you’re mid-conversation when suddenly it sounds like your phone is tapping out Morse code. Most of the time it’s usually nothing serious. The cause could be as simple as a glitchy touchscreen. It might be annoying, but it’s not a big deal.
Why Do You Hear Clicking During Phone Calls?
You may notice distracting clicking sounds interrupting your phone conversations. This distortion is typically caused by technological reasons rather than risks of data breaches. Let’s explore the leading reasons you may hear clicks, taps, or background noises during calls:
External Noises
You’re not losing it – sensitive microphones can transmit nearby sounds like keyboards, pen writing, or other noises. Studies show background noise levels above 50 decibels can degrade call quality. Try moving to a quieter area when possible to reduce these ambient sounds interfering with your call reception.
Technological Problems
Clicking often results from cellular signal switching between towers which can cause distortion. As carriers upgrade infrastructure over time, handoff capability should improve and reduce clicks. That’s also why rural areas with more towers tend to have worse connection handoffs.
Signal Interference
You’re not stuck inside an old modem, but it sure sounds like it. During periods of high network traffic and bandwidth congestion, signal issues can lead to audio loss that results in clicking as the data reconnects from packet loss. Avoid making calls when networks are at peak capacity.
Coverage Gaps
Cell towers struggling to maintain a consistent connection when coverage fades can also lead to repetitive rebuffering clicks and choppy signals.
How to Stop Your Phone from Making Clicking Noise?
Before you panic, try these troubleshooting tricks to trace the source and fix the problem once and for all. From keyboard sounds to network issues, we’ll cover every possibility as to why it happens and how to stop it:
Restart Your Phone
If your phone is ticking like a clock – it’s probably because of a software glitch. Simply powering your phone off and on again can clear any memory issues and reboot any audio processing problems without loss of data. This fixes over 40% of transient smartphone issues.
Toggle Airplane Mode
Flipping airplane mode on for 10-15 seconds before turning it off again will force close all connectivity and clear out any problematic apps running in the background that may be interfering with smooth audio and cause clicking.
Update Carrier Network Settings
Contact your customer support to check optimal network compatibility settings specifically for your area. For instance, Ooma Home Phone Services fixed their clicking sounds as people were complaining on their online forums.
Check for Hardware Damage
Inspect your phone ports, microphone pinhole, and speakers for any signs of accumulated dust, debris, or water damage which could degrade audio, and come across as clicks.
Consider Replacing Your Phone
If your phone is over 3 years old, its processor may struggle with multi-tasking which can indirectly contribute to call clicking. Upgrading to a newer device would definitely fix this issue.
Other Types Of Noises
Apart from your iPhone clicking during a phone call. There are also some other key sounds that you should watch out for:
Static Noises
Extra fuzzing that you have never heard before crashing your crystal clear conversations out of nowhere? Bad weather can cause some static sure, but sometimes it means someone is snooping instead.
Scratching
Mysterious light scratching is typically nothing to worry about on phone calls. But if crystal clear reception suddenly sounds like you’re calling via tin cans when confidential topics arise, be worried – because that might mean that someone is listening to your conversations.
Echoes
You say something sensitive, and you hear it right back. An echo effect out of the blue can mean your calls got forwarded somewhere without you knowing.
Noises While Not Talking
Hearing any weird background noise, clicks, or tones when your phone is idle and not in use also points to potential tampering.
Conclusion
Unexplained sounds like consistent clicking only during sensitive talks are most suspicious. But always contact your carrier first for technical checks before assuming the worst. Try common fixes like toggling Airplane mode as well. If you are careful enough, you can prevent those clicks from turning into a real privacy concern.
FAQs
James Wilson
James Wilson is a seasoned tech enthusiast with a passion for all things Apple. With years of experience troubleshooting and fixing iPhone issues, he brings a wealth of knowledge to “My Tech Simply.” James’s dedication to helping iPhone users find simple and effective solutions shines through in his articles.
