‘For a while I thought it was rocks hitting my windshield’: Pixel owners share their popping sound horror stories

Google Pixel Users Report Popping Noises—And the Mystery Is Growing

Google Pixel owners are raising alarms over a bizarre and persistent issue: their phones are making loud, unexpected popping sounds. What began as isolated complaints has now snowballed into a widespread phenomenon affecting multiple Pixel models, with users describing the noise as startling, disruptive, and downright strange.

The issue first gained attention last week when reports surfaced about the Google Pixel 10 emitting “extremely loud” popping noises. But as more users chimed in, it became clear that this isn’t a new problem. According to user reports and support forum threads, the popping sounds have been haunting Pixel devices for years—dating back to the Pixel 6.

What’s Happening?

The popping sound appears to occur randomly, often when users open or close apps. Some have described it as sounding like rocks hitting a windshield, while others compare it to a sudden electrical discharge. The noise has been reported across multiple models, including the Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, and even the latest Pixel 10.

One user, Adam Roy, shared, “For a while I thought it was rocks hitting my windshield on the freeway.” Another, MoritifedGoose, noted that the issue persisted even when the volume was turned off, particularly when opening games on their Pixel 9.

Is Google Listening?

Despite the growing number of complaints, Google has remained silent on the issue. Tom’s Guide reached out to the company for comment but has yet to receive a response. This lack of communication has frustrated users, who are left to speculate about the cause and potential fixes.

On Google’s official support forums, users have reported that moderators and support staff have not addressed the issue. One “Silver product expert” suggested that the sound might be due to “the floating element of the camera stabilization system,” claiming it’s “normal for Pixel devices.” However, this explanation hasn’t satisfied many users, who argue that the noise is far from normal.

Possible Explanations

While Google hasn’t provided an official explanation, users have offered their own theories. Some suspect it could be a hardware issue, such as a problem with the phone’s power regulator or smart MOSFET, which controls the flow of electricity to the speakers. Others believe it might be related to software glitches or app-specific bugs.

One reader, Matteo Crone, suggested, “This can happen when voltage through the speakers changes instantly. It’s most likely a power regulator or smart MOSFET issue. This could be due to the phone stopping the supply of power to the speakers briefly to save battery.”

A Widespread Problem

The fact that the issue spans multiple Pixel models and years suggests it’s not just a random app glitch or isolated hardware defect. Instead, it points to a deeper, systemic problem that Google needs to address.

Users have tried various workarounds, such as lowering the volume or updating their apps, but these solutions have had mixed results. For many, the popping sound remains an unresolved and frustrating issue.

What’s Next?

As the mystery deepens, Pixel users are left wondering whether Google will acknowledge the problem and provide a fix. In the meantime, the popping sounds continue to disrupt the user experience, leaving many to question the reliability of their devices.

If you’re a Pixel owner experiencing this issue, you’re not alone. Share your story in the comments or on support forums—maybe together, we can get Google’s attention.

Tags & Viral Phrases:

• Google Pixel popping noise mystery
• Pixel users report loud popping sounds
• Is your Pixel making weird noises?
• Google stays silent on Pixel popping issue
• Pixel 6 to Pixel 10—popping sounds plague all models
• Camera stabilization or hardware glitch?
• Pixel users demand answers from Google
• The popping sound that won’t go away
• Google Pixel’s weirdest problem yet
• Are your apps causing your Pixel to pop?

,