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New Participant
December 11, 2025
Question

Low-Frequency Buzzing Issue with Quest 3s Built-in Speakers

My Quest 3s speakers produce a buzzing/rattling sound at extremely low frequencies (approximately 60-40 Hz), both during gaming and video playback. Since most content doesn't frequently utilize such low frequencies, this issue can be easy to miss. In fact, it took me about two months of use to notice the problem, though it likely existed from the moment I unboxed the device. However, when I use headphones, everything works perfectly fine.

 

I have tried almost every troubleshooting method, including system updates and resetting the device to factory settings, but nothing has resolved it. I'm unsure whether this is a hardware issue or a system/firmware problem. If it were a hardware defect, it seems unlikely that both speakers would exhibit the exact same issue, even down to the identical faulty frequency range (both below 60 Hz). Therefore, I'm leaning toward it being a firmware-related problem.

 

    5 replies

    steve40
    Honored Contributor
    December 12, 2025

    It's probably more of a design issue; the built-in speakers can't handle much bass. Maybe turn the volume down a notch or use headphones with better bass response. If the problem is constant and a serious problem, you could try a warranty return, but be advised Meta will send you a refurbished unit that might be older than your 2-month old headset. You could try to get a refund, perhaps, especially if you didn't buy directly from Meta, then buy another new headset, but that depends on where you purchased from and their refund policy.

    Given that it took 2 months before you even noticed the issue, I guess it is not serious, so probably just ignore it.

    Honored Contributor
    December 12, 2025

    There is no buzzing in my Quest 3s even at highest volume. It could be firmware but there is a possibility for hardware too. Sometimes a speaker unit can come loose inside and certain frequencies can cause it to vibrate. Is there a chance the speaker arm took a hit or was the headset dropped? As a music freak playing around with audio equipment in my younger days I found that even the slightest movement caused buzzing from a loose speaker. I found this issue even on the tiny speaker on an old Samsung phone I had. I jerry rigged a bit of putty around it and the buzz was gone. I'm not suggesting it is definitely the problem and I don't advise popping it open! 😁 But, you can definitely play Quest 3s at high volume without buzzing. So something isn't right. I'd contact support if I were you as it might get worse over time if it's a hardware problem. 

    Honored Contributor
    December 12, 2025

    Note. I meant to say if, when you are using headphones it's perfect, it's more likely to be a physical problem with the speaker, particularly if it's more noticeable just on one side. If it's both sides, it's likely firmware. You could try a reset maybe? 

    New Participant
    July 11, 2026

    I literally the same thing happened to me. The buzzing you’re mentioning is actually the speaker being blown. I noticed it in the right speaker of mine. I’ve had it less than a month. I don’t understand. I was playing wrath too, and I had had the volume all the way up well why would they design it that you can turn the volume to a certain amount that it will blow the speaker fortunately, I can turn mine in. I’m actually going through that right now with Amazon. 

    Honored Contributor
    July 11, 2026

    I have  my 3s almost one and a half years and have no problems. But I do use it either a couple of bars less than full volume or with over ear Bluetooth headphones so maybe I'm lucky. Haven't heard very many people complaining about it, maybe you were unlucky. It's good you can still return it! πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘