Fix it
White Noise Machine Problems? Fixes (2026)
Common white noise machine problems: sound too quiet, audible looping, battery drain, night light too bright, and app issues.
Most white noise complaints come down to placement, volume, or power, not a faulty machine. Work through these fixes before replacing it.
The machine is too quiet to mask noise
Raise the volume in small steps until conversations and traffic blur, and move the machine closer to the noise source, such as the door or window, rather than beside your head. If it still fails at maximum, the room needs a larger machine like a Dohm or LectroFan Classic, or a second machine at the noise entry point.
I can hear the sound looping
Switch to a non-looping sound if your machine offers one, or change to a different sound family, since loops are more noticeable in some tones than others. If every sound loops audibly, the machine uses short recordings: consider a real-fan Dohm or an algorithmic LectroFan, both of which never loop.
The battery dies too fast
Lower the volume, since higher volume drains batteries faster, and disable the night light if you do not need it. Charge fully before a trip rather than topping up briefly, and carry a USB cable so a phone charger can rescue a dead machine overnight.
The night light is too bright
Dim the light to its lowest setting or switch it off if your model allows independent control. On machines where light and sound share a control, cover the light with a small piece of tape or turn the machine so the light faces away from the bed.
The app will not connect or routines vanish
Restart the app and the machine, confirm both are on the same Wi-Fi network, and check for app updates. If routines vanish after an outage, re-save them in the app rather than only on the device. For critical nights, set a basic sound and light on the device itself so sleep does not depend on the app.
Questions, answered
Why does my machine hum or buzz?
A faint motor hum on real-fan machines is normal; a loud buzz suggests a failing motor or a loose housing. Tighten any screws, move the machine off a resonant surface, and contact support if the buzz grows or changes pitch.
Should I run the machine every night?
Yes, continuous nightly use is the intended pattern, and consistency helps sleep most. Keep the volume at the lowest effective level and the machine across the room for long-term comfort.