How to Get Water Out of Your Phone Speaker

Water damage to your phone’s speaker is more than just an inconvenience; it poses the risk of muffled audio output and even permanent damage to the device. The issue can escalate from a minor annoyance to a costly problem if not addressed promptly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When water enters your phone speaker, the natural instinct is to resort to quick fixes in a bid to solve the problem. However, many widely accepted methods are not only ineffective but can also worsen the situation.

Using a Hair Dryer or Heat Gun

Many people grab a hair dryer or a heat gun to evaporate the water. While this may seem like a quick solution, it poses a serious risk.

High heat can cause internal components to melt or warp, leading to further damage. Additionally, the force of the air could push water deeper into the device, creating more problems than it solves.

Placing the Phone in Rice

Another popular myth is the rice method, where people submerge their phone in a bag of rice to draw out the moisture. Rice is not an effective desiccant for electronics and often does not absorb water quickly enough to be of any help.

Moreover, tiny grains can enter the device and cause additional damage.

Shaking the Device

A natural reaction might be to shake the phone vigorously to expel water. While this could remove some moisture, the forceful motion may also displace internal components or push water deeper into sensitive areas, adding complexity to an already troubling situation.

Turning the Volume Up and Down

Some think that toggling the volume can help remove water by moving the speaker components. While this may displace some water, the action could also short out the speaker circuit, rendering it useless.

The Correct First Steps

Now that you are aware of what not to do, it’s time to focus on the correct initial actions that can make a significant difference in the outcome. Rapid and appropriate steps can substantially mitigate damage, helping to preserve the function of your phone speaker and other associated components.

Power Off the Device Immediately

One of the first things you should do is turn off your phone. While it may be tempting to check if everything is working fine, keeping the device on increases the risk of short circuits and further damage. Disconnect the battery if your device allows for it.

Dry the External Parts with a Soft Cloth

Before moving on to more specific techniques, start by wiping down the phone with a lint-free soft cloth. Make sure to get into the crevices where water is likely to hide, such as the charging port and around the buttons.

This step aids in preventing additional water from seeping further into the device.

Place the Phone Upright

To capitalize on the power of gravity, place your phone in an upright position. This encourages any trapped water to flow downwards and out of the speaker.

Be cautious not to tilt or shake the phone too much during this process to avoid the movement of water into other sensitive parts.

Let the Air Do Its Work

While your phone is upright, let it sit in a dry, cool environment to allow natural evaporation. Avoid direct sunlight, as excessive heat can cause other types of damage to the phone. Fresh air circulation is key during this period.

Utilizing Specialized Techniques

After taking the essential first steps, you might find it necessary to resort to specialized techniques for water removal. These are focused interventions aimed at getting rid of lingering moisture that the initial steps might have missed.

While some of these methods may require household items, they’re generally easy to execute and can be highly effective when performed carefully.

Cotton Swab Method

A cotton swab can be an effective tool for removing trapped moisture. Lightly touch the cotton end to the speaker grille; capillary action will pull the water into the cotton. 

Rotate the swab gently to allow for maximum absorption but avoid pushing it too far into the grille to prevent further internal damage.

Compressed Air Canister

Many households have compressed air canisters for cleaning keyboards or electronics. You can use one to blow air gently across the speaker grille, which helps to push out any trapped water.

Make sure to keep the canister at least a few inches away from the device to avoid pushing water deeper inside.

Paper Towel Roll Technique

Fold a paper towel into a narrow strip and insert it gently into the speaker grille. The paper towel will wick away moisture from the speaker. Be cautious while inserting and removing the paper towel to avoid any damage.

Smartphone Speaker Cleaning Apps

There are apps specifically designed to eject water from your phone’s speakers by playing a particular frequency of sound. While the effectiveness can vary, many users have found this method useful.

Please note that excessive use of such apps could potentially harm the speaker, so proceed with caution.

Understanding Your Phone’s Water Resistance Rating

While prevention is better than cure, knowing your phone’s inherent ability to resist water can be empowering. Most modern smartphones come with a water resistance rating, indicated by an IP code.

Being aware of this rating can influence your actions when your device comes into contact with water and help you gauge how urgent the situation is.

The IP Rating System Explained

IP stands for Ingress Protection, and it’s a universal standard for rating the degree of protection offered against intrusions like dust and water. Typically, an IP rating has two numbers.

The first digit indicates protection against solid particles, and the second digit signals protection against liquids. For example, a rating of IP68 means the phone is dust-tight and can be submerged in water under certain conditions.

What Each Digit in IP Ratings Means

The first digit ranges from 0 to 6 and signals the device’s resilience to solid particles like dust. A higher number indicates better protection. The second digit ranges from 0 to 9, with higher numbers representing better liquid resistance.

So, a phone with an IP68 rating offers maximum protection against both solid and liquid intrusions.

Cross-Referencing with Real-World Scenarios

Knowing your phone’s IP rating can help you assess the extent of potential damage when an accident happens. For instance, a splash or quick dip might not be a big issue for a phone with an IP68 rating, but could be disastrous for a phone rated IP54.

Limitations of IP Ratings

While these ratings provide a good idea of a device’s resistance capabilities, they are not foolproof guarantees. Ratings are based on controlled tests that don’t necessarily cover all real-world situations.

Factors like wear and tear, temperature, and pressure can all affect your device’s actual resistance to water.

Warranty Considerations

Although a high IP rating can be reassuring, it’s essential to note that water damage is often not covered under standard warranties. Make sure to read your warranty information carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered in the case of water exposure.

Conclusion

Dealing with water in your phone speaker is a challenge that requires immediate and thoughtful action. From initial emergency measures to specialized techniques, multiple methods can be employed to mitigate damage.

Knowing your phone’s IP water resistance rating further empowers you to handle such situations wisely. While it’s critical to act quickly, choosing the right set of actions is equally important to preserve your device’s longevity.

Employing a comprehensive approach not only solves the problem at hand but also provides you with valuable insights to prevent similar issues in the future.