Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Accidentally got water in your phone’s speaker? You’re not alone! While most modern iPhones and Androids are water-resistant, their speakers are still vulnerable to water damage. A little moisture can muffle the sound, and if left unchecked, it could lead to bigger problems such as internal corrosion. Even worse, water damage usually voids warranties, so getting it fixed professionally can be expensive.
The good news is you don’t have to panic just yet. There are several simple ways to get water out of your phone’s speaker at home. From using sound vibrations to tried-and-true drying methods, you can restore your audio without resorting to outdated tricks (looking at you, rice). Whether you use a quick water-ejecting tool, a manual drying technique, or a moisture-absorbing solution, acting fast is key. Let’s go over the best ways to save your speaker and get your phone sounding crisp again.
Table of contents
Why You Should Skip the Rice Trick
Ah, the good old “stick your phone in rice” trick. It just sounds right, doesn’t it? Rice absorbs water; your phone has water in it. Boom, problem solved! That’s why this myth refuses to die. Parents tell their kids, friends swear by it, and hey, even I’ve done it before. Once, I even used quinoa. And guess what? My phone worked fine every time.
But here’s the thing: it probably would have worked fine anyway. To be honest, the rice association is more of a placebo effect. At cellphone repair shops, they mostly only advise customers to leave their phones in rice for at least a day to prevent them from attempting to charge them in an attempt to get them to turn back on. If your phone won’t switch on after being submerged in water, trying to charge it will only do more damage and ensure that it won’t operate again.
Moreover, those tiny rice grains can get stuck in your phone’s ports, speakers, and even inside the charging slot. That could leave you with an even bigger, more expensive problem. Apple, along with many tech experts, is now actively warning against using rice to dry out your phone.
So, what should you do instead? Stick around and find out!
Effective Methods to Get Water Out of Your Phone Speaker
Following are some tried and true strategies you can make use of to rid your phone speakers of the unwanted moisture.
The Basics
First things first: turn off your phone immediately. Water and electricity don’t mix, and keeping your phone on could lead to short circuits. Also, do not plug in a charger, headphones, or any other accessories, as this can push moisture deeper inside.
Take off your phone case and remove the SIM card to improve airflow. If your phone has a removable battery, take that out too. These steps help expose any hidden moisture inside the phone.
If you see visible water, gently pat the phone dry with a soft cloth. Avoid sticking cotton swabs or tissues into the speaker grille, as these can push water further in instead of helping remove it.
Hold your phone with the speaker facing down and tap it lightly against your palm to encourage water to escape. Then, place your phone in a well-ventilated area on a dry surface, preferably leaning against a wall so the speaker stays downward. Let gravity help drain the moisture for at least 24 hours.
If your speaker still sounds crackly after drying, it could be due to lingering moisture. One simple trick is to give your phone a good shake. Hold it firmly and shake it in a controlled motion. This can help dislodge any remaining water trapped in the speaker grille.
With patience and the right steps, you can rescue your phone’s speaker without needing fancy tools or risky quick fixes!
Blast the Water Out
Sound waves can help push trapped water out, and luckily, there are some quick and easy ways to make that happen.
Fix My Speakers
Fix My Speakers is one of the easiest tools for clearing out moisture in your phone speakers. Just head to their website on your phone’s browser, turn your volume all the way up, and tap the button in the middle of the screen. A high-frequency sound will start playing, forcing water out of the speaker.
For best results, place your phone on a soft cloth or tilt it slightly with the speaker facing downward. This way, gravity will help guide the water out. If you see droplets coming out, let the sound play for 10-15 seconds, then stop. Repeat as needed until your audio sounds clear again. This is for both Android and iOS users.
Sonic
If you’re an iPhone user, the Sonic app is another great option. You can download it from the App Store. Just look for the orange icon with a frequency wave. When installed, once again, turn your volume all the way up and lay your phone on a flat surface, or try tilting it at an angle with the speaker facing downward. Open the app, choose a frequency, and let it run until the audio clears up.
No Apps? No Problem!
If you prefer a no-app solution, just play a deep, vibrating sound at a high volume. Many free-frequency videos on YouTube can do the trick. Choose a low bass-heavy sound and let the vibrations work their magic. Play it for a few minutes, and if your speaker still sounds muffled, repeat the process.
With the right sound, your phone’s speaker should be back to full volume in no time.
A Better Alternative: Silica Gel
If you’re looking for something better than rice, silica gel is the way to go. Those little white packets found in shoeboxes and medicine bottles? They’re made specifically to absorb moisture.
Gather a minimum of 5-10 silica gel packets to surround your phone. You can find them in product packaging, craft stores, or online. Place your phone and the silica gel packets inside a sealed bag or container. Seal the container tightly, as a closed space helps the gel absorb moisture more effectively. Let it sit for at least 24 hours. The longer, the better.
Silica gel works much faster than rice and won’t leave behind tiny grains that could clog your speaker. If you have some on hand, it’s one of the best ways to dry out your phone.
No More Muffled Sound!
A wet phone speaker doesn’t have to mean disaster. Whether you used sound vibrations, gravity, or silica gel, your speaker should be back in action. Just remember that prevention is key! Keep your phone away from water when possible, and if it does get wet, act fast. Next time your phone takes a dive, you’ll know exactly what to do. Now go enjoy your clear, crisp sound again. Just maybe keep it away from the sink this time!
Visit Inside Tech World for expert tips on getting the most out of your phone, from hidden features to longevity hacks and everything in between!
FAQs
- Can I use a hairdryer to dry my phone speaker?
No! Using a hairdryer can push water further inside your phone and damage internal components. Plus, the heat can warp delicate parts, making the problem even worse. It’s best to stick to safer methods like sound vibrations, gravity, or silica gel.
- How long does it take for a phone speaker to dry?
It depends on the amount of water inside and the drying method used. Playing a sound frequency might clear out water in minutes, while air-drying or using silica gel can take 24–48 hours. If your speaker still sounds muffled after a day, try repeating the process.
- Will my phone speaker be permanently damaged?
Not necessarily! If you act quickly and follow the right steps, your speaker should recover. However, if water has been inside for too long, corrosion could cause long-term damage. If the sound remains distorted after drying, professional repair may be needed.
- Can I use Fix My Speakers on any phone?
Yes! Fix My Speakers works on both iPhones and Androids by playing a high-frequency sound that pushes water out. However, if there’s too much water, it might not work alone. You may need to combine it with other drying methods for the best results.
- What should I do if my speaker still sounds muffled?
First, try using a sound frequency tool again or playing a deep bass-heavy sound for a few minutes. If that doesn’t work, let your phone air-dry longer and place it near a fan. If the problem persists after 48 hours, internal damage may have occurred, and a professional check-up might be necessary.
