Over time, your smartphone speakers collect lint, dust, and all kinds of dirt. When uncleaned, the sound may get muffled, especially if water gets in. Before visiting a repair shop, try these DIY techniques to clean your speakers from both outside and inside.
1. Removing Speaker Dirt with Household Items
Locate the speakers
Typically found on the bottom of the phone near the charger port or on the front face for ear speakers. iPhone speakers are usually on the bottom left and right of the charger port, while Samsung speakers are typically on the bottom, but often restricted to the left or right of the charger port. Ear speakers are almost always located on the top of the front face of the phone where you place your ear.
Cotton swab
Rub gently in circular motions over speaker holes. Gently move it in circular motions while applying a bit of pressure. Continue this process until all the dirt is out. If the speaker holes are big enough, press the swab into the holes, but don't press too hard—just enough that the cotton at the tip enters the slot. Once inside, rub the swab left and right while applying a bit of pressure. Switch cotton swabs when they get dirty. For better results, dab a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto your cotton swab.
Sticky tac
Compress into a ball, press onto speaker holes, and lift to remove dirt. Break off a 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece of sticky tac and start squeezing it into a ball. Keep compressing it until it's soft and malleable. Press it down onto the speaker holes. Apply enough pressure that the sticky tac gets into the speaker.
Hold it down for 2 to 3 seconds and remove it—you should see dirt stuck to the sticky tac. Continue this process until no more dirt comes out of the speakers. Move your sticky tac around so that you're always using its clean surface. Purchase sticky tac from office supply stores or online suppliers.
Toothbrush
Use medium bristles to scrub small speaker grills. Tilt the brush toward either the top or bottom of your phone. Keep it parallel to the top of your phone and move it in up-and-down motions. Turn your toothbrush vertical (parallel to the side of your phone) and clean by moving it in left-and-right motions. Angle the brush upward and scrub with the bottom bristles for tough dirt. Always use a medium bristle brush—soft bristles aren't good enough to remove dirt, while stronger ones are too thick to reach into the small speaker holes.
2. Blowing Out Dirt with Compressed Air
Purchase compressed air
Available at office supply and electronics stores. Test it by aiming it downward and pressing the nozzle down. Get a feel for how much air comes out with each spray. Purchase a can with a straw for increased accuracy.
Connect the straw
For improved accuracy, attach the straw to the nozzle. Screw the thin straw onto the nozzle of your compressed air can. Give it a test by aiming it downward and pressing the nozzle down. The air should blow from the tip of the straw. Tighten the straw if you can feel air coming out of the sides of the nozzle as you spray. Skip the straw if you're comfortable aiming your compressed air can without it.
Blow air
Keep the nozzle at least 1/2 inch from the speaker and blow in short blasts. Keep the nozzle or tip of the straw at least 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) from the speaker opening. This will remove excess dirt that was pressed into the speaker from your cotton swab. Don't blow too close to the speaker or you can damage the phone's internal electrical components. If you're using the straw, hold it with your non-dominant hand to keep it steady as you blow air.
3. Cleaning the Speakers from the Inside
Remove back lid
Use a suction cup and spudger. Heat the perimeter of your phone for about 15 seconds using a hairdryer on low heat. Apply a suction cup to the back. With the screen facing down, gently pull the suction handle toward you. At the same time, insert the flat end of a spudger in between the perimeter opening and lever it toward you. Continue levering the back piece—while still pulling on the suction cup—until it pops off.
You can purchase a spudger—a tool with a wide flat-head screwdriver end that is used as a wedge—from home hardware stores. If you're having trouble, apply more heat to the perimeter to loosen the glue holding the two phone pieces in place. With older and cheaper phone models, you can pry the back off with your hands. For newer and more expensive phones with glass backs, this isn't possible.
Unhook metal covers
Remove screws and take off covers to access speakers. Both the ear speaker and phone speakers are typically held in place by metal covers. Remove the screws holding the covers in place using a #3 Phillips screwdriver and take them off. Gently pull the speakers out. Pry the speakers out using a spudger if you're having trouble.
Wipe down
Use a microfiber cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean speaker pieces. Dab a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a microfiber cloth. Gently scrub the speaker pieces until they are clean. For the openings, blow into them gently from the outside. Dip a cotton swab into alcohol and gently rub it through the speaker openings. You can also use a soft cloth or lint-free paper towel. However, they are not as effective at picking up dirt. Be sure to let the speakers and openings dry before putting your speaker back together.
4. Removing Water with Silica Gel
Turn off phone
If it was on when dropped in water. If your device was turned on when it was dropped in the water, turn it off as soon as possible.
Dry with a towel
Ensure the outside is completely dry. As long as the phone is turned off, it should be safe to handle. Dry the outside completely. If you have an Android device, take out the battery and SIM card if possible.
Seal in a plastic bag
Place the phone with silica gel packs for at least 24 hours. Silica gel packs can be purchased online, or you may find some in packaging around your house. These packs are small, white, and usually have a printed "Do not eat" warning on them. If you don't have silica gel packs, use dry, uncooked rice or another drying agent instead.
Leave in the bag
Leave the phone in the bag for at least 24 hours. Use a spot with some sunlight as this will help pull the moisture from your phone. Do not expose your phone to direct sunlight for an excessive amount of time. When there is no condensation in the bag, remove the device.
5. Removing Water with a Video
Ensure dryness
Make sure the phone is dried properly before starting. You can save a wet phone by acting quickly and using a desiccant. Use this method if you have water in your speaker and your charging port is not damaged. The tones will generate sound waves that can eject the water from your device.
Play a tone video
Open a tone video in your mobile browser and play it at max volume to create sound waves that eject water. Open the tone video in your mobile browser. If you have the YouTube app, it may open in the app automatically. There are various tones marketed towards removing water from your speakers. If this tone does not work for your device, use the search bar to find another similar video. Be sure your device has its volume set to its max. This will ensure the tones play properly and create the sound waves needed to push the water out.
Repeat if necessary
Adjust the device's position throughout the playback. You may need to adjust the device's position throughout the playback. Always keep the speaker holes face down to ensure the water leaves your device.
Conclusion
By following these DIY techniques, you can effectively clean your phone speakers and restore their sound quality. Regular maintenance can prevent the buildup of dirt and ensure your device continues to function optimally. However, if these methods do not resolve the issue, it may be best to consult a professional repair service. For detailed step-by-step instructions, download the full guide.
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