Water and electronics don’t mix well. Whether it’s a sudden splash, an unexpected rain shower, or an accidental drop into a puddle, our phones can get wet. One of the most common aftermaths of such incidents is water getting trapped in the phone’s speaker, leading to muffled sound or even no sound. But fear not! Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to address this watery predicament. This article is a follow-up to our previous one titled Can Low-Frequency Sound Get Water Out Of Your IPhone? with more actionable steps you can take.
Understanding the Issue
Water inside the speaker can interfere with its ability to produce sound. The tiny droplets can prevent the speaker’s diaphragm from vibrating correctly, leading to distorted or muted audio. Over time, if not addressed, this can lead to permanent damage.
Immediate Actions to Take
- Switch Off Your Phone: As soon as you realize there’s water in your speaker, turn off your device. This reduces the risk of short circuits and further damage.
- Shake Gently: Hold your phone with the speaker facing down and give it a gentle shake. This can help dislodge some of the water droplets.
Harnessing the Power of Sound
Certain sound frequencies can help push water out of your speaker. Here’s how:
- Online Tools: Websites like “Fix My Speakers” offer a unique sound frequency designed to eject water from phone speakers.
- Apps to the Rescue: For iPhone users, apps like “Sonic” can be downloaded to produce a high-pitched frequency to push out the water.
- Youtube Videos: Several Youtube videos claim to be able to achieve the same effect (by using different frequencies to eject the water) but reviews are always mixed. Here’s a popular one:
In theory you can press play on the Youtube video after mostly drying out your phone to see if the speaker vibrations eject the water or not. While you should always be skeptical when it comes to these “sound to get water out of speakers” type videos all over the internet, give it a try & let us know. It won’t hurt.
The Vacuum Method A vacuum can be a game-changer in this situation. Here’s how to use it:
- Choose the Right Vacuum: Opt for a handheld vacuum with a small nozzle for precision.
- Clean the Nozzle: Ensure the nozzle is clean to avoid introducing more debris into the speaker.
- Vacuum Gently: Aim the nozzle at the speaker and turn on the vacuum. The suction can help pull out the trapped water.
Air Drying: The Traditional Way Sometimes, the old methods are the best. Letting your phone air dry can be surprisingly effective. Place your phone on a soft cloth in a warm, dry place and let it sit for 24-48 hours.
Desiccants: The Moisture Magnets Desiccants are substances that absorb moisture. Common desiccants include:
- Silica Gel: Those little packets you find in shoeboxes? They’re perfect for this. Gather as many as you can and place them with your phone in a sealed bag.
- Crystal Kitty Litter: This is another form of silica and can be equally effective. Ensure you’re using the crystal type and not the clumping variety.
Conclusion
Water in your phone speaker can be a distressing problem, but with the right approach, it’s solvable. Remember, the key is to act quickly and use the methods best suited to your situation. With prompt action and the right techniques, you can restore your phone’s sound quality in no time.
FAQs
- Can sound really push water out of my speaker?
- Yes, certain frequencies can cause vibrations that help eject water.
- Is rice effective for drying out phones?
- While popular, rice isn’t the most effective desiccant. Silica gel or crystal kitty litter is often better.
- How long should I leave my phone to air dry?
- Ideally, 24-48 hours.
- Can I use a hairdryer to dry out my phone?
- It’s not recommended as the heat can damage internal components.
- Is it safe to turn on my phone immediately after removing the water?
- It’s best to wait until you’re sure all the moisture is gone.
- Are all phones susceptible to water damage in their speakers?
- While many modern phones are water-resistant, their speakers can still be affected by water.
- What if the sound is still distorted after trying these methods?
- It might be best to consult with a professional or the phone’s manufacturer.
- Can I prevent water from getting into my speaker in the future?
- Using protective cases and being cautious around water can help.
- Are there any tools specifically designed for this problem?
- Yes, there are apps and websites designed to play frequencies to eject water.
- Is the vacuum method safe?
- Yes, as long as you use a low-powered vacuum and are very careful not to damage another component on the phone.
Hi! I’m Eric and I work on the knowledge base at GadgetMates.com. You can see some of my writings about technology, cellphone repair, and computer repair here.
When I’m not writing about tech I’m playing with my dog or hanging out with my girlfriend.
Shoot me a message at ericchan@gadgetmates.com if you want to see a topic discussed or have a correction on something I’ve written.
