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How to get water out of your phone speaker
A splash at the pool and now every call sounds like it comes from underwater. Often it is just water sitting in the speaker grille. A gentle routine and a little patience usually bring the sound back, as long as you skip the hacks that do more harm.
A drying routine, then speaker cleaner apps. Water eject tones may help clear droplets from the speaker grille, but they do not dry the inside or repair water damage. Follow your phone maker’s guidance; avoid heat sources and do not push anything into the openings.
Act gently, not fast
Unplug the phone, wipe it with a soft cloth and hold it with the speaker facing down. Tap it lightly against your palm to let loose water run out.
Skip the hacks
Do not use a hair dryer or heater, and do not push cotton buds or pins into the speaker or port. Let the phone air dry in a cool, dry place.
Try a water eject tone
Speaker cleaner apps play a low tone that vibrates the speaker and may push droplets out of the grille. Run it with the speaker facing down. Compare apps in speaker cleaner apps.
Know when to stop
If the sound stays muffled after drying, or the phone shows a liquid warning, take it to an authorised repair shop. Back up first; see how to back up your phone. For external sound, compare speaker apps.
| Step | What you do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Screen off, unplug | stop charging | protects the phone |
| 2. Wipe and tap | speaker facing down | loose water out |
| 3. Air dry | cool, dry place | no heat damage |
| 4. Try a tone | water eject app | may clear the grille |
| 5. Still muffled | repair shop | checks for damage |
Frequently asked questions
How do I get water out of my phone speaker?
Wipe it, hold it speaker down, let it air dry and try a water eject tone from a speaker cleaner app.
Do water eject apps work?
They may help clear droplets from the speaker grille, but they do not dry the inside or fix water damage.
Should I put a wet phone in rice?
Phone makers generally advise against it. Let it air dry and follow your phone maker’s guidance.