Clean Dust and Lint From the Grille
- Remove the case, screen protector, and any film. Apple and Google both list this first. Samsung adds that on some Galaxy phones a case or film can cover an air vent hole near the camera and lower the volume.
- Look at the speaker opening in good light to see if it is blocked or dirty. On an iPhone, Apple says to check the receiver too: the earpiece speaker at the top of the screen.
- Brush the opening gently with a small, soft-bristled brush. Apple says the brush must be clean and dry, and Samsung suggests a dry toothbrush.
- For a Pixel, Google says to clean dirty speakers and microphones gently with a soft, lint-free cloth.
The microphone holes collect the same lint. Apple's advice for a microphone that has stopped working is the same: remove cases and films, then clear any debris from the openings. Afterward, the mic test records a few seconds and plays them back, so you can hear whether the sound is clear again.
What Not to Use
- Compressed air. Apple says not to use it when cleaning an iPhone, or to dry one after liquid gets in.
- Liquids and sprays. Apple says to avoid getting moisture in any opening and not to use cleaning products, except for disinfecting the outside.
- Strong disinfectants. Apple allows 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipes on the outside of an iPhone only, and says to avoid products with bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
If Water Got Into the Speaker
Samsung lists a wet or blocked speaker as the cause of muffled or muted sound. Apple's steps for a wet iPhone are:
- Tap the phone gently against your hand with the charging port facing down to remove excess liquid.
- Leave it in a dry area with some airflow. Wait at least 30 minutes before you charge it. A full dry can take up to 24 hours.
- Don't use an external heat source or compressed air, and don't push a cotton swab or paper towel into the port.
- Don't put it in a bag of rice: Apple says small particles of rice can damage the phone.
Water held in the speaker grille can also be shaken out with sound. The speaker cleaner plays a low tone that moves the speaker cone back and forth, which can push droplets out of the grille. It can't dry water inside the phone. Apple Watch has this built in: turning off Water Lock plays a series of tones to clear water from the speaker.
Check the Sound Afterward
Play some music, or run the speaker test to hear each channel in turn. If the sound is still muffled or distorted once the phone is dry and the grille is clean, the speaker itself may be damaged. Contact the maker or a repair shop.