How to Clean Your iPhone Speakers And Restore Sound Quality

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Are you having a spot of trouble with your iPhone speakers, perhaps they’re sounding a bit muffled, mumbling, or crackly? Don’t fret, it’s a common issue caused by dust, lint, and other bits and bobs gathering in those tiny speaker holes. Keeping your iPhone clean is essential, not just for how it looks, but also to ensure it performs optimally and lasts longer.

Cleaning your iPhone speakers might seem a bit daunting, but it’s perfectly doable if you approach it carefully. I’ve tackled many a clogged speaker in my time, and I’m happy to walk you through the process safely.

Important First Steps

Before you start any cleaning, it’s crucial to power off your iPhone to prevent accidental actions or damage. It’s also a good idea to remove any phone case or screen protector you have on, so you have full access to the speaker grilles. You might also want to shine a light onto the speaker openings to get a better look at what you’re dealing with.

Now, let’s get stuck in with cleaning the speakers. There are a few methods we can use, some gentler than others.

Method 1: The Soft-Bristled Brush

This is often the first line of defence and is a method Apple itself recommends.

Materials Needed:

• A soft, clean, dry, lint-free cloth (like a microfiber cloth)
  
• A small, soft-bristled brush (paint brushes or makeup brushes can work well)

Procedure:

1. Ensure your brush is soft-bristled, clean, and completely dry to avoid causing any damage.
   
2. For the speaker grille near the earpiece (the receiver), gently brush from side to side, angling the brush so that dust is swept out, rather than pushed further in. Brush several times, tapping any excess dust out of the brush between strokes.
   
3. For the lower speaker holes near the charging port, you can also use a soft-bristled brush. Gently insert the bristles into the holes, softly rotate, and then remove to try and pull out dust and debris.
   
4. After brushing, you can use your soft cloth to wipe away any dislodged debris.

Method 2: Using Adhesive Materials

Painter’s tape, masking tape, Blu Tack, sticky tack, or even something like watchmaker’s Rodico can be surprisingly effective at lifting out grime without leaving residue.

Materials Needed:

• Painter’s tape or masking tape

Or

• Blu Tack, sticky tack, poster paste adhesive, or Rodico

Procedure:

1. If using tape, tear off a small piece. You can wrap it around the tip of your finger, sticky side down, and gently press it over the receiving speaker, rolling it from side to side to collect dust. You don’t need a lot of pressure.
   
2. For the smaller bottom speaker holes, you might need to roll the tape into more of a point to get into the openings effectively. Press the pointy tip gently into the holes and lift.
   
3. If using Blu Tack or similar sticky putty, mould a chunk to be quite thick. Press it down gently onto the speaker grille. The debris should stick to the putty when you lift it away.
   
4. Avoid using a small amount that could get stuck. Some people have reported issues with Blu Tack getting stuck if not used correctly. Rodico is said to be an alternative used by watchmakers that picks up impurities and oils without leaving residue.

Method 3: The Toothpick (Use with Extreme Caution)

A wooden or plastic toothpick can help dislodge more stubborn debris, but it carries a higher risk of damaging internal components if you’re not careful. You should only try this method at your own risk.

Materials Needed:

• A wooden or plastic toothpick

Procedure:

This method is generally recommended only for the lower speakers near the charging port if you can clearly see blockages.

1. Using the sharp end of a wooden or plastic toothpick, very carefully insert it into the speaker holes.
   
2. Do not use pressure as you do this, and stop pushing immediately if you feel any resistance.
   
3. To remove debris, slightly tilt the toothpick sideways and lift it upwards as you pull it out, aiming to flick the debris out. Make sure you don’t tilt it downwards, as this could push the debris or the toothpick further into the phone and cause damage.
   
4. Avoid using metal objects like pins or tweezers inside the port to prevent damage to the charging port pins.

Method 4: Using an Air Blower (Safer Than Compressed Air)

While some sources suggest compressed air, this can easily damage delicate speaker components or seals. Apple also advises against using compressed air on the iPhone. A safer alternative is a manual air blower, ideally a silicone one.

Materials Needed:

• A manual air blower (silicone is recommended)

Procedure:

1. Hold the air blower a short distance from the speakers.
   
2. Use a few short bursts of air to help remove any dust and debris that has been loosened by other methods.
   
3. You can bring the blower closer if needed for more effect, but start gently.

This is less powerful than compressed air, which is a good thing for protecting your speakers.

Considerations for Using Liquids

Generally, Apple advises against getting moisture in the iPhone’s openings and specifically recommends against using cleaning products or compressed air when cleaning the device itself. While some sources mention screen cleaning solutions or isopropyl alcohol, there are risks involved.

Screen Cleaning Solution

If using a screen cleaning solution, apply a small amount to a microfiber cloth first, rather than spraying it directly onto the screen or speakers. Then, wipe the screen and body.

Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)

Some users have reported success using isopropyl alcohol, often applied with a Q-tip, toothbrush, or dental floss stick. The idea is that IPA evaporates quickly. However, sources differ on the recommended concentration and the risks. Some suggest 99% IPA as it has very little water, while others recommend sticking to 70% IPA because higher concentrations can potentially degrade the screen’s oleophobic coating.

Apple’s general cleaning advice mentions using 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes or 75% ethyl alcohol wipes gently on exterior surfaces, avoiding openings and not submerging the device. Using alcohol directly in the speaker holes goes against Apple’s general caution about getting moisture in openings.

Using it with a high-frequency sound played through the speaker has also been suggested to help dislodge dirt. Use liquids like IPA in speaker openings at your own risk, acknowledging the potential conflict with manufacturer recommendations and the risk of damage.

Water

Despite iPhones having some water resistance, leaving any type of fluid in your speaker can cause serious damage when it dries out. Avoid using water directly on the speaker openings as a primary cleaning method for debris. Water resistance isn’t permanent and can decrease over time or if the device has been dropped.

Avoid exposing your iPhone to pressurised water, high-velocity water, saunas, or steam rooms. If liquid does get on your iPhone, wipe it off and ensure it’s completely dry before charging or connecting accessories. Tapping it gently against your hand can help remove excess liquid.

Water Ejection Function

If your phone has got wet and the sound is muffled, the Fix My Speakers app or website uses a specific tone frequency to create vibrations that push water droplets outwards from the speaker. This is a similar function to the water ejection feature on an Apple Watch. This is designed to eject water, not necessarily solid debris, and helps restore clarity after water exposure. You can typically use it from a web browser without needing an app. Usually, 10-30 seconds is enough, but you can repeat if needed.

Don’t Forget Your Phone Case!

While you’re cleaning your iPhone, remember to clean its case too.

Materials Needed:

• Mild soap
  
• Water
  
• A soft cloth

Procedure:

1. Remove the case from your iPhone.
   
2. Mix mild soap with water to create a soapy solution.
   
3. Dampen a soft cloth in the solution and thoroughly clean the case.
   
4. Rinse the case with clean water and let it air-dry completely before putting it back on your phone.

If the Problem Persists

If you’ve cleaned your speakers thoroughly using these methods and the sound quality is still poor (distorted sound, static, crackling, or no sound), the issue might not be blockages.

Check your iPhone’s settings. Ensure Silent mode is off, and Do Not Disturb is off. Try adjusting the Ringtone and Alerts slider in Settings > Sounds (or Sounds & Haptics) to see if you hear sound. If the speaker button is dimmed, the speaker may need servicing.

Try making a call and using speakerphone. If you still have issues, it could potentially be a network problem, so try calling again later or from a different location.

If cleaning doesn’t resolve the audio issues and it doesn’t seem to be a simple setting or network problem, your speaker may need service.

Many Apple Stores will actually clean your charging port and speakers for free, regardless of warranty status. If you’re worried about damaging your device or the issue persists, taking it to a professional is a good option.

Cleaning your iPhone speakers is a simple but effective part of phone maintenance. By integrating these techniques into your routine, you can help ensure optimal audio quality and prolong the life of your device.