Table of content
Published on: 25.04.2024 | updated on: 20.05.2024
Your iPhone speakers can catch dust or dirt from day-to-day use, which can muffle the audio output of your iPhone or, in rare cases, damage the speakers. Cleaning the dirt off the speakers is essential to ensure the sound quality remains functional. This article offers a step-by-step guide on how to safely and effectively clean your iPhone speakers and what tools you need to perform the procedure at home.
The process of cleaning an iPhone speaker is easier and needs only a few tools that you might already have. You’ll need a soft-bristled brush, dry, lint-free cloth to avoid any damage to the delicate speaker mesh, or compressed air to remove hard debris. It’s crucial to use these tools carefully as they can damage the speakers permanently if not appropriately handled. It's also recommended to clean your iPhone speakers regularly to ensure you receive optimal audio quality.
iPhone speakers are notorious for attracting dust and debris over time. As a result, you experience muffled sounds and poor-quality audio. If you are experiencing a similar issue, cleaning the iPhone speakers regularly can solve the problem.
Here is what you need;
Soft-bristled brush
Canned/compressed air
Cotton swabs
Microfiber cloth
Turn off your iPhone and disconnect any cables or accessories.
Use the soft-bristled brush to gently brush away any visible dust or debris from the speaker grille (be cautious not to push the debris further into the speaker.)
Hold the can of compressed air upright about 2-3 inches away and use short bursts into the speaker grille from different angles to remove any trapped particles.
Use the microfiber cloth to carefully wipe down the exterior of the speaker grille to clean away any leftover debris.
Avoid using sharp objects or excessive force, as this can damage the speaker grille or components.
If the muffled sound persists after cleaning, the issue may be more severe, and you might need professional assistance.
Regular cleaning can help prevent debris buildup and maintain optimal speaker performance.
Yes, iPhone speakers can get clogged over time as you use the device. As the speaker grille gets clogged, sound quality can become muffled, distorted, or quieter than usual. This is because the debris blocks or dampens the vibrations from the speaker membrane.
Here is why iPhone speakers typically get dirty or clogged;
Pocket-lint: As you carry your iPhone in your pocket, tiny fibers from clothing can work their way into the speaker grille.
Dust and dirt: Small airborne particles like dust, sand, or dirt can settle into the speaker grille, mainly if you use your phone in dusty environments.
Skin grime: When handling the phone, the natural oils from your skin can transfer to the speaker grille, leading to grime buildup over time.
Moisture: While iPhones are water-resistant to some degree, moisture can potentially cause debris and minerals to solidify inside the speaker.
Here is how to clean an iPhone ear speaker;
Turn off the iPhone before starting the cleaning process.
Gently brush the ear speaker's mesh with a soft-bristled, clean, dry brush.
Gently swipe a dry cotton swab around the edges of the speaker mesh to collect any finer particles. Avoid applying pressure directly onto the mesh.
Do not use water, cleaning solutions, or any liquid directly on the ear speaker, as liquids may seep into the mesh and damage the internal components.
If the debris is hard or sticky, consider using a can of compressed air. Hold the can upright and use short, controlled bursts aimed slightly away from the speaker mesh.
After cleaning the speaker, use a flashlight to check if all visible debris has been removed.
Here is how you can clean iPhone speaker holes;
Power off your iPhone and remove the case.
Use a soft-bristled, clean toothbrush to gently remove visible dust or debris from the speaker holes/grille.
Hold the can of compressed air upright about 2-3 inches away from the speaker holes and give short bursts of air to blow away trapped particles.
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the exterior of the speaker grille, removing any leftover debris.
Here is how you can effectively clean your iPhone earpiece speaker;
Power off the iPhone before beginning the cleaning process.
Use a soft-bristled, clean, dry brush to sweep over the ear speaker's mesh gently.
Carefully wipe around the edges of the speaker mesh with a dry cotton swab to remove any finer debris. Be careful not to press directly on the mesh.
Avoid directly applying water, cleaning solutions, or other liquids to the ear speaker. These can infiltrate the mesh and harm the internal parts.
If you encounter stubborn or sticky debris, consider using a can of compressed air. Keep the can vertical and apply controlled bursts, directing them slightly away from the speaker mesh.
After cleaning, inspect the speaker using a flashlight to ensure all visible debris has been cleared.
Here is how to clean the iPhone speaker top;
Start by powering off your iPhone and removing any cases or accessories to allow unobstructed access to the top speaker grille.
Use a soft-bristled brush or a clean toothbrush to delicately brush away any visible dust or debris accumulated on the speaker grille.
Next, hold a can of compressed air approximately 2-3 inches from the top speaker grill. Aim it at different angles and release short bursts of air to clean any trapped particles within the grille.
Follow up by using a microfiber cloth to wipe down the exterior of the top speaker grille.
If the muffled sound persists after cleaning, consider seeking professional assistance.
Listed below are the steps to clean the iPhone speaker and microphone;
Turn off your iPhone to prevent any accidental damage.
Use a soft, dry brush to gently brush away any loose debris from the speaker and microphone grills.
Use a dry cotton swab for precise cleaning, especially around the edges of the speaker and microphone grills, but avoid pressing hard against the mesh.
Do not use any liquids directly on the speaker or microphone, including water or cleaning sprays.
Use compressed air at an angle to spray away debris. Remember to carefully use compressed air, as spraying it directly into the mesh can damage the speaker/microphone.
In case of sticky residue or stubborn lint, gently press a piece of adhesive tape against the grills and lift it off.
Here is what you need to know about how to clean the iPhone speaker mesh grill;
Power off your iPhone and remove any cases or covers for better access to the speaker grills.
Use a soft-bristled, clean toothbrush to gently brush away any visible dust or debris from the speaker mesh grills.
Hold the can of compressed air upright about a few inches away from the speaker mesh grills and shoot short bursts of air to remove trapped particles.
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the exterior of the speaker mesh grills.
Regularly clean the speaker mesh grills to prevent future buildup and maintain optimal audio quality.
Follow the steps below to clean the bottom speaker on the iPhone;
Ensure your iPhone is powered off.
Use a soft-bristled brush or a clean toothbrush to delicately brush away any visible accumulation of dust or debris from the speaker mesh grills.
Keeping the can of compressed air in an upright position, position it a few inches away from the speaker mesh grills and spray short bursts of air to effectively clean away trapped particles.
Once the speaker mesh grills have been cleared, use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe down the exterior of the grills.
Here is what to do if you manage to get water into iPhone speakers;
Power off your iPhone immediately and remove all accessories.
Use a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel to gently dab and soak up any visible moisture from the speaker grills.
Place your iPhone in a dry, well-ventilated area with good airflow, such as in front of a fan or near a dehumidifier.
Avoid using compressed air or cotton swabs, as this may push water deeper into the speaker enclosure.
Do not use a hairdryer or other heat source, as this can cause further damage.
Allow your iPhone to dry completely for at least 24-48 hours before attempting to turn it on.
Once dry, use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to gently remove any remaining debris from the speaker grills.
If the speakers still sound muffled or distorted after drying, seek professional assistance.
Here is how to clean the iPhone 11 speaker;
Turn off your iPhone 11 and remove the case or any accessories attached.
Use a soft or clean toothbrush to gently remove any visible dirt from the speaker holes.
Hold a can of compressed air a few inches away and give short bursts of air into the speaker holes to blow out any trapped particles.
Wipe down the outside of the speaker area with a microfiber cloth.
Don't use sharp objects or too much force, as this could damage the speaker.
If it still sounds muffled after cleaning, you may need professional repair.
Turn off your iPhone 11 first.
Gently brush the ear speaker area with a soft, clean brush to remove any loose dust.
Use a dry cotton swab to carefully clean the edges of the speaker.
If you can still see visible dirt or debris, carefully use compressed air to remove it (spray at an angle so the debris is not pushed inside the speaker.)
Here is how you can clean the iPhone 12 speaker;
Turn off your iPhone 12.
Use a soft brush to gently remove any loose dust from the speaker.
Swipe around the edges of the speaker with a dry cotton swab.
Don’t use any liquids or sprays directly on the speaker.
Use compressed air to spray away additional particles. Aim at an angle so the particles are not pushed inside the speaker.
Follow the steps below to clean the iPhone 13 speaker;
Power down your iPhone 13 before you start.
Remove any visible dust from the speaker area with a clean, soft brush.
Carefully clean the edges of the speaker with a cotton swab, keeping it dry.
Avoid getting the speaker wet, and use compressed air only if necessary.
For tough debris, lightly stick and remove clear tape over the speaker.
Check the speaker’s cleanliness with a flashlight when done.
Here is how you can clean the iPhone 14 speaker;
Make sure your iPhone 14 is turned off.
Brush off dust from the speaker using a gentle, dry brush.
Wipe the speaker’s edges with a dry swab to remove fine particles.
Use a can of compressed air at an angle to remove stubborn particles.
If dirt persists, gently dab with adhesive tape to remove it.
Follow the steps below to clean the iPhone 15 speaker;
First, turn off your iPhone 15.
Sweep away any dust from the speaker with a gentle brush.
Use a dry cotton swab to go over the edges of the speaker and pick up any leftover dirt.
Keep liquids away and use compressed air aimed at an angle to clear the particles from the speaker.
Use a piece of tape to lift off any remaining stubborn debris.
Look over the speaker with a flashlight to ensure all dirt is gone.
To check if your iPhone speaker is working fine, play any audio for a few minutes or check the sound in the settings option. You can check your iPhone speaker by going to Settings > Sounds or Sounds & Haptics and moving the ringer and alerts slider back and forth a few times. If you hear no sound or the sound is distorted or muffled, it suggests that your iPhone speaker may require servicing.
You should clean your iPhone speaker every month, every second month, or more frequently if the dust is visible.
Cleaning your phone speaker with a pin is not recommended, as it can damage the internal components.
No. You should never wash your electronic devices, including iPhones. Instead, gently clean your iPhone using a damp, lint-free cloth or disinfecting wipes.
Cleaning your iPhone's speaker is not just about having perfect sound quality; it's also about avoiding damaging the internal components due to dust and debris. By following the correct cleaning procedures and using the appropriate tools mentioned above in the article, iPhone users can enjoy uninterrupted and high-quality audio performance. If you are not comfortable cleaning the iPhone speakers yourself, you can always visit a repair store in your area, such as Simply Fixable, and get a professional technician to look at them.
Tech Writer | Photographer
LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim
Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.
State
Discover a stores nearby
Search by a zip code|city|state
Search in 17 partners, 9 state