Get Water Out of Your Phone Speaker
Turn the volume all the way up, point the speaker down and play the sound: the low vibration pushes the droplets out of the grille. No app to install, it works right in your browser.
- 165 Hz tone
- iPhone and Android
- No app needed
- Free
100% private — Everything is processed directly in your browser: your files, voice, and image are never sent to Chatzam's servers.
How to get water out of your phone speaker
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Get your phone ready
Take off the case, turn the volume all the way up and point the speaker down so the water can drain out.
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Play the sound
Choose 30 or 60 seconds. You should see or feel small droplets coming out of the grille.
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Repeat if needed
If the sound is still muffled, run it 2 or 3 more times, then wipe the grille with a soft cloth.
A sound designed to push water out
Low 165 Hz tone
The same idea as the Apple Watch Water Lock feature: a low frequency that makes the speaker cone move.
Pulses and sweep
Optional pulses or a low-frequency sweep to shift stubborn droplets.
30 or 60 seconds
Two lengths to choose from, to repeat 2 or 3 times if the sound isn't clear again.
Any device
iPhone, Android, tablet or laptop: just open the page in your browser.
Why a low sound pushes water out of the speaker
When your phone gets caught in the rain or dropped in a puddle, droplets get trapped in the speaker grille: the sound becomes muffled, crackly or seems far away. A speaker makes sound by moving a thin membrane back and forth. The lower the frequency, the bigger that movement: a 165 Hz tone played loud acts like a tiny pump that pushes the water out. It's the same idea as the Apple Watch ejecting water after a swim. To help gravity, point the speaker down while the sound plays and take off the case, which can hold water against the grille.
Dropped your phone in water? What to do
The sound only clears droplets stuck in the grille: it won't fix a water-damaged device. If your phone fell in water, turn it off, dry it with a soft cloth and let it air-dry in a dry, well-ventilated place. Skip the bag of rice, which Apple advises against: it doesn't dry the phone faster and can leave dust in the openings. Don't charge a phone that's still wet or plug anything into a damp port. Don't use a hair dryer or cotton swabs in the openings either. If the phone won't turn back on or acts up after drying, have it checked by a repair shop.
What the sound can do, and what it can't
The sound only works on the speaker that plays it. On most phones, that's the bottom speaker; the top earpiece used for calls is often quieter and benefits less from the vibration. The sound doesn't clear the microphone, which picks up sound without vibrating: just let it dry. For dust or lint, the vibration may help a little, but a soft, dry brush gently run over the grille works better. Finally, if the sound is still muffled after several runs and a day of drying, the problem may not be water: cleaning or a repair may be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What frequency gets water out of a speaker?
A low tone around 165 Hz is used, the same idea as the Apple Watch Water Lock feature. Play it at full volume for 30 to 60 seconds, with the speaker pointing down.
How many times should I play the water eject sound?
Once for 30 or 60 seconds, then 2 or 3 more times if your phone still sounds muffled. Wipe the grille between runs.
Does it work on iPhone and Android?
Yes, the sound plays in the browser of any phone, tablet or laptop, with no app to install.
Should I put my phone in rice?
No, Apple advises against it: rice doesn't dry the phone faster and can leave residue in the openings. Turn the phone off, wipe it and let it air-dry, without charging it.
Can the sound damage my speaker?
A low tone played for a few dozen seconds is no more demanding than loud music. If you hear an unpleasant rattle, turn the volume down a bit and stop.