How to Clean Your iPhone Speakers Like a Pro (Even If You’re Not Tech-Savvy)
Got an iPhone? If you do, you’ve probably dealt with the annoying problem of dirty speakers. Over time, dust, lint, and other particles tend to accumulate, resulting in muffled audio or, in some cases, speaker malfunctions. For more iPhone guides on A3Techworld, read our guide on Easy ways to maintain your iPhone Battery Health to Last Longer.
If your iPhone’s audio quality has taken a hit, it might be time to learn how to clean those speakers properly. For a more detailed article on iPhone audio quality, read our comprehensive guide on Simple ways to make your iPhone speakers louder.
We often focus on cleaning the phone screens or wiping down the clear phone case, but when was the last time you checked the speakers? Regular use can lead to the buildup of dust, dirt, and debris in these small ports, leading to reduced audio output and unclear phone calls.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of cleaning your iPhone speakers like a pro, even if you’re not a tech-savvy person. From using a toothbrush to a toothpick, we’ve got you covered with various methods. Plus, we’ll share some handy tips to prevent your speakers from getting dirty in the first place.
You have a couple of options for cleaning your iPhone speakers, depending on what you have available at home. We’ll guide you through each of these methods. So, whether your speakers just need a bit of cleaning or are entirely clogged, keep reading to discover how to clean them effectively and restore your iPhone’s audio to its full potential!
Table of Contents
Method 1: Use A soft-bristled brush
According to Apple’s own recommendations for cleaning the speakers, it’s essential to start by removing any cases and screen protectors from your iPhone. To avoid causing any damage, make sure you have a soft-bristled brush that is clean and dry. Brushes used for painting or makeup are particularly useful for this purpose.
Begin cleaning the speakers by focusing on the receiving speaker. Gently brush from side to side, angling the brush in a way that pushes the dust out instead of pushing it further inside. Repeat this motion several times, and between each stroke, tap the brush to remove any excess dust.
For the lower speaker holes located near the charging port, you can also use the soft-bristled brush to eliminate excess dust. Carefully insert the bristles into the holes, and with a soft rotating motion, remove them to draw out any accumulated dust and debris.
Method 2: Use Cotton Swabs
While dusting off your iPhone remains a top-notch method for keeping it clean, this approach might not entirely clear out the speaker grilles. After all, softly brushing the toothbrush won’t eradicate tenacious debris or lint accumulation nestled inside your iPhone’s speakers.
Therefore, the subsequent step involves employing cotton swabs to delve deeper into the speakers without fretting about damaging them. For optimal outcomes, remove your iPhone’s case, facilitating a thorough cleansing of the speaker grille. (How to tell if an iPhone is charging while it is off)
Position a cotton swab directly over the speaker holes and gently apply pressure to ensure it collects all the accumulated debris. Gradually roll the cotton back and forth across the mesh. This technique also proves invaluable for resolving speaker issues when your iPhone’s sound isn’t functioning correctly.
Method 3: Use an Air Blower
Another effective method to clean your iPhone’s speakers involves utilizing a gentle tip air blower, which exerts less pressure compared to compressed air from a can. Once you’ve employed the soft bristle brush to eliminate any dirt, you may opt for an air blower to assist in clearing the area if using a toothpick makes you uneasy or if you lack access to painter’s tape.
To ensure the speakers are free of debris, administer short bursts of air while maintaining a close distance to the speaker openings during the air blower’s usage. This approach helps maintain the speakers’ integrity while effectively removing unwanted particles. For more related articles, read our comprehensive guide on How to fix messenger notifications but no message.
Method 4: Use a Toothpick
To tackle this task, toothpicks can come in handy, but it’s crucial to exercise caution as they may harm the internal components if mishandled. Thus, attempting this method should be at your own risk. If you notice visible blockage, reserve toothpick usage for the lower speakers near the charging port.
If needed, remove your phone case and have your flashlight on standby to ensure better visibility during the process.
Take a wooden or plastic toothpick with a pointed end and gently insert it into the speaker holes. Avoid applying pressure while doing so, and as soon as you encounter resistance, refrain from pushing any further.
Next, carefully tilt the toothpick sideways and upwards as you extract it, causing the debris to flick out. Be cautious not to tilt it downwards to prevent any potential damage. For more related articles, read our comprehensive guide on “Will My Alarm Go Off In Do Not Disturb Mode?“
Method 5: Clean iPhone Speakers With Painter’s Tape
When giving your wall a fresh coat of paint, you likely use that trusty low-stick, blue painter’s tape to safeguard edges and avoid unwanted smudges. Interestingly, this very tape can also come to the rescue when it comes to cleaning your iPhone’s speakers. Its mildly adhesive nature enables it to pick up dirt effectively without leaving any annoying residue behind. Here’s the simplest approach: grab a small piece of painter’s tape and tear it off.
Now, let’s turn that strip into a nifty little loop by flipping it and exposing the sticky side outward (you can easily wrap it around your finger for convenience). Once you’ve got your tape loop ready, it’s time to tackle the task at hand. Gently roll the sticky side of the tape back and forth over your iPhone’s speaker, bidding farewell to dirt and grime in the process.
