How to eject water from an iPhone speaker

iPhones are water resistant (IP67 or IP68 depending on the model), so a splash rarely does damage. But water sitting in the speaker grille still makes everything sound muffled for a while. There is no water eject button on an iPhone, so here is how to do it in your browser.

Before you start: turn off Silent mode

iOS can mute sounds played by web pages when the iPhone is silenced. If you press Start and hear nothing, Silent mode is the usual reason.

• iPhone with a ring switch: push the switch on the side toward the screen, so the orange mark is hidden.
• iPhone with an Action button: press and hold it until Silent mode turns off, or use Control Centre.

Then turn the volume up with the side buttons while the sound plays.

Eject the water

1. Take the case off.
2. Open this page in Safari or Chrome and choose Water.
3. Press Start and hold the iPhone with the bottom speaker facing down.
4. Wipe the grille with a soft, lint-free cloth after the cycle. Repeat two or three times.

The earpiece at the top is also a speaker on most iPhones. If calls sound muffled, hold the phone upside down, top facing the floor, for a second run.

The “Liquid Detected” alert

If you plug in a cable while the port is wet, the iPhone may show an alert saying liquid was detected in the Lightning or USB-C connector. Apple’s advice:

• unplug the cable;
• tap the iPhone gently against your hand with the connector facing down;
• leave it in a dry place with some airflow and wait at least 30 minutes before charging;
• do not use a heat source or compressed air, do not push anything into the port, and do not put it in rice.

Only use the “Emergency override” to charge if you really have to.

What iPhone water resistance does not cover

Water resistance is tested with fresh water in a lab, and it can decrease as the phone ages or after a drop. Apple’s warranty does not cover liquid damage. After sea water, a pool or a drink, rinse the outside briefly with a little tap water, dry it and run Deep clean.

Go to an Apple Store or a repair shop if the speaker stays silent, crackles at every volume, or if the screen or battery behave strangely after the dunk.