How do I clean my Android speakers?

Over time, dirt and debris can gradually accumulate in phone speakers, especially in the small holes of the speaker grill. Dust, pocket lint, dead skin cells, and other particles can get lodged in the speakers, which can lead to muffled or distorted sound quality. If you’ve noticed your Android phone’s audio sounds muted or crackly, the speakers are likely blocked with built-up gunk.

Cleaning your Android phone’s speakers is a quick and easy process that can restore audio performance. Using the proper cleaning methods and tools, you can safely remove debris without damaging the phone. This guide will walk through effective techniques to clear out your Android speakers and bring back crisp, clean sound.

Turn Off Phone

The first step in cleaning your Android phone’s speakers is to power off the device. Turning off the phone prevents any moisture from entering while you are cleaning and damaging the internal components.

To properly turn off your Android phone, hold down the power button for a few seconds until you see the “Power off” prompt appear on the screen. Tap on “Power off” and wait for the phone to fully shut down.

Once the phone is powered off, you can proceed to the next steps for cleaning the speakers safely. Powering down the device is an essential precautionary step anytime you are cleaning ports or openings in a smartphone.

Remove Case

Start by removing any protective cases that are surrounding your phone. This will give you complete access to thoroughly clean the speakers.¹ Cases can trap in dirt, dust and debris over time, so taking them off allows you to clean the entire phone surface.

Make sure to have a clean, dry surface ready to place your bare phone on while cleaning. Be extremely careful not to drop your phone once the case is off, as it will be more prone to scratches and cracks without the case protection.

Some cases like silicone or plastic can be washed if needed. Use a small amount of dish soap and warm water to clean the case, then let it air dry before placing it back on the phone.²

Use Compressed Air

One of the easiest ways to clean out your Android phone’s speakers is by using compressed air. You can purchase cans of compressed air from electronics stores or office supply stores. The compressed air allows you to blow out any loose dust, dirt, lint, or other debris that may have accumulated in the speaker grille.

Make sure to follow a few tips when using compressed air:

Hold the can upright when spraying. Tilting it can cause liquid to spray out.
Keep the straw or nozzle about 1⁄2 inch away from the speaker opening. Don’t insert anything into the speaker.

Use short 1-2 second blasts aimed directly at the speaker opening.
Clean out both the earpiece and bottom speakers.

The powerful short blasts of air will safely dislodge and blow out any particles stuck in the speaker without damaging the phone. Compressed air allows you to thoroughly clean the speakers without using any liquids.

Use a Soft Brush

A soft-bristled brush is an effective tool for reaching into the small speaker holes and gently clearing away debris and dirt. Choose a brush with soft, non-abrasive bristles, like a clean small paintbrush or a soft toothbrush.[1] Gently brush around the speakers, being careful not to press too hard or jab the bristles into any openings. Work the brush around to loosen particles of dirt and dust.

The soft bristles are perfect for dislodging debris without damaging the delicate speaker mesh or components behind it. Focus your brushing on areas that look visibly dirty or clogged with dust. Avoid using old toothbrushes which could have hardened old toothpaste on them.

Make sure to clean the brush regularly as you work, so you don’t end up pushing the dirt deeper into the speakers. Also, ensure the brush itself is free of liquids or cleaning solutions which could damage the interior components.[2]

[1] https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Phone-Speaker
[2] https://mashable.com/article/how-to-clean-iphone-speakers

Use a Toothpick

One of the most effective ways to clean out your Android phone’s speakers is by using a toothpick. Make sure to use a plastic or wooden toothpick, not a metal one, to avoid damaging the delicate speaker mesh.

Gently insert the toothpick into the speaker holes and use a twisting motion to try to dislodge any debris that may be stuck inside. Don’t use too much force or push the toothpick in too far, as you could damage the speaker. The goal is to just loosen and remove any dust, dirt, or grime that may have accumulated.

Work the toothpick around all the holes of the speaker grille to ensure you clean out each one thoroughly. Be patient and take your time with this process. Check your progress occasionally by playing some audio and listening closely to any improvement in sound quality.

According to Mashable, using a toothpick is an effective way to scrape and dislodge debris that may be stuck in your phone’s speakers without damaging them.

Use Adhesive Putty

One of the safest and most effective ways to clean Android phone speakers is by using a small amount of adhesive putty or poster tack. Products such as Blu-Tack or Fun-Tak are designed to be sticky enough to lift away dirt and debris from tech devices without leaving a residue behind.

To use this method, start by rolling a pea-sized amount of putty between your fingers to warm and soften it. Gently press the putty over and around the speaker opening, using a small circular motion. The putty will pick up any dust, dirt or lint stuck in the speaker grill. Make sure not to push any debris further into the speaker while cleaning. Slowly peel the putty away and check if the sticky surface has picked up any particles. Fold the putty over and press it back on the speaker to clean any remaining areas. Once finished, set aside the used putty.

Adhesive putty provides a chemical-free way to safely clean out Android speakers without moisture damage. Just remember to be gentle and work the putty carefully around the speaker opening to lift away any built-up grime. Checking online reviews can help choose reputable putty brands designed specifically for electronics cleaning and maintenance.

Do Not Use Liquids

Exposing speakers to any kind of liquid can damage the internal components (according to wikiHow). Liquid can cause corrosion and affect the functioning of microphones, speakers or sensitive electronics. Water and other liquids can short circuit or oxidize the components. Even just a few droplets can have lasting negative effects.

Liquid damage can produce distorted and muffled sounds. According to Blackview, speakers are designed to handle solid particles like dust — not the moisture, minerals and chemicals in tap water. A wet speaker might continue to work temporarily before completely failing. Or it could stop functioning immediately. The only to way to prevent water damage is to keep moisture away from openings.

Do not submerge any part of the phone in water or expose it to liquids. Avoid wet weather and take care not to spill any beverages on the device. Moisture should especially be kept away from the speakers, microphones, charging port or any other exposed component. Take precautions in humid environments as well. Even water vapor or high humidity can potentially ingress and condense inside the device, leading to the same kind of damage.

Reassemble Phone

After thoroughly cleaning the speaker and microphone holes, it’s time to reassemble your Android phone. This final step is simple but important.

First, replace the phone’s case if you removed it earlier. Snap the case back on securely. With the case back on, you can be sure no dust or debris will get back into the newly cleaned ports.

Next, turn your phone back on by pressing and holding the power button. Wait for it to boot up completely. You may need to enter your passcode if you have one enabled.

With the case replaced and power back on, your phone is ready to use. The speakers and microphone should now work normally without any muffling or distortion from dirt buildup. Give your music or videos a test listen – the sound quality should be improved after the cleaning.

Reassembling your phone properly is the final step to ensure you get the full benefits of cleaning the ports. With the case and power restored, you can confidently use your Android phone knowing the speakers and microphone are functioning optimally.

When to Get Professional Help

If the sound coming from your Android phone’s speakers is still muffled or distorted after trying the cleaning methods outlined in this guide, it may be time to seek professional help. Speaker damage that cannot be fixed through standard cleaning techniques usually requires service from a phone repair specialist.

Signs that your phone speakers need professional attention include:

Muffled, distorted, or significantly reduced sound volume that does not improve after cleaning.
Visible damage to the speaker grill, such as dents, cracks, or scratches.
Noticeable rattling from inside the phone when playing sound.

Speakers that stop working entirely.

Most independent phone repair shops and mobile service providers can diagnose speaker issues and make any necessary repairs. For extensive speaker damage, complete replacement may be required. Seek help sooner rather than later, as prolonged use of damaged speakers can cause further deterioration over time.

While regular at-home cleaning can keep your Android speakers working properly in between professional service, some speaker damage simply cannot be fixed with DIY methods. Don’t hesitate to consult a phone repair specialist if sound quality does not improve after a thorough cleaning.