The iPhone produces top-notch photos and has many features that make users enjoy. But the iPhone doesn’t have speakers and microphones. While other factors can cause your iPhone speakers and mics to malfunction, dirt and jammed wax are common causes of problems. They pile up and clog the meshes over time, reducing the quality of sound emitted or emitted. And worse, this can stop them from working.
If the iPhone’s speakers and microphone don’t work, you may want to try these fixes before spending a large amount of money at the repair shop. And even if they work, you may want to make them a habit to prevent dirt from accumulating over time.
Keep reading to know how you can clean your microphone and iPhone speakers.
What you need to know before cleaning your iPhone’s speakers and microphone
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Before cleaning the iPhone speakers and mics, there are a number of things you need to keep in mind to avoid damaging these parts of the iPhone.
1. Where is the iPhone’s microphone?
You’ll find the main microphone of the iPhone at the bottom left of the device for most sets. It’s a small gap between the rear camera and the flashlight. They are small, round holes on the left side of the iPhone charging port. Later, recent iPhones also have microphones on the back. This helps filter the noise from the sound that goes into the iPhone.
2. Where can you find iPhone speakers?
There are two sets of speakers on the iPhone. You’ll find the main number (for the call) at the top of the screen. It’s a horizontal road hole above the screen, next to the front camera on most iPhones. Other stereo speakers (for music and video) are dot holes at the bottom right of the iPhone, precisely to the right of the Lightning charging port.
3. Best methods for cleaning iPhone speakers and microphones
Unplug your iPhone from the power cable before you start cleaning. You may also want to turn it off in the process.
Avoid using metal objects to scrape mic ports and speaker grids. This can penetrate the meshes and damage microphones and speakers.
Don’t use water to clean any parts of your iPhone. Although some iPhones are waterproof, intentionally adding water to some devices can cause damage.
Even if you’re using non-metallic objects to shave speakers, be careful not to puncture the grid.
Apple recommends avoiding using detergents that contain bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
Don’t dip your iPhone in any cleaning solution.
Now, let’s start cleaning your iPhone speakers and microphones.
How to clean the iPhone speaker
Dirty or clogged speakers can keep you from enjoying music, videos, or calls on your iPhone. I thought it was mine broken but fixed it after cleaning. However, the iPhone speaker has a soft mesh cover (which looks like padded grids). So you need to be careful while cleaning this part. But here are the ways you can do to clean it.
1. Remove debris or lint with earrings
The first thing you want to do is wipe your iPhone speaker with ear swabs. This is very convenient to clean the top speaker above the screen. To get started, look for a dry cotton swab stick:
Point the cotton headphone pads in starting at one side of the speaker.
Press lightly to make sure it doesn’t break the screen.
Next, slowly roll the swab back and forth on the net.
You may notice some dirt on the swabs.
With that said, you can also try the same process on the speaker below. This time, however, you need to be more accurate.
2. Use toothpicks
Although the toothpick may seem sharp to clean the speaker, it works well. I used it when the stereo speaker below my iPhone was blocked. However, be careful not to concede. So be gentle with it.
I recommend using this method to clean the lower speakers because they are thinner than the upper speakers. So an ear pad may not clean much as it can’t penetrate the spots. To do this, gently point to each speaker point. Then, roll it slowly on each gap, scraping it gently. Then, make sure it doesn’t penetrate the net.
3. Use a toothbrush
Toothbrushes can achieve a lot by using it to clean speakers. That’s what I tried next after using cotton swabs and swabs on my speakers. The idea is to wipe out the remaining debris while the toothbrush also removes what it can get out of the speakers. However, make sure you use a soft toothbrush.
Using a toothbrush is simple. Place it on the speaker and scrape gently back and forth.
4. Remove stubborn dust with duct tape
The painter’s tape contains small pieces of glue that stick to dirt and are sensitive to pressure. So this can help remove trapped dirt from the speakers. You may want to try using this method after cleaning using other methods.
To use the artist’s tape method, take a piece of it and paste it into the speaker (this method works for both speakers). Gently press a little apple and then remove the bandage immediately to remove the trapped dirt. You may notice dirt clinging to the surface of the ice when removed. Repeat the process until you feel no more dirt.
5. Use a dust/pneumatic purifier
Although Apple warns against using compressed air while cleaning the iPhone, it still works if you know how to handle it. Compressed air helps remove trapped dust that can enter the inside of the speaker during cleaning. You need to be careful while applying an air dust filter or compressed air on the speaker (especially the top speaker). First, you might want to get a aerosol-like compressed air tank like the Falcon Dust from Amazon.
Next, follow these steps to clean your speakers with compressed air:
Make sure the compressed air can is standing upright.
To clean the speakers above:
Place the pneumatic tank a few centimeters from the speaker, making sure that it is directed at the mesh hole, not the screen.
Apply a few airflows to remove trapped dust.
To blow the dust particles from the speakers below, point the air dust filter towards the openings and apply a few shields. However, make sure to leave some space between the air filter and the meshes.
6. Check the speakers
After cleaning is done, you can now play a song or video to check the speakers. Notice the difference in sound quality before and after cleaning.
How to clean the iPhone microphone
The microphone helps transmit audio from you to the recipient during calls. It also receives audio and filters noise whenever you record voice notes. Like speakers, sound quality is affected if blocked.
Follow these steps to clean your iPhone microphone.
1. Use ear pads or cotton swabs to clean the microphone
Although earbuds have wide pointed ends, you may want to turn it into a precise pointy end so that it can penetrate mic points. But don’t worry if you can’t do it. The wide tips still work but only require a little rolling.
To clean the mic with a cotton pad:
Point it at each opening of the microphone and create light pressure. Then roll the headphone pads upwards. Check the tip of the swab to see if there is dirt. Repeat the procedure with new ear pads until there are no more stains on the cotton pads.
2. Use microfiber fabric
The microfiber is a soft piece of fabric that doesn’t scratch your iPhone. To clean your iPhone microphone with a microfiber fabric: fold the fleece cloth to create a small edge. Next, roll back and forth each point on the mic several times to remove the dirt.
3. Clean microphones with isopropyl alcohol, toothbrushes and ear pads
Isopropyl alcohol is a volatile liquid with wax-soluble properties. So it dries quickly and doesn’t soak your iPhone microphone as it’s a volatile liquid. You can get this liquid from any of the nearest chemical stores.
To clean your iPhone with isopropyl alcohol:
Pour some liquid into a small container.
Gently dip the soft, clean toothbrush or painter’s brush into the solution.
Make sure that the end parts of the brush touch the net.
Gently rub the brush on the rear and bottom openings of the microphone.
Repeat the process several times if you can. Once completed, use a dry earring swab to clean the mic grid. This helps to remove leftover wax or dirt.
4. Use Dust /Pneumatic Purifier
Similar to in the case of speakers, you can also use an air dust filter to blow away debris from your iPhone microphone. If you haven’t read the previous step to clean the speaker using this method, here’s how to do it:
Direct the hole of the air dust filter into the holes of the microphone and use a few compressed air shots to blow away the dust clinging to the microphone.
5. Check the iPhone’s mic
Now, check the microphone by recording voice notes using the Voice Memo app. Then, note if there are any improvements in recording quality. You can also call a friend to ask if they can hear you better.
Use powder cleaners
Electronic powder cleaners are soft silicone-like materials that stick to the nooks and crannies of the device to absorb trapped and hidden dirt. Putty cleansers help remove dirt from untouchable corners in your iPhone speakers and mics. You can buy flour detergent from any electronics store near you.
Next, clamp a small part of the dough and press it into the speakers and mic. Then, remove it to get dirt in the corners of these parts.
Get cleaning of iPhone speakers and microphones from Apple
There are many repair services authorized by Apple all over the world. However, determining their location depends on your location or area. You can trust these agents because they are already certified by Apple. But while some repairmen can help clean your iPhone for free, others may charge you. You may want to take your iPhone to Apple’s repair center closest to you if the dirt accumulates to the point where it’s out of your control. Here’s how you can contact Apple Support.
Finish
Speakers and microphones are essential parts of the iPhone. And they can be depressing if they don’t work. The methods I recommended in the post are proven ways that you can clean them to increase performance or make them work again.
With that said, keep in mind that your iPhone needs to be cleaned periodically to avoid accumulating dirt. So you may also want to see how you can clean and disinfect your iPhone. Alternatively, you can invest in this PurePort Multi-Tool iPhone Cleaner from Amazon if you don’t mind the cost. This one has all the tools to clean every part of your iPhone, including speakers and microphones.
Any comments or questions? Let me know in the comments frame below.