Several YouTube videos claim to clear water from iPhone speakers using low-frequency sounds. Curious about their effectiveness, The Verge's David Pierce teamed up with iFixit to test the theory. Here's what they found.
Warning: This is mainly for testing purposes. We do not recommend that you submerge your smartphone in water to test the accuracy of this test. Any damage to your smartphone that occurs as a result of attempting this test is entirely your responsibility. Gizchina.com cannot be held responsible for anything that happens to your phone as a result of attempting this at home.
However, if you accidentally drop your iPhone in liquid, this tip may come in handy.
Testing the Audio Method
To see if these videos really work, iFixit submerged an iPhone 13 in water mixed with UV dye. They then played one of the popular YouTube videos designed to vibrate water out of the phone's speakers and let the device dry overnight.
When the video played, water visibly gushed out of the iPhone's speaker area. The vibrations from the sound quickly pushed the water out, showing that this method works to some extent. They also tested other smartphones from brands like Google and Nokia, and the results were similar. The initial sonic boom effectively pushed the water out of the speaker grilles.
However, when iFixit opened up the iPhone, the UV dye stained other parts of the device, indicating that water was trapped inside. The video’s sound waves only cleared water from the speakers, not other internal components. This makes it clear that while this method may help clear water from certain areas, it’s not a complete solution for a phone that’s been completely soaked in water.
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How Effective Is It?
These videos primarily deal with water in the speaker area. The oscillating sound waves push water out of the grille, but they don’t dry out the entire phone. If water seeps into other parts, such as the internal circuitry, this method won’t fix the problem. Therefore, it’s not a reliable solution for heavy water exposure.
Apple devices, like the Apple Watch, have a built-in sound feature specifically designed to expel water. This works more effectively because the watch is a smaller device with fewer crevices than an iPhone. Apple's sound feature uses a similar concept but has more precision and control.
Water Resistance on Modern iPhones
Modern iPhones, like the iPhone 15, come with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The “8” in IP68 means that the phone can withstand splashes, rain, and even accidental immersion in water up to six feet deep for up to 30 minutes. However, water resistance decreases over time due to wear and tear, making older devices more susceptible to water damage.
Apple doesn’t cover water damage under its warranty, so it’s always best to avoid exposing your iPhone to water whenever possible. These YouTube audio tricks can help in a pinch, but they shouldn’t be relied upon as a long-term solution.
Solution
Using sound to remove water from an iPhone's speakers works, but it's not a foolproof solution. Sound vibrations can help clear water from the speaker grille, but they won't remove water trapped deeper inside the phone. The best approach is to keep your phone dry and seek professional help if it gets wet.
While this tip can be very helpful in drying out your smartphone speakers, it shouldn’t be the main concern. When water gets into your smartphone, many things can happen that can later damage your smartphone. Therefore, we recommend that you contact a technician immediately if water or any liquid gets into your smartphone.
For a closer look at the testing process and results, you can check out The Verge's detailed analysis.