Why is my phone speaker crackling after water?

Many smartphone users have experienced the unfortunate situation of getting their phone wet and suddenly hearing crackling or distorted sounds coming from the speaker. This annoying effect is caused by water exposure damaging the phone’s internal speaker components. While modern phones have some level of water resistance, they are not completely impervious to liquid damage. Speakers are especially vulnerable because water can easily enter the perforated speaker cover and cause issues. If your phone speaker starts crackling after getting splashed or submerged in water, it likely means water has infiltrated and affected the speaker. This damage may only get worse over time if left unchecked. But there are some troubleshooting steps and repair options to hopefully restore your phone speaker to normal functioning again.

Causes of Water Damage

Water can get into a phone’s speaker through various means. The most common causes of water exposure are accidentally dropping the phone into a body of water, like a pool, toilet or sink. Water damage can also occur from rain if the phone gets wet outdoors (1).

Even a small amount of water can be problematic for phone speakers. Speakers have openings in the case to allow sound out, providing an entry point for water. Moreover, speakers contain delicate components that are not water resistant (2).

High humidity or condensation inside the phone can also lead to water accumulation in the speaker. For example, taking a phone from cold air outside into a warm building may cause condensation. Finally, defects in the phone, like a cracked screen, make it easier for water to penetrate the interior (3).

Damage to Speaker Components

A phone speaker contains delicate components that are vulnerable to water damage. The main parts inside a speaker include the diaphragm, voice coil, magnet, and wiring. The diaphragm is a thin membrane that vibrates to create sound waves when electrical signals are applied. Underneath it sits the voice coil, which is a coiled wire attached to the diaphragm and suspended in a magnetic field. Electric current flowing through the voice coil interacts with the magnet to vibrate the coil and diaphragm, producing sound.

Speakers also have small openings intended to let sound out but keep water and debris from entering. However, the membranes and seals can fail over time, especially with damage. Water seeping into the speaker can cause corrosion of the voice coil and short circuit the wiring. It can also weigh down the diaphragm, preventing proper vibration and leading to distorted, muted, or crackling sounds. The corrosion can eventually lead to complete failure of speaker components.

According to some sources, the most common issue from water exposure seems to be the voice coil getting corroded or damaged (Gadgetmates). The wiring and delicate membranes inside the speaker are also prone to corrosion damage from water. Overall, the intricate components that help produce sound are highly vulnerable to malfunctions and deterioration if exposed to moisture.

Corrosion Effects

Water exposure can cause corrosion of the delicate electronics inside a phone speaker. According to https://www.blackview.hk/blog/guides/can-water-damage-phone-speaker, when water enters the speaker, it can cause oxidation or rusting of the metal components. This is because water provides an electrolytic environment that enables metal ions to detach and react with oxygen.

The copper coils used in speakers are particularly vulnerable to corrosion. As they oxidize, the coils develop gaps or breakages in their windings. This disrupts the electrical signals and prevents the speaker from producing sound properly. Corrosion also affects solder joints, causing connections to fail.

Additionally, minerals and contaminants in the water can be deposited on circuit boards, leading to short circuits, current leaks, and other problems. Rust particles can also interfere with moving speaker components, affecting sound quality.

According to https://www.kentfaith.com/blog/article_how-to-get-iphone-speakers-to-work-after-water_2578, corrosion damage is often irreversible. If severe, the entire speaker assembly may need replacement.

Short Circuits

One of the main ways water damages a phone speaker is by causing short circuits. When water gets inside the phone, it can create conductive paths between components and wires that are not meant to be connected. This allows electricity to flow in unintended ways, which can lead to a short circuit.

For example, if water bridges the gap between two conductors that normally operate at different voltages, it creates a shortcut for electricity to flow directly between them. This can draw excessive current, overheat components, and cause damage ¹. Any water impurities like minerals further increase conductivity, exacerbating the issue.

Short circuits commonly occur when water damages the speaker wires, connections to the logic board, or power supply components. This disrupts proper functioning of the speaker and audio output. The crackling noises heard through the speaker are likely the audible manifestation of electrical shorting behavior.

Physical Damage

Water can physically damage a phone’s internal speaker in a few ways. First, the pressure from a direct spray of water can actually bend or break the thin speaker membrane that produces sound vibrations. Speakers contain a very lightweight and delicate membrane, usually made of paper, plastic or metal, that moves rapidly back and forth to create sound. If hit with a strong spray of water, the pressure could push this membrane beyond its capacity, causing it to crack or tear.

Additionally, if water seeps into the speaker and then freezes due to cold temperatures, it can expand and exert force on the internal components. The freezing water can stretch or tear the speaker membrane. The sudden expansion from freezing can also damage the speaker magnet or delicate wiring connected to the speaker.

Finally, if the water causes corrosion and rust to form, this can physically displace or crack the speaker components over time. As the rust accumulates, it takes up more space which can eventually rupture or fragment the speaker membrane or surrounding housing.

Troubleshooting Water-Damaged Phone Speakers

If you suspect your phone’s speakers are damaged due to water exposure, there are some steps you can take to diagnose the issue:

First, inspect the phone speaker and headphone jack for any visible moisture or corrosion. Look for oxidation or mineral deposits which indicate water intrusion.

Next, try using different headphones or an external speaker to isolate the problem. If sound works through headphones but not the built-in speaker, it points to speaker damage.

Play audio through the damaged speaker and listen for crackling, popping or distorted sounds which can confirm water has reached the speaker components.

If the speaker is totally dead with no sound, it likely has a short circuit from liquid damage. Turn the phone off and let it dry thoroughly over 1-3 days.

Finally, perform a speakerphone call with someone and have them confirm if they hear distortion from your end. This can identify issues with the phone’s microphone as well.

If troubeshooting proves the speaker or microphone are non-functional from water exposure, they will likely need professional repair or replacement.

Repair Options

If your phone’s speaker is still crackling after drying out, you may need to get it repaired. You have a couple options for phone speaker repairs:

Professional Repair Shops: Bringing your phone to a professional repair shop is the best way to ensure quality repairs. Phone repair technicians have the skills, tools and parts to fully diagnose the issue and properly fix water-damaged speakers. They can completely disassemble the phone, clean out any corrosion, replace damaged parts like the speaker module, and reseal the phone properly. This is the safest option to get your phone working good as new, but costs more. Repairs can run $50-$250+ depending on your phone model and damage extent.

DIY Repairs: It’s possible to do DIY speaker repairs if you have technical skill and the proper tools. You’ll need to open up the phone, inspect and clean the speaker connections, replace any corroded parts, and properly reseal the phone. This risks further damaging components if not done carefully. Parts like replacement speakers can be bought online for less than at shops. But DIY repairs take time and have no guarantees. If DIY seems too difficult, it’s better left to professionals.

Prevention Tips

To avoid water damage to your phone, follow these prevention tips:

Keep your phone away from water as much as possible. Don’t use your phone in the bathroom, near sinks, pools, etc. If you need to use your phone in risky areas, put it in a waterproof case or bag first.

According to Progressive, you should limit phone use while swimming and avoid using your phone around spills. Keep liquids away from your phone.

When outdoors in the rain or snow, keep your phone covered in a jacket pocket or bag. Avoid direct exposure to precipitation.

Use a water-resistant phone case when you’ll be around water. Look for an IP67 or IP68 rated case for good water protection, according to Tricked Out Online.

Never try to charge your phone if it gets wet. The combination of electricity and water is dangerous. Let it dry out completely first.

Inspect phone ports, seals, and openings regularly for gaps or damage that could let in moisture. Replace cracked screens right away.

When to Replace

There comes a point when repairing a water damaged phone may no longer be cost effective, and it’s time to replace it with a new phone. According to experts, once corrosion has started to spread across multiple components in a phone, the repairs often exceed the value of the device https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/water-damaged-your-phone-heres-what-to-do-now/. Trying to salvage a phone that has extensive corrosion damage across the logic board and connectors can be extremely challenging and result in more problems down the road.

Signs that it’s time to replace your water damaged phone include:
– Multiple components malfunctioning, like the charger port, speaker, microphone, cameras, buttons, etc.
– Corrosion visible across the logic board or other components

– Phone frequently overheating or freezing up
– Short battery life and quick battery draining
– Screen glitching and display issues

– Device no longer powering on

If you see these types of ongoing issues even after attempting repairs, it’s generally best to retire the water damaged phone and upgrade to a new device. You’ll avoid frustrations from unstable performance, avoid potential safety hazards from electrical shorts, and benefit from improved features in a newer model phone.